Kylie beats Wham! for UK Christmas number one, plans to celebrate with a jigsaw
Kylie Minogue, the iconic pop star, has had a tremendous end to 2025 by securing the Christmas number one spot, surpassing Wham!’s classic hit Last Christmas, which dominated the charts in 2023 and 2024. Kylie’s festive anthem XMAS brings joy and cheer with its lyrics revolving around gifts under the tree and romance in the snow. This achievement marks Kylie as the first female artist to reach the top of the UK charts in four different decades, signifying her enduring appeal and success in the music industry.
“It’s hard to express the emotions that come with this accomplishment,” said Kylie, who plans on celebrating Christmas by doing a jigsaw puzzle with her family back home in Australia. XMAS, part of an extended edition of her 2015 album Kylie Christmas, saw its success due to strategic placement on Amazon’s Christmas playlist and limited availability on Spotify and Apple Music. This calculated move, combined with strong promotion on Amazon and YouTube, propelled Kylie to claim the Christmas number one title.
Martin Talbot, head of the Official Charts Company, noted that Kylie’s aggressive promotion and engagement with fans played a pivotal role in her victory. Despite facing stiff competition from the likes of Mariah Carey and Brenda Lee, Kylie emerged victorious with her spirited Christmas anthem. Her accomplishment comes after several attempts throughout her career, including a close call in 1988 with her duet with Jason Donovan, Especially For You.
Wham!’s Last Christmas, a perennial holiday favorite, has continued its global domination this season by topping Billboard’s global 200 chart, cementing its status as the world’s number one song. BBC Radio 1 host Jack Saunders praised the enduring appeal of Last Christmas, attributing its resonance to its heartfelt message that encapsulates the spirit of togetherness and joy during the festive season. Its universal relatability has endeared it to listeners across generations, making it a timeless classic for the holiday season.
In a year filled with competitive contenders for the coveted Christmas number one spot, Together For Palestine’s charity single, Lullaby, stood out with its mission to raise funds for those in need in Gaza. The track, featuring new lyrics by Peter Gabriel and a collaboration of Palestinian and British artists, aimed to spread a message of unity and support for those facing adversity. Nai Barghouti, one of the artists on the song, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming global support received for the initiative.
As the curtain closes on another year, Kylie Minogue’s triumph as the Christmas number one artist showcases her enduring legacy and unwavering popularity among fans. With her catchy festive tune XMAS, she has secured her place in music history once again, encapsulating the joyful spirit of the holiday season with her music. Whether belting out classics or delivering new hits, Kylie Minogue continues to enthrall audiences with her unique charm and musical prowess.