The race for the 2025 UK Christmas number one is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with pop icon Kylie Minogue threatening to end Wham!'s two-year reign at the top.
A Festive Chart Showdown
For those assuming Wham!'s timeless 1984 hit 'Last Christmas' is a shoo-in for a third consecutive Christmas chart-topper, the latest data suggests a major upset could be on the cards. The classic, by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, has dominated the festive period in 2023 and 2024, but now faces its stiffest competition from Kylie Minogue's brand new single, 'XMAS', alongside challenges from Together for Palestine and Mariah Carey.
Kylie's track entered the Top 20 at number 16 last week and, according to the crucial midweek chart update, is currently sitting at the summit. The final result, confirming whether she can hold off the challenge, will be revealed on BBC Radio One from 3pm on Friday afternoon.
Inside The Official Charts Company's 'Madhouse'
To understand the dynamics of this year's festive battle, Metro spoke exclusively to Martin Talbot, the CEO of the Official Charts Company (OCC). Talbot, who has led the OCC since 2013, oversees the UK's definitive music chart during its busiest and most-watched week of the year.
'It is a bit of a madhouse,' Talbot admitted, describing the atmosphere at the OCC. 'Not least because there’s been a really competitive race this week, which has been great to see. We all gear up for this week because it’s always the most exciting race, and the one that means the most to the most people.'
He sees Kylie's strong performance as a vital sign of health for the Christmas chart. 'The success of artists like Kylie this year gives hope and confidence to other artists with brand new Christmas songs that they can produce big number ones even when there are these big juggernauts to contend with,' he said.
Breathing New Life Into The Christmas Race
Talbot dismissed suggestions that the Christmas number one has lost its cultural significance in the streaming era. He pointed to a long history of evolution, from the Spice Girls' 1990s dominance to The X Factor's reign and LadBaby's five-year sausage roll-themed streak.
'Kylie is really giving them a run for their money, which is fantastic, breathing new life into this period for the charts,' he stated. 'It’s positive to see artists trying to create the Christmas classics of tomorrow.'
While remaining officially neutral, Talbot hinted that a fresh winner would be a welcome change. 'Wham have been number one on Christmas Day for a couple of years now, so it would be great to have a new record [that isn’t a cover] topping the Christmas chart for the first time in a while.'
The last completely original song to claim the festive top spot was Ed Sheeran's 'Perfect' in 2017. For an original, Christmas-themed song, you must look back 35 years to Cliff Richard's 'Saviour's Day' in 1990.
Talbot is encouraged by the trend of major artists like Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, and Elton John releasing new festive material, seeing it as a recognition of the chart's enduring importance. 'Kylie’s new one will be played at parties for years to come,' he predicted, 'particularly if it claims the crown this year.'
Reflecting on past drama, Talbot cited the 2009 battle between Rage Against the Machine and X Factor's Joe McElderry as the most enormous race he's witnessed, where social media momentum created an unforgettable upset. Whether the 2025 tussle between a pop princess and an 80s classic will achieve similar legendary status will be decided this Friday.
