Kylie Minogue compares festive chart battle with Mariah Carey to trying to tame a tidal wave

December 2, 2025 – Radio 854 Music News:

As the holiday season ramps up and the race for Christmas No. 1 intensifies, pop icon Kylie Minogue has thrown her hat into the ring — but admits going up against Mariah Carey is no small feat. In a recent interview, Kylie described the festive chart battle as “like trying to stop a tidal wave.”

A festive comeback with a twist

Kylie’s new single XMAS — released as part of the 10-year anniversary edition of her holiday album, Kylie Christmas (Fully Wrapped) — marks her renewed dive into seasonal spirit. It’s her first major holiday release since the original album, and she told reporters she’s stoked to finally “get XMAS out of my system,” revealing the song had been in her head for nearly a decade.

Still, she remains realistic about the odds: “No MC will always be Christmas,” she quipped of Mariah Carey and her evergreen classic All I Want For Christmas Is You.

Why calling it a “tidal wave” makes sense

Mariah Carey’s hold on the festive charts is nothing short of legendary. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” has become a holiday staple worldwide — a perennial favourite that many consider the Christmas anthem.

For Kylie, attempting to challenge that dominance with a new track — however polished — must feel like stepping into the path of something unstoppable. Her metaphor of the “tidal wave” captures that sense of overwhelming momentum and tradition coming from Mariah’s camp.

A different kind of Christmas

Interestingly, producing the new festive material hasn’t been all sparkle and ease for Kylie. She described earlier recording sessions for the reissue as emotionally and physically taxing — sometimes writing through migraines and tears.

But that struggle also reflects the care she’s put into creating a holiday offering that doesn’t just ride nostalgia, but also offers her own spin: a blend of pop, warmth, and personality that feels contemporary — and personal.

What’s next — and why it matters

Whether “XMAS” ultimately dethrones a holiday classic or not, Kylie’s return to Christmas music matters. It shows that even under the long shadow cast by seasonal heavyweights, there’s room for fresh interpretations — and new contenders.

For fans of pop, Christmas and chart drama alike, this festive season promises excitement: a hopeful underdog, a reigning champion, and a race that’s just getting started.