THE race is on to become the next Christmas Number One.
It comes after it was revealed that LadBaby – who has bagged the top spot for the last five years – wouldn’t be releasing anything in 2023.
Which songs could be Christmas Number One?
Wham! — Last Christmas
Wham! with Last Christmas is the bookies favourite to bag the Christmas Number One.
The song has never hit top spot before, so it would be a first.
The festive favourite was released in 1984, and was originally beaten to Number One by Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas Time.
George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley’s catchy classic is now 1/4 with BoyleSports.
Brian O’Keeffe, spokesperson for BoyleSports said: “Tis the season and the Christmas number 1 market is really hotting up.
“We’ve seen an avalanche of support for Wham! to better Last Christmas’ second in the charts and finally wear the Christmas crown.”
Sam Ryder — You’re Christmas To Me
Sam Ryder makes the shortlist of artists in contention, even though he has already said he wants it to be The Pogues at the top come Christmas.
But if his song You’re Christmas To Me, released exclusively on Amazon Music, does beat Fairytale Of New York, he probably won’t be too disappointed.
He’s at 41 with BoyleSports.
The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl — Fairytale Of New York
The third-favourite is The Pogues with Fairytale Of New York, which has been voted the UK’s favourite Christmas tune of all time despite never being the Christmas Number One.
On the classic Kirsty MacColl duetted with frontman Shane MacGowan, who tragically died on November 30, 2023.
The odds are 5/1 at the moment according to BoyleSports.
Creator Universe — I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday
Creator Universe are third favourites to reach the coveted Christmas Number One spot.
The TikTok collective, which features more than 30 Influencers, has covered Wizard’s iconic hit I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday, with all of the profits going to charity The Trussell Trust.
They are currently 25/1 with BoyleSports.
Sports.
Mariah Carey — All I Want For Christmas Is You
Mariah Carey’s perennial Yuletide yowler All I Want For Christmas Is You is another track predicted to surge to the summit of the charts towards the end of December.
It was first released on the American diva’s fourth studio album Merry Christmas (1994).
BoyleSports has it at 33/1 at this time.
AC/DC
Australian rock veterans AC/DC are also in with a shout.
They are among the frontrunners because of an online movement to get the band their first UK number one before their 50th anniversary.
Launching the campaign, the Facebook group WE Salute You said: “In 2013 we all came together to celebrate 40 years of AC/DC by giving them their highest ever UK Singles Chart placing… Highway To Hell at No.4.
“Well we’re going to choose another track and see if we can get 3 places higher for their 50th anniversary. Are you in? If so join this group and invite everyone.
“Big Balls to Ladbaby!”
They sit at 33/1 with BoyleSports.