The race for the 2025 Christmas number one is unlike any seen in over a decade – a genuine battle, not a foregone conclusion. For two years, Wham!’s “Last Christmas” has reigned supreme, a nostalgic favorite dominating the festive charts. But this year, the crown is far from secure.
Kylie Minogue’s brand new single, “XMAS,” has surged into contention, currently leading the midweek charts. The question isn’t *if* a classic will top the charts, but *which* one. Martin Talbot, CEO of the Official Charts Company, describes the energy as electric, a stark contrast to recent years.
Talbot has witnessed the evolution of the Christmas charts for over a decade, observing the rise and fall of X Factor’s influence, the five-year reign of LadBaby, and now, a serious challenge to Wham!’s dominance. He believes Kylie’s success signals a renewed confidence among artists to create fresh Christmas hits, even against established giants.
Some worry the Christmas charts have lost their cultural significance in the age of streaming, becoming predictable rather than exciting. Talbot firmly disagrees. He points to a cyclical nature, recalling past debates over the charts’ health – from complaints about “cheesy” hits in the 80s to “naff” songs in the 70s. The charts always evolve, and Kylie embodies that spirit.
The competition between Kylie and Wham has transformed the Official Charts Company into a “madhouse” during the busiest time of year. While the nation prepares for the holidays, the OCC team is working tirelessly, fueled by the excitement of a truly unpredictable race. A surprise victory would be a welcome shake-up, a testament to the enduring power of new music.
Talbot admits a personal hope for a new, original song to claim the top spot. The last completely original Christmas number one was Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” in 2017. Before that, one had to go back to 1990 for a truly original Christmas-themed hit. He notes the increasing willingness of major artists – Ariana Grande, Elton John, and others – to actively pursue the coveted title.
The current chart also features potential contenders like Kelly Clarkson and even a non-Christmas song, Sam Fender’s “Rein Me In,” demonstrating a diverse range of festive favorites. Talbot predicts Kylie’s song will become a staple at parties for years to come, especially if she secures the number one position.
However, Talbot recalls a Christmas number one race from 16 years ago that remains etched in his memory: Rage Against the Machine’s unexpected triumph over X Factor winner Joe McElderry. It was a seismic event, fueled by a surge of social media support and a collective belief in the underdog. Both songs sold over 500,000 copies in a single week.
Whether the current battle between Kylie and Wham will reach the same legendary status remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: this year’s race is a thrilling reminder that the Christmas number one is still a cultural moment, a competition that captures the nation’s attention and celebrates the power of music.
