Kylie Minogue has achieved a significant milestone in her music career by securing her first Christmas No. 1 single in the United Kingdom with her new song “Xmas.” This accomplishment marks her eighth No. 1 single overall and makes her the first female artist to achieve UK No. 1 singles in four different decades. The announcement was made on December 19, 2025, following a competitive chart race that saw her song outperforming other holiday favorites, including Wham!’s iconic track “Last Christmas,” which had held the Christmas No. 1 position for the past two years.
The song “Xmas,” released exclusively for an online retailer, has resonated with audiences, leading to its rise to the top of the UK Singles Chart. The victory is particularly notable as it prevents Wham! from achieving a hat trick of Christmas No. 1s, a feat that would have solidified the band’s status in the holiday music landscape. “Last Christmas,” originally released in 1984, has enjoyed renewed popularity in recent years, largely due to its streaming success, and it had been the chart-topper leading up to this week. However, it has now dropped to the No. 2 position.
Kylie Minogue’s career has spanned over three decades, beginning in the late 1980s when she first rose to fame with hits such as “I Should Be So Lucky.” Since then, she has evolved as an artist, experimenting with various musical styles and maintaining a strong presence in the pop music scene. Her ability to adapt and remain relevant has contributed to her enduring popularity, making her a significant figure in the music industry.
The achievement of a Christmas No. 1 is a coveted title in the UK music scene, often seen as a benchmark of success for artists during the holiday season. The Christmas chart is particularly competitive, with many artists releasing new material or re-releasing classic songs in hopes of capturing the festive spirit and the attention of listeners. The significance of this chart position is underscored by the cultural importance of Christmas music in the UK, where certain songs become staples of the holiday season.
In addition to Minogue and Wham!, this year’s Christmas chart also featured other contenders, including “Lullaby,” a song released as part of a charity campaign titled Together for Palestine, which reached No. 5 on the chart. This highlights the diverse range of music that competes during the holiday season, as artists use the occasion to promote various causes and connect with audiences.
The implications of Minogue’s achievement extend beyond personal accolades. Her success with “Xmas” reflects broader trends in the music industry, particularly the increasing influence of streaming platforms on chart performance. The ability to release music exclusively through online retailers has changed the landscape for artists, allowing them to reach audiences directly and bypass traditional distribution methods. This shift has been particularly beneficial for established artists like Minogue, who have a loyal fan base and can leverage their existing popularity to achieve chart success.
Moreover, Minogue’s accomplishment as the first woman to secure UK No. 1 singles in four different decades is a significant milestone for female artists in the music industry. It underscores the ongoing evolution of women’s roles in music and the importance of representation in a field that has historically been male-dominated. Her success serves as an inspiration for emerging female artists, demonstrating that longevity and adaptability can lead to sustained success.
As the music industry continues to evolve, Kylie Minogue’s achievement of her first Christmas No. 1 with “Xmas” not only marks a personal triumph but also highlights the changing dynamics of music consumption and the enduring appeal of holiday music. The competition for the Christmas No. 1 spot remains fierce, and Minogue’s victory adds a new chapter to the storied history of the UK Singles Chart during the festive season.
