For the first time since the launch of the Billboard Global 200 chart, a holiday classic other than Mariah Carey’s iconic song has claimed the top position. Wham!’s “Last Christmas,” released in 1984, has officially reached No. 1 globally, marking a rare and historic shift in seasonal music dominance. The achievement signals a remarkable moment for pop history and reflects how decades-old holiday tracks continue to find renewed life with modern audiences.
According to Billboard, this marks the first instance since September 2020 that “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is not leading the Global 200 during the festive season. Carey’s song, originally released in 1994, has accumulated an unmatched 19 weeks at No. 1 on the chart since December 2020, making Wham!’s breakthrough especially significant.
How ‘Last Christmas’ Rose to No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200
The surge of “Last Christmas” to the top spot comes after years of steady growth and annual chart resurgences. Earlier this month, the track achieved its highest-ever ranking on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Holiday 100, peaking at No. 2, just behind Carey’s perennial favorite. Its global No. 1 debut reflects strong international streaming numbers and digital engagement during the holiday period.
Billboard confirmed that while Carey’s song continues to dominate U.S.-focused charts, Wham!’s classic has resonated broadly across markets worldwide, helping it finally secure the global crown. The song’s enduring popularity has also been amplified by social media trends and playlist placements that introduce it to younger listeners each year.
