The annual quest for the UK Christmas number one is heating up, and this year’s race promises a thrilling showdown. For decades, the coveted top spot has been a battleground for established stars and unexpected contenders, a tradition dating back to the very first official UK Singles chart in 1952.
Forget predictable winners. The days of guaranteed victories for talent show champions are long gone. Today, anything can happen, and a song doesn’t need a sleighbell to climb the charts. A surprising force has emerged: a track from the animated Netflix film,KPop Demon Hunters.
Against all odds, “Golden” fromKPop Demon Huntersis currently a serious contender, boasting a 33.3% chance of claiming the Christmas crown. The song’s explosive popularity, fueled by a dedicated global fanbase, has propelled it to unexpected heights in the UK charts, despite its non-festive theme.
But the reigning champion isn’t relinquishing its hold just yet. Wham!’s timeless classic, “Last Christmas,” currently leads the betting with a 66.7% probability of securing the number one position for a third consecutive year. It’s a remarkable story for a song that took nearly four decades to reach the top spot.
“Last Christmas” finally hit number one in 2023, and repeated its success in 2024, solidifying its status as a national treasure. Experts believe Wham! are strong favorites, but caution that a powerful charity single or a viral sensation could disrupt their dominance.
The competition doesn’t end there. Ed Sheeran and TikTok star Alex Warren are both strong contenders, each with a 4/1 chance of topping the charts. Taylor Swift’s latest release, “The Fate of Ophelia,” is also gaining momentum, powered by her immense streaming influence.
Sabrina Carpenter adds another layer of intrigue to the race, while the ever-present LadBaby, who previously dominated the charts for five years with novelty hits, returns with a 10/1 chance. The Sidemen, a popular influencer collective, are also in the mix, hoping to recapture their previous viral success.
This year’s Christmas number one race is shaping up to be a captivating battle between established icons, rising stars, and unexpected underdogs. The outcome remains uncertain, promising a thrilling conclusion to a beloved British tradition.
