Holiday Songs Reign Over Pop Charts for Final Week: NPR
Holiday songs have dominated the Billboard Hot 100, claiming all top 24 positions for the week spanning December 19 to December 25. This marks a notable increase from last year when only 16 holiday tracks charted during the same period. The surge in holiday music reflects the influence of streaming, as only four songs in the top 50 are not associated with Christmas.
Mariah Carey’s Chart Triumph
Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” continues to break records. It remains No. 1 for the 22nd nonconsecutive week and has amassed a total of 101 weeks at the top of the chart. This week is particularly significant, as it marks Carey’s 22nd calendar year with a No. 1 track, solidifying her legendary status in the music industry.
Holiday Music’s Historic Impact
The dominance of holiday songs on the Hot 100 underscores the transformation brought about by the streaming era. For comparison, a decade ago, there were only three holiday tracks on the chart: Carey’s classic at No. 18, Jordan Smith’s “Mary Did You Know” at No. 24, and Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” at No. 38.
Top Holiday Songs This Season
- Mariah Carey – “All I Want for Christmas Is You” (No. 1)
- Bobby Helms – “Jingle Bell Rock” (No. 2)
- Brenda Lee – “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”
- Wham! – “Last Christmas”
- Michael Bublé – “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” (No. 13)
- Vince Guaraldi Trio – “Christmastime Is Here” (No. 23)
Billboard 200 Success
The Billboard 200 also showcases holiday influence, with seven Christmas-themed albums making their way into the top 10. Notably, Bing Crosby’s “Ultimate Christmas” achieved the highest streaming numbers for a holiday album in history, although Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” remains at No. 1 for the 11th week.
Chart Dynamics and Future Trends
As the holiday season concludes, the Hot 100 is expected to see a significant turnover. Next week, 49 holiday tracks will drop off the chart, reshaping the landscape considerably. Among the few non-holiday songs maintaining momentum are:
- HUNTR/X’s “Golden” – First K-pop song to top the Radio Songs chart.
- Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia”
- Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need”
- Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas”
The upcoming week may lead to new entries in the top 10, with several artists positioned for success. Notable contenders include Pooh Shiesty’s “FDO,” RAYE’s “Where Is My Husband!” and Olivia Dean’s “So Easy (To Fall in Love).” The shift from holiday-themed hits will be keenly observed as artists capitalize on the opportunity.
