This holiday season, Wham!’s iconic song “Last Christmas” has finally claimed the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Global 200, marking the first time another holiday track besides Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has topped the chart since its launch in September 2020.
Carey’s 1994 classic continues to dominate with a record 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Global 200 since December 2020. Earlier this month, “Last Christmas” also reached its highest-ever position on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Holiday 100, peaking at No. 2, just behind Carey’s enduring hit.
Wham! member Andrew Ridgeley expressed his delight over the achievement, saying, “Since its release over 40 years ago, ‘Last Christmas’ has established itself worldwide as one of the most cherished Christmas classics, beloved by all generations… George Michael would have been immensely proud.” Ridgeley added, “Thank you to everyone who has embraced the song as a little piece of their own Merry Christmas.”
George Michael’s estate also celebrated the milestone, noting that the song’s success is “a testament to a brilliant song and timeless record that embodies the very sound of Christmas and continues to resonate with audiences while captivating new listeners around the world, more than forty years after it was first released.” Michael passed away on Christmas Day 2016 at age 53.
Originally released in December 1984, “Last Christmas” has remained a holiday staple for decades and is certified nine-times platinum in the United States.
