‘Last Christmas’ hits No. 2 on music charts
Wham!’s iconic holiday hit “Last Christmas” from 1984 is breaking new records and continuing to capture the hearts of music lovers around the world. Written by the talented late George Michael, the song recently climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the week of December 13. The track has seen a resurgence in popularity, with over 33.2 million streams recorded between November 28 and December 4, according to Luminate reports as cited by Billboard.
Andrew Ridgeley, Michael’s partner in Wham!, expressed his joy at the song’s enduring appeal. He shared his delight at the news, highlighting the universal love and nostalgia that “Last Christmas” evokes across multiple generations. Ridgeley emphasized the song’s remarkable ability to hold a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide, a sentiment that he believes Michael would have been immensely proud of. He extended his gratitude to everyone who has embraced the song as a beloved part of their holiday celebrations.
George Michael, who tragically passed away at the age of 53 in 2016, left behind a musical legacy that continues to resonate with audiences. Alongside Ridgeley, Michael co-founded Wham! in 1981 before pursuing a successful solo career in 1986. “Last Christmas” stands as a timeless classic that has become synonymous with the festive season, cementing its status as a cherished holiday favorite for listeners around the globe.
The enduring popularity of “Last Christmas” inspired the creation of the documentary entitled “Wham!: Last Christmas Unwrapped” in 2024. The film features Michael’s iconic performance of the song at Wembley Arena, accompanied by insightful commentary from music industry luminaries such as Mary J. Blige, Bob Geldof, Neil Tennant, and Sam Smith. Ridgeley also shared his reflections on the song and its significance in a statement, emphasizing Michael’s fondness for Christmas-themed music and his pride in crafting a song that has become a perennial holiday staple.
In conclusion, “Last Christmas” by Wham! stands as a timeless holiday classic that continues to captivate audiences and spread festive cheer year after year. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to George Michael’s remarkable talent and the lasting impact of his music on listeners of all ages. As fans around the world embrace this beloved track as a cherished part of their holiday traditions, its legacy as a quintessential Christmas anthem remains untarnished.