In a heartwarming testament to its enduring appeal, Wham!’s beloved classic ‘Last Christmas’ has hit a new high, reaching the third spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the very first time.
Andrew Ridgeley, one half of the iconic 80s duo Wham!, recently shared his thoughts on this milestone achievement. Chatting with the Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, Ridgeley expressed immense satisfaction with the song’s recent success, noting that reaching the upper echelons of the U.S. charts was always a significant goal for the band. “You know, Yog,” he said, referring to his late bandmate George Michael, “we placed a great deal of importance on being a success in the States. It was, for any artist of that era—you were nowhere unless you were a big deal in the States.”
The track, which first graced our ears in 1984, has grown more cherished with each passing holiday season. Its recent climb up the Hot 100 is a testament to its timelessness and emotional resonance with audiences, old and new. Ridgeley believes that George Michael, who passed away in 2016, would have been ‘utterly delighted’ by the news. For them, success in America was considered the ultimate prize, and this achievement would have truly mattered to George, he reflected.
The upcoming full interview with Ridgeley is set to premiere on December 23, promising to delve deeper into the story behind the song and its legacy. Meanwhile, the Billboard Pop Shop Podcast continues to provide fans with vibrant discussions about all things pop, airing weekly with fresh chart stats, music news, and interviews with industry stars.
The latest success of ‘Last Christmas’ underscores the song’s enduring charm and the lasting impact of Wham! and George Michael on the music world. As Andrew Ridgeley reminisces about the duo’s ambitions and the song’s journey, it’s clear that ‘Last Christmas’ has become an indelible part of the holiday season for generations of fans.
Source: Yahoo
