The race for this year's Christmas number one is heating up, and it's a battle that's as festive as it is fierce. But here's where it gets controversial: could Kylie Minogue finally claim the top spot after nearly two decades, or will Wham's 'Last Christmas' make history with an unprecedented third win? Pop icon Kylie Minogue is currently leading the charge with her new single 'XMAS,' a track that's not just catchy but also strategically positioned as an Amazon exclusive. This means every time someone asks their smart speaker to play Christmas tunes, Kylie's song is the first to grace their ears—a clever move that could significantly boost her chart position. With a 7,000-unit lead over Wham's 'Last Christmas,' Kylie is closer than ever to her first number one since 'Slow' in 2003. 'I think I'd cry,' she emotionally shared with BBC News, reflecting on what this achievement would mean after an 'unbelievable year.'
But Kylie's not the only contender making waves. In a close third place is the charity single 'Lullaby' by Together For Palestine, a supergroup featuring the likes of Bastille's Dan Smith, Celeste, and Little Mix's Leigh-Anne Pinnock, among others. This heartfelt track, based on the traditional Palestinian folk song 'Yamma Mwel El Hawa,' has already sold nearly 10,000 copies and aims to raise funds for aid in Gaza. For Palestinian singer Nai Barghouti, who features on the track, the song is more than just a chart contender—it's a powerful symbol of resilience, defiance, and hope. 'Getting into the Christmas chart would represent a small beam of light in such darkness,' she poignantly noted.
And this is the part most people miss: the chart battle isn't just about festive cheer; it's also about strategy and streaming numbers. Wham's 'Last Christmas,' despite being a two-time winner, faces stiff competition from Kylie's exclusive deal and the emotional pull of 'Lullaby.' Meanwhile, classics like Mariah Carey's 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' and The Pogues' 'Fairytale of New York' are hot on their heels, with the latter gaining traction thanks to a limited-edition zoetrope vinyl release. With less than 10,000 sales separating the top five, every stream and purchase counts—and the Official Charts Company reminds us that this is just preliminary data. The final rankings could still shift dramatically as more streaming figures come in.
But here's the real question: does Kylie's strategic exclusivity give her an unfair advantage, or is it just smart marketing? And what does it say about the state of the music industry when a charity single like 'Lullaby' struggles to break into Spotify's Top 100 despite its noble cause? As the week progresses, these questions will undoubtedly fuel debates among music fans. Whether you're team Kylie, team Wham, or rooting for an underdog like 'Lullaby,' one thing's for sure—this Christmas number one race is anything but predictable. So, who do you think deserves the top spot? Let us know in the comments below!
