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