Mariah Carey Dethroned on Global Chart as Wham!’s “Last Christmas” Takes Top Spot

The Queen of Christmas has been dethroned on the global stage.

Mariah Carey’s holiday hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has dropped from the top of Billboard’s Global chart for the first time since the chart was introduced. Replacing it at number one is Wham!’s iconic 40-year-old song “Last Christmas.”

Billboard announced the chart shift this week, marking a rare moment when Carey’s perennial holiday favorite is not the most-played Christmas song worldwide. Despite the global change, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” continues to dominate closer to home, remaining firmly at the top of the U.S. charts.

The estate of the late George Michael, one half of the duo Wham!, released a statement celebrating the achievement. The estate called the chart-topping moment “a testament to a brilliant song and a timeless record that embodies the very sound of Christmas and continues to resonate with audiences.”

Released in 1984, “Last Christmas” has experienced renewed popularity in recent years, becoming a seasonal staple across radio, streaming platforms, and holiday playlists around the world.

While Carey may have lost her global crown this time around, her holiday anthem continues to reign supreme in the United States, proving that the battle for Christmas music dominance can vary depending on where listeners are tuning in.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.