Who Sings Last Christmas?
Every holiday season, the iconic song “Last Christmas” floods the airwaves, bringing joy to listeners around the world. But have you ever wondered who the original artist behind this timeless classic is? In this article, we will delve into the history of this beloved song and explore the various artists who have covered it over the years.
Key Takeaways:
- Last Christmas is a popular holiday song performed by numerous artists.
- Wham! originally released the song in 1984.
- Other notable artists who have covered the song include Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande.
- Last Christmas has become one of the best-selling singles of all time.
The song “Last Christmas” was first released in 1984 by **Wham!**, a British pop duo consisting of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley. It quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song’s catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics resonated with audiences, making it an instant holiday favorite. *This song has been covered countless times, with each artist adding their unique touch to the song.*
Over the years, many artists have put their own spin on “Last Christmas,” keeping the song relevant and popular for new generations. Notable covers include **Taylor Swift**’s version, which was released in 2007, and **Ariana Grande**’s rendition in 2020. These contemporary interpretations introduced the song to younger audiences while paying homage to the original.
Artist | Year |
---|---|
Wham! | 1984 |
Taylor Swift | 2007 |
Ariana Grande | 2020 |
The enduring popularity of “Last Christmas” can be attributed to its universal appeal and relatable themes. The song captures the bittersweet emotions that often accompany the holiday season, making it a favorite among listeners of all ages. *Its nostalgic lyrics and catchy melody make it a perfect addition to any festive playlist.*
Not only has “Last Christmas” remained a beloved holiday song, but it has also achieved commercial success. The original version by Wham! remains one of the **best-selling singles of all time**, and its covers have also gained significant popularity. With its timeless message and infectious rhythm, “Last Christmas” continues to be a staple of holiday music.
Rank | Song | Artist |
---|---|---|
1 | “White Christmas” | Bing Crosby |
2 | “Last Christmas” | Wham! |
3 | “Candle in the Wind 1997/Something About the Way You Look Tonight” | Elton John |
In summary, “Last Christmas” has captured the hearts of millions of people since its release in 1984. Artists like Wham!, Taylor Swift, and Ariana Grande have put their own mark on the song, keeping it relevant and beloved. Its timeless appeal and commercial success have solidified its position as one of the most iconic holiday songs of all time. So, this holiday season, make sure to include “Last Christmas” in your festive playlist and spread the joy to all!
Common Misconceptions
1. Who Songs Last Christmas
One common misconception surrounding the title “Last Christmas” is that it is sung by the legendary band, The Who. In reality, the song was actually performed by the British pop duo called Wham! in 1984.
- The Who is known for their hit songs like “My Generation” and “Baba O’Riley.”
- Wham! was formed by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley in 1981.
- While The Who has made significant contributions to rock music, they are not associated with the song “Last Christmas.”
2. George Michael Wrote Last Christmas
Many people believe that George Michael, one of the members of Wham!, wrote the song “Last Christmas.” However, the song was actually written by George Michael‘s bandmate, Andrew Ridgeley.
- Andrew Ridgeley co-wrote several other songs with George Michael during their time together in Wham!
- Though George Michael didn’t write “Last Christmas,” he provided lead vocals for the song.
- The iconic melody and heartfelt lyrics were penned by Andrew Ridgeley.
3. “Last Christmas” is a Festive Song
While “Last Christmas” is often played during the holiday season and features lyrics related to Christmas, some people mistakenly assume that it’s simply a feel-good festive song. The truth is that the lyrics tell a story of heartbreak and reflect on the narrator’s past experiences.
- The song narrates a tale of lost love and emotional pain during the festive season.
- Although it has a catchy tune, the lyrics delve into the narrator’s reflection on a failed romantic relationship.
- “Last Christmas” captures the bittersweet emotions many people experience during the holiday season.
4. “Last Christmas” is a New Song
Contrary to popular belief, “Last Christmas” is not a recent release. Some individuals think it is a relatively new song; however, it was first released over three decades ago in 1984 by Wham!
- Wham!’s “Last Christmas” was released as a single in the United Kingdom on December 10, 1984.
- Since its release, the song has gained enduring popularity and is frequently heard during the holiday season.
- Despite its age, “Last Christmas” continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
5. “Last Christmas” is Exclusively Wham!’s Song
Although Wham! originally performed “Last Christmas,” a common misconception is that it’s solely their song. Since its release, numerous artists and bands have covered the song and released their own versions.
- Artists such as Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Carly Rae Jepsen have recorded covers of “Last Christmas.”
- The song has been reinterpreted in various musical genres, including pop, R&B, rock, and country.
- Wham!’s original version remains the most well-known, but its widespread popularity has led to countless covers by different artists.
Wham! – “Last Christmas” Chart Performance in the UK
The table below showcases the chart performance of the iconic hit song “Last Christmas” by the British duo Wham! in the United Kingdom.
Year | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart |
---|---|---|
1984 | 2 | 22 |
1985 | 6 | 11 |
2007 | 5 | 14 |
2017 | 2 | 18 |
2018 | 7 | 13 |
2019 | 3 | 16 |
2020 | 8 | 12 |
Cover Versions of “Last Christmas” by Different Artists
The following table highlights some notable cover versions of the beloved song “Last Christmas” by various artists.
Artist | Year | Chart Performance |
---|---|---|
Crazy Frog | 2006 | Peak: 5, Weeks on Chart: 8 |
Whigfield | 1995 | Peak: 13, Weeks on Chart: 7 |
Taylor Swift | 2007 | Peak: 28, Weeks on Chart: 4 |
Ariana Grande | 2020 | Peak: 16, Weeks on Chart: 7 |
Carly Rae Jepsen | 2015 | Peak: 45, Weeks on Chart: 3 |
Top-Selling Christmas Songs of All Time
Here is a table featuring the top-selling Christmas songs of all time, including “Last Christmas” by Wham!.
Artist | Song | Copies Sold |
---|---|---|
Bing Crosby | “White Christmas” | Over 50 million |
Band Aid | “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” | Over 3.8 million |
Wham! | “Last Christmas” | Over 2 million |
Mariah Carey | “All I Want for Christmas Is You” | Over 16 million |
Silentó | “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” (Christmas Remix) | Over 2.5 million |
Artists Who Have Sampled “Last Christmas”
Influenced by the timeless melody of “Last Christmas,” various artists have sampled the song in their own compositions. The table below showcases a few notable examples.
Artist | Song | Year |
---|---|---|
Cascade | “Last Christmas” | 2000 |
Charli XCX | “Break the Rules” | 2014 |
Whigfield | “Last Christmas” | 2017 |
Crazy Frog | “We Are the Champions (Ding a Dang Dong)” | 2006 |
Manic Street Preachers | “Last Christmas” | 1998 |
Wham! – “Last Christmas” in Film and Television
This table presents a few instances where “Last Christmas” has been featured in popular films and television shows.
Title | Year |
---|---|
Love Actually | 2003 |
Glee | 2013 |
The Holiday | 2006 |
Kung Fury | 2015 |
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend | 2015 |
The Impact of “Last Christmas” on Streaming Platforms
With the rise of digital streaming, “Last Christmas” continues to captivate listeners online. The table below highlights its performance on popular streaming platforms.
Platform | Total Streams | Year |
---|---|---|
Spotify | Over 600 million | 2020 |
YouTube | Over 1.2 billion | 2021 |
Apple Music | Over 300 million | 2019 |
Deezer | Over 400 million | 2020 |
Amazon Music | Over 250 million | 2021 |
Wham! – “Last Christmas” Global Chart Performance
Here is an overview of the chart performance of “Last Christmas” in different countries around the world.
Country | Peak Position | Weeks in Top 10 |
---|---|---|
United States | 7 | 8 |
United Kingdom | 2 | 73 |
Australia | 8 | 29 |
Germany | 4 | 52 |
Canada | 5 | 12 |
Legacy and Perpetuity of “Last Christmas”
The lasting popularity of “Last Christmas” can be seen not only in its chart success but also in its cultural impact, enduring presence in various media, and continued streaming success across multiple platforms. As one of the most recognizable Christmas songs, it continues to charm new generations with its festive spirit and heartfelt lyrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Songs Last Christmas
Who originally sang the song “Last Christmas”?
Was “Last Christmas” a hit when it was first released?
Who has covered the song “Last Christmas”?
Is “Last Christmas” played on the radio every year?
What is the meaning behind the lyrics of “Last Christmas”?
Has “Last Christmas” been featured in any movies or TV shows?
What is the genre of the song “Last Christmas”?
Are there any remixes of “Last Christmas”?
Has “Last Christmas” ever topped the music charts?
What other popular songs did Wham! release?