This Holiday Favorite Has Claimed the Global No. 1 Spot, Knocking Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” Off the Top for the First Time
By Website Content Manager
Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
Previously, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” stood alone as the only holiday track to ever reach No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200.
This Christmas season, Mariah Carey is no longer standing alone at the top.
On Monday, Dec. 15, Billboard revealed that Wham!’s “Last Christmas” climbed to No. 1 on the Global 200 chart. The milestone marks the first time since the chart’s debut in September 2020 that a holiday song other than Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has reached the summit.
Carey’s iconic 1994 hit has dominated the Global 200 for a record-breaking 19 weeks dating back to December 2020, according to Billboard.
Earlier this month, “Last Christmas” also achieved its highest placement yet on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Holiday 100, peaking at No. 2. On both U.S.-focused charts, it continues to trail just behind Carey’s perennial chart-topper.
Reacting to the achievement, Wham! co-founder Andrew Ridgeley shared his excitement in a statement, saying he was thrilled to see the group’s enduring holiday favorite land at No. 2 this week. He noted that more than four decades after its release, “Last Christmas” has become one of the most beloved seasonal songs worldwide, cherished by listeners of all ages.
Ridgeley added that the song’s continued success is a powerful reflection of the emotional connection it holds for fans and said its late songwriter, George Michael, would have been deeply proud. He closed by thanking listeners for making the track a meaningful part of their holiday celebrations.
Michael’s estate also acknowledged the accomplishment, calling the chart performance a testament to the song’s brilliance and lasting appeal. The statement praised “Last Christmas” as a timeless recording that captures the spirit of the season and continues to resonate with longtime fans while attracting new audiences more than 40 years after its debut.
George Michael passed away on Christmas Day in 2016 at the age of 53.
