This is the final countdown of 2024. Ten of the biggest songs off of Billboard’s Hot 100 chart dated for 12/28/2024 and let me just say, the Christmas postseason has begun.
Leading off is Kelly Clarkson at 10 with Underneath the Tree. The track became an instant Christmas classic, praised for its jubilant energy and Clarkson’s powerhouse vocals, and is now a staple on holiday playlists worldwide!
From 14 to 9 climbs Ariana Grande’s Santa Tell Me. Ariana initially hesitated to record a Christmas song, fearing it might feel cliché, but she ultimately crafted a track that’s both festive and flirty.
Up 4 notches to 8 is 1/3rd of the Vegas rat pack, Dean Martin with “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” Recorded in 1959 for his album A Winter Romance, Martin’s smooth, jazzy rendition has become one of the most beloved versions of this holiday staple.
Another 50s/60s legend moves up from 11 to 7 this week. It’s Andy Williams with It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. Though it was originally recorded in 1963 for Williams’ The Andy Williams Christmas Album, the song wasn’t released as a single until decades later. Despite this, it has become one of the most enduring holiday classics.
Now a break from the Christmas music, thanks to Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars at number 6 with Die with a Smile. Actually, critics have praised the song for its blend of genres and the vocal chemistry between Gaga and Mars. The track has been described as a “soaring ballad” that showcases both artists’ vocal prowess.
At number five comes Burl Ives’ hit A Holly Jolly Christmas. Though it was just one of many holiday tunes at the time, Ives’ warm, jovial rendition helped it become a quintessential Christmas classic, still lighting up playlists every holiday season!
Coming down a notch to four is Bobby Helms with Jingle Bell Rock. Despite its massive popularity, Helms was reportedly surprised by the song’s enduring success, as he initially thought it was just another Christmas novelty tune. Over the years, it’s become a timeless classic, often associated with the opening scene of Mean Girls!
Which leaves Wham! to move back to three with Last Christmas. Despite its upbeat melody, the song’s bittersweet lyrics about unrequited love struck a chord, making it a holiday staple.
It seems that Brenda Lee is stuck at two this week with Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. The song gained massive popularity in the 1960s and has since become a quintessential Christmas classic. Its timeless charm is so enduring that it still charts on the Billboard Hot 100 every holiday season!
In the number one position once again is Mariah with All I Want for Christmas Is You. In fact, we need to say congratulations to her for not only marking 17 weeks with the classic but making her longest run at number one. Surpassing the 16 weeks she had with One Sweet Day with the recent winners of “The Masked Singer,” Boyz II Men back in 1995.
So, does the new year mean a new number one? Do Mariah or Brenda enter the new year at the top? Tune in next time to find out!
Starting this week, the Hot 10 Countdown will air on it’s new nights and times. That is Fridays at 8p, Saturdays at 7p and Mondays at 9a. This feature will continue to be published on Mondays after 10a.