WHAM!’s enduring holiday anthem “Last Christmas” has reached its highest position ever on the Billboard Hot 100 and Holiday 100, soaring to No. 2 on both charts this week, an extraordinary milestone for the song’s 41-year legacy.
The 1984 classic also earned a new certification this week, achieving nine-times RIAA Platinum status. Long considered one of the most beloved seasonal staples, “Last Christmas” continues to grow its audience more than four decades after George Michael wrote and produced the track.
“We are delighted that Wham!’s iconic ‘Last Christmas’ has reached a new all-time high at Number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100,” said George Michael Entertainment in a statement. “It embodies the very sound of Christmas and continues to resonate with audiences while captivating new listeners around the world.”
Andrew Ridgeley celebrated the achievement as well, noting the song’s extraordinary reach across generations.
“Since its release over 40 years ago, ‘Last Christmas’ has established itself worldwide as one of the most cherished Christmas classics,” Ridgeley said. “It’s an amazing testament to the special place the song occupies in so many hearts and one that its composer George Michael would have been immensely proud of.”
Originally released in December 1984, “Last Christmas” topped the charts in 16 countries and has become the fourth highest-selling single of all time in the U.K., where it has hit No. 1 multiple times. The track has accumulated more than five billion combined streams globally.
The new chart peak follows a year of 40th anniversary celebrations, including the release of the Last Christmas 40th Anniversary EP, featuring original versions and a previously unreleased George Michael live performance, and the debut of the Netflix special WHAM!: Last Christmas Unwrapped.
“Last Christmas” continues to reaffirm its place in the modern holiday canon, returning to the charts each winter as one of the season’s most enduring and recognizable songs.
The Last Christmas 40th Anniversary EP – out now via Sony Music. Stream / Buy here.
