Sir Elton John and Ed Sheeran have released their eagerly awaited Christmas single. “Merry Christmas” dropped on Friday 3rd December 2021 and is tipped to win this year’s battle to Christmas number one. The song was co-written by the artists and celebrates the festive period by referencing topics such as mistletoe. Sir John took to Instagram to announce the single’s release.
The single is available across many streaming platforms and debuted at number one within the UK Big Top 40. “Merry Christmas” marks Sir John’s third number one within the chart this year. Sheeran has also achieved success with the Big Top 40, the new festive single marks Sheeran’s fifth number one this year. The “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” singer has two singles placed within the top three this week, with Sir John and Dua Lipa’s duet “Cold Heart” charting at number two. Sir John took to Instagram to announce the good news whilst sharing a message of thanks.
The single was also released with an accompanying music video, which aims to celebrate Christmas. The singers can be seen impersonating past festive hits including “Stay Another Day” by East 17, “Last Christmas” by Wham, The Snowman’s “Walking In The Air” and many more. The new music video also features cameos by Mr Blobby, presenter and talk show host Jonathan Ross, Big Narstie, Comedian Michael McIntyre and British rock band The Darkness.
Sir John and Sheeran are no strangers to a successful Christmas single; both have achieved success with festive releases. In 2017 Sheeran secured Christmas number one with the track “Perfect”. The single was released on 26th September 2017 and was the third track to be released from the singer’s third studio album Divide. Sir John released “Step Into Christmas” on 23rd November 1973, the single peaked at number eight within the UK Singles Chart. The song was co-written by Sir John and his long-term musical partner Bernie Taupin. The single has since become a favourite during the festive period and has re-entered the charts. The track first re-joined the charts last year and is also seen within the top 10 this year.
The race to the Official UK Christmas number one is an annual tradition that is as anticipated as Christmas itself. This year marks the title and competition’s 70th anniversary. The British institution began in 1952 when the first Christmas number one single was announced. The competition’s first winner was “Here In My Heart” by Al Martino. The track is also known as the first UK number-one single.
Proceeds that are accrued through the single’s global record and publishing royalties will be donated. The singers will split the profits to be donated equally to their respective charities, Ed Sheeran Suffolk Music Foundation and The Elton John AIDS Foundation.