Kylie Minogue outscores Wham! to land the coveted UK Christmas number one spot

December 19, 2025 — Pop icon Kylie Minogue has claimed the highly coveted UK Christmas number one, knocking legendary duo Wham! off the top spot in a festive chart battle that captured global attention. The achievement marks a major milestone for Kylie — and a nostalgic twist for fans of the classic Wham! holiday anthem.

This year’s race for Christmas number one saw intense competition between new music and timeless favourites, but it was Kylie’s latest release that ultimately secured the top position during one of the most competitive chart weeks of the year.

Kylie Takes the Crown

Kylie Minogue’s rise to Christmas number one comes as her latest single resonated strongly with audiences throughout December, amassing widespread streaming figures, radio airplay, and digital sales. The song’s upbeat energy and seasonal appeal helped it surge ahead in the final days of the chart countdown, earning Kylie a rare festive achievement.

For many fans, the victory feels like a celebration of Kylie’s enduring place in pop music — a testament to her ability to stay relevant across decades and musical trends.

Wham! and the Christmas Classic

Wham!’s “Last Christmas,” long a perennial favourite during the festive season, has repeatedly surged in popularity each year — often climbing the charts as listeners revisit the beloved 1980s classic. Despite its popularity and historic association with Christmas, the track has never reached number one on the UK Singles Chart — a quirk of chart history that has delighted trivia fans and frustrated holiday music lovers alike.

This year, Wham!’s anthem once again performed strongly but ultimately fell short as Kylie’s new single claimed the top spot.

What It Means for Kylie

Securing the Christmas number one is widely regarded as one of the UK music industry’s most iconic achievements. It has historically been a barometer not just of commercial success, but of cultural impact during the holiday season.

For Kylie, the achievement adds another highlight to a storied career that has spanned generations. Fans and critics alike have praised the moment as a feel-good victory for one of pop’s most beloved performers — particularly during the festive period when competition tends to be fiercest.

Reactions From Fans and Industry

Reaction on social media and across music communities has been enthusiastic, with many fans celebrating Kylie’s accomplishment while others expressed admiration for Wham!’s continued chart strength year after year.

Music industry insiders noted that this year’s Christmas chart battle was unusually close, driven by both nostalgia and fresh pop energy. The dynamic reflected broader trends in how listeners consume music — blending classic hits with new releases in ways that keep the charts vibrant and unpredictable.

A Storied Tradition

The UK Christmas number one has long been one of the most talked-about chart milestones each year, from iconic moments in pop history to surprise outcomes that defy expectations. Kylie’s win adds her name to a historic list of artists who have captured the holiday spotlight.

Whether through radio play, streaming platforms, or seasonal playlists, the race for Christmas number one remains a cultural highlight — one that fans eagerly anticipate year after year.

Looking Ahead

With the festive season still underway, Kylie’s chart-topping success is likely to keep her single in heavy rotation across playlists and holiday programming. Meanwhile, Wham!’s “Last Christmas” continues to enjoy strong seasonal relevance, reminding listeners that some classics never fade — even when they don’t quite reach the very top.

As the year closes out and fans celebrate the holidays, Kylie’s Christmas number one stands as a defining musical moment of 2025.