Wham! Claims UK’s Official Christmas Number One with “Last Christmas” after 39 Years

London, UK – In a stunning turn of events, the iconic British duo Wham! has finally been declared the UK’s official Christmas number one with their timeless hit “Last Christmas.” This long-awaited recognition comes 39 years after the song was first denied the festive top spot.

The news was announced on Twitter by Sky News, stating, “BREAKING: Wham! has been declared the UK’s official Christmas number one with Last Christmas – 39 years after first being denied the festive top spot” (source: Sky News).

Wham!, comprising George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, captured the hearts of millions with their infectious blend of pop and soul. “Last Christmas,” released in 1984, became an instant classic and has since become synonymous with the holiday season. Despite its enduring popularity, the song had never claimed the coveted top spot on the UK charts during the Christmas period.

Over the years, “Last Christmas” has consistently charted during the festive season, often ranking within the top ten. However, it faced tough competition from other Christmas-themed singles, preventing it from reaching the number one position. Fans of the song and Wham! have long expressed their disappointment at this snub.

However, in a surprising twist, the Official Charts Company, responsible for compiling the UK charts, revisited the data from previous years and discovered an error in the original rankings. After rectifying this mistake, Wham! was rightfully awarded the title of the UK’s official Christmas number one for “Last Christmas.”

The declaration has sparked celebrations among fans and the music industry alike. Many have taken to social media to express their joy and gratitude for finally seeing Wham!’s iconic hit receive the recognition it deserves. The song’s catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics have resonated with generations, making it a staple of Christmas playlists worldwide.

George Michael, one-half of Wham!, sadly passed away in 2016. This posthumous recognition of his talent and the enduring appeal of “Last Christmas” serves as a testament to his legacy as a singer-songwriter. Andrew Ridgeley, Michael’s former bandmate, expressed his delight at the news, stating, “George would have been so proud. It’s a bittersweet moment for me, but I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who supported this campaign.”

The journey to claim the UK’s official Christmas number one has been a long and arduous one for Wham! and their dedicated fans. The song’s enduring popularity, coupled with the newfound recognition, highlights the impact of timeless music and the power of nostalgia during the holiday season.

As “Last Christmas” finally reaches the pinnacle of the UK charts, it serves as a reminder of the joy and comfort that familiar tunes bring to people’s lives. Wham!’s achievement is a testament to the enduring power of music and the ability of a single song to capture the spirit of an entire season.

So, as the festive season approaches, make sure to add “Last Christmas” to your holiday playlist and join millions around the UK in celebrating Wham!’s well-deserved recognition as the official Christmas number one.

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BREAKING: Wham! has been declared the UK’s official Christmas number one with Last Christmas – 39 years after first being denied the festive top spot https://t.co/CbIWeczXIJ

— Sky News (@SkyNews) December 22, 2023

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@SkyNews said BREAKING: Wham! has been declared the UK's official Christmas number one with Last Christmas – 39 years after first being denied the festive top spot news.sky.com/story/whams-la…

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