KYLIE VS. MARIAH: CHRISTMAS CHART WAR ERUPTS!

KYLIE VS. MARIAH: CHRISTMAS CHART WAR ERUPTS!

Kylie Minogue has achieved a monumental milestone, claiming her first ever UK Christmas number one single. The Australian icon, a perennial chart-topper, has finally dethroned Wham! after their two-year reign at the festive peak.

The winning track, simply titled “XMAS” – playfully pronounced X-M-A-S – is already sparking conversation with its unique, alphabetized dance sequence. Many are anticipating it will become a new anthem, joining the ranks of beloved holiday classics.

This triumph arrives as a celebration of the 10th anniversary of Kylie’s original Christmas album. The revamped edition, “Kylie Christmas (Fully Wrapped),” offers a delightful mix of familiar favorites and exciting new additions, creating a truly immersive festive experience.

Kylie Minogue arrives on the red carpet, wearing a red corset dress and waving.

The album revisits cherished collaborations with legends like Frank Sinatra and a special duet with her sister, Dannii Minogue. Alongside these gems, four brand new tracks, including the infectious “XMAS,” add a fresh sparkle to the collection.

When asked about the intense competition leading up to the announcement, Kylie confessed she hadn’t been overly focused on the race. She acknowledged the enduring power of Mariah Carey, playfully describing trying to compete with her as “trying to stop a tidal wave.”

Despite the formidable challenge, Kylie expressed a hopeful sentiment, admitting a number one would transport her back to the exhilarating feeling of 1988. It’s a testament to her enduring passion for music and connection with her fans.

EMBARGOED TO 1800 FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 Undated handout photo issued by Official Charts of Kylie Minogue with her Official Number 1 single award for 'XMAS' her first Christmas number one, which makes her the first woman to secure UK Number 1 singles in four different decades. Issue date: Friday December 19, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Official Charts/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.

Beyond the festive cheer, the album showcases Kylie’s playful side with tracks like “Office Party,” where she jokingly imagines a traditional 9-to-5 job. She quickly clarifies, however, that she’s been immersed in work her entire life.

The new tracks are designed to be the perfect soundtrack for cozy Christmas gatherings, filled with laughter and the warmth of the season. But for Kylie, they also represent a potential stepping stone towards a highly anticipated return to Glastonbury.

Her 2019 performance at Glastonbury remains a defining moment in her career, a long-awaited debut after being initially scheduled to appear in 2005. The overwhelming welcome she received solidified its place as “the gig of her life.”

Kylie Christmas (Fully Wrapped? album cover.

Even with a planned fallow year for the festival in 2026, Kylie enthusiastically confirmed she would accept an invitation to perform in 2027. She even hinted at being open to the possibility of headlining, embracing the unexpected turns her career has taken.

Reflecting on the Glastonbury experience, Kylie admitted it felt surreal, almost incomprehensible. She described it as a moment of completing a circle, a sentiment beautifully captured by a phrase from a former boyfriend: “Buckle the buckle.”

That simple phrase, though its meaning remained playfully elusive, resonated deeply with Kylie. It symbolized the culmination of a journey, a sense of fulfillment and the joy of finally reaching a long-held dream.

GLASTONBURY, ENGLAND - JUNE 30: Kylie Minogue performs live on the Pyramid stage during day five of Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm, Pilton on June 30, 2019 in Glastonbury, England. The festival, founded by farmer Michael Eavis in 1970, is the largest greenfield music and performing arts festival in the world. Tickets for the festival sold out in just 36 minutes as it returns following a fallow year. (Photo by Jim Dyson/Getty Images)