Wham!, Sam Ryder, and Mariah Carey in Nail-Biting Race for Christmas Number One
In a thrilling showdown for this year's Christmas number one, iconic artists Wham!, rising star Sam Ryder, and the legendary Mariah Carey are battling for the top position as the race enters its final day.
The competition, marked by LadBaby's decision to step aside after a five-year reign, promises an unpredictable outcome as the final day for streams and sales approaches.
Wham!'s 1984 classic, "Last Christmas," currently leads the pack, with Sam Ryder's Amazon exclusive, "You're Christmas To Me," emerging as a strong contender. Mariah Carey's well known tune, "All I Want For Christmas Is You," is following close behind.
Sam Ryder, the runner up of the Eurovision Song Contest 2022, has been actively campaigning for support, acknowledging the challenge of competing against Wham!: "It's not often you find yourself in a chart race against the almighty Wham! But, with massive respect to those absolute legends, there's always room for new music and new artists."
The Christmas chart landscape is a diverse range of classics making a comeback, charity records, and intriguing releases. With reissues of Wham! and The Pogues songs on vinyl, physical sales are set to play a significant role in determining the winner. Streaming, especially on Christmas playlists, also holds sway, making the competition a multifaceted battle of old and new.
The official Christmas chart results will be unveiled on BBC Radio 1 and BBC Sounds from 16:00 GMT on Friday. As music enthusiasts eagerly await the outcome, the race for Christmas number one has never been more open and exhilarating.
See the full list of contenders below:
Andrea Bocelli – Festa
Anne-Marie – Christmas Without You
Cher – DJ Play a Christmas Song
Creator Universe - I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday
Ed Sheeran & Elton John – Merry Christmas
Ella Henderson – Stay Another Day
Ella Henderson & Cian Ducrot – Rest of Our Days
Elton John – Step Into Christmas
EMF featuring Stephen Fry – Hello People
Ezra Collective – God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Jack Harlow – Lovin On Me
Jorja Smith – Stay Another Day
Mariah Carey – All I Want for Christmas is You
Mimi Webb – Back Home for Christmas
Nala the Station Cat – Check Meowt
Noah Kahan - Stick Season
OneRepublic – Dear Santa
Rock Choir – I Wish it Could Be Christmas Everyday
Sam Ryder – You’re Christmas to Me
Slade – Merry Xmas Everybody
Sleaford Mods – West End Girls
Sooty – I’m in the Mood for Christmas
Tate McRae – exes
The Beatles – Now And Then
The Celebs – So Delicious
The Gleeman – I Love Christmastime
The Krackpots – Proper Christmas
The Pogues ft Kirsty MacColl - Fairytale of New York
Trickster – Silent Night vs Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Tyla – Water
Wham! – Last Christmas
