The single draws on the party energy of classic disco-pop, complete with a choreographed routine that spells out “X-M-A-S”. The track has been heavily promoted on streaming platforms and primetime TV, including a performance on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing semi-final, further boosting its visibility in the crucial run-up to Christmas.

According to midweek data from The Official Charts Company, Minogue’s ‘XMAS’ is around 7,000 chart units ahead of Wham!’s Last Christmas just a few days into the race. That early lead has been reinforced by the release of multiple physical formats, including limited edition 7-inch gold vinyl, 12-inch zoetrope vinyl and CD singles, which carry particular weight in the modern Christmas chart landscape.

If ‘XMAS’ holds its lead through to the publication of the Official Christmas Chart, it would become Minogue’s first UK Number 1 single since ‘Slow’ topped the charts in 2003. The result would also cap a landmark year that has already seen her claim an 11th UK Number 1 album with Kylie Christmas (Fully Wrapped), a revamped edition of her 2015 festive record featuring new material.

Minogue faces stiff competition from Wham!, whose ‘Last Christmas’ has taken the Christmas Number 1 title for the past two years and remains a dominant force on streaming services. Also in contention is ‘Lullaby’ (often shortened to Lull), a charity single for Palestine featuring contributors including Brian Eno, Celeste and members of Bastille and Little Mix, which sits only a few hundred sales behind Wham! in early updates.

With physical sales, streaming patterns and last-minute campaigns all capable of reshaping the chart, the outcome of the Christmas Number 1 race remains uncertain. For now, however, Minogue has emerged as the frontrunner, raising the prospect of a long-awaited return to the top of the UK singles chart on the most coveted week of the year.

Fans have praised the single on social media, with one fan sharing, “The song is addictive”. Many fans have called out the singles’ exclusivity to Amazon Music, requesting that they be released on other streaming platforms. The music video is free to watch on Youtube.

Featured Image Credits: J.E.T. 603

Reflecting on its unexpected success, Sam acknowledges that while many people are enjoying the song, there are still a significant number who are unaware of its existence. As a 34-year-old artist, Sam faces tough competition from holiday classics such as Wham’s “Last Christmas,” Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” and the resurgence of “Fairytale of New York” following the passing of Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan. Additionally, Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season” has gained momentum after being covered by Olivia Rodrigo on Radio 1’s Live Lounge, posing a potential upset. Despite these challenges, Sam Ryder remains hopeful and determined to make a mark with his festive tune.

Sam acknowledges that while he had hoped for his track from Your Christmas or Mine 2 to become a popular holiday hit, he understands that it may only resonate with a niche audience who watch the film.

He recognises that the song may not have a widespread impact on the culture or the music charts. Therefore, he and his team recorded it purely out of love for the project. Despite writing the song in August, Sam found it surprisingly easy to get into the festive spirit, even during the summer months. He recalls,“It was quite a gloomy day and I was like, ‘this is actually quite perfect’. I can just pretend it’s Christmas.”

Sam’s latest release, “You’re Christmas To Me,” has the potential to become his first Christmas number one. This achievement holds even more significance as it marks his debut as an independent artist following his departure from Parlophone Records in September. Sam describes this transition as a “free-ng experience,” Sam added, “Your team becomes so much smaller, it becomes so much more potent because it’s made up mostly of your pals. And even if you get battered and bruised by the end of whatever it is that you’re after, it doesn’t matter because you’re in it together. And it’s such a lovely experience.”

In other news, Wham! has made a triumphant return to the top of the Christmas chart race. Additionally, Sam Ryder’s remarkable year continues to unfold after the success of his hit single, “Space Man.” Furthermore, Sam reflects on how a surfing accident has profoundly impacted his life.

Sam is often described as a glass-half-full individual, exuding an abundance of positive energy.” He said, “When I was in college, my tutors used to call me Tigger,” he says. “I think I was always just a bit too, like, annoyingly enthusiastic about things.”

He firmly believes that being cool is overrated, particularly in the arts, where people tend to place value on being enigmatic and detached. Sam rejects this notion, asserting that life is too short. Sam added further, “Cool is the enemy,” he says. “I’ve always thought that, especially in the arts, people put this currency on being deep and mysterious and aloof. To hell with that. Life’s too preciously short to not be bounding for joy and gratitude.”