Kylie Minogue could beat Wham to Christmas No 1

Two of the biggest 1980s pop icons are going head to head to be crowned Christmas No 1 – and they don't even have to sell a single record.

Wham! and Kylie Minogue are battling for the coveted prize thanks to the shift towards streaming rather than sales.

Wham's Last Christmas, sung by George Michael 41 years ago, is currently favourite even though it hasn't been re-released, but Amazon is desperately trying to see the band off with Ms Minogue's single XMAS.

Her new track is only available to download via Amazon and is not on Spotify or Apple Music. 

But now the music industry is awash with chatter that Amazon could win because of a secret weapon – Alexa, its virtual assistant.

Amazon will feature XMAS, released this weekend, on its playlists – meaning when users of Alexa ask it to play a Christmas song, it will stream the 57-year-old's hit. 

One source said: 'It's a clever idea by Amazon: put Kylie on as many playlists as possible so that those asking Alexa for a Christmas song have a high chance of getting Kylie. This will add to the streams which will help her get to No 1.

'But the problem is that Wham! are also very popular on Alexa, so it is going to be a very tough battle for the spot this year. But if anyone can beat them, it's Kylie.'

Changes in chart compilation methods – prompted by the decline in physical sales – mean that 100 streams now count as one sale.

This shift has dramatically altered the look of the Christmas charts, favouring established hits and streaming juggernauts.

Martin Talbot, chief executive of the Official Charts Company, said: 'Streaming has completely transformed the way the Christmas No 1 is decided. Classic songs have a real shot at returning to the top each year, thanks to their enduring popularity on playlists, which wasn't possible in the era of physical sales.'

Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You, which has held the No 2 or No 3 spots in recent years, also owes its success to the streaming era. 

Ms Carey said: 'Streaming has definitely changed the game. It gives these songs the chance to connect with new generations.'

The Pogues' Fairytale Of New York and Brenda Lee's Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree are also expected to feature in the charts.

However, the approach means that acts such as LadBaby, returning with another charity release after 2019's No 1 Sausage Rolls For Everyone, are struggling to cut through.

A Palestine fundraiser single called Lullaby, featuring artists including Peter Gabriel, and actress Vicky McClure's Brighter Than The Night, released to support those suffering with dementia, have both gained traction but are unlikely to trouble the top spot.

Ms Minogue has been heavily publicising her hit. She appeared on Radio 2's breakfast show with Scott Mills on Friday and will perform the song on Strictly.