Controversial Christmas Number Ones That Shocked the Charts

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Uncover the most controversial Christmas Number Ones—from Rage Against the Machine’s protest anthem to novelty hits like Mr. Blobby that still divide opinions.

Controversial Christmas Number Ones

Every December, music fans wait to see which song will win the race to be Christmas Number One. Sometimes the winner is heartwarming. Other times, it’s shocking, strange, or sparks heated debate. Let’s take a glance beyond to know about the controversial Christmas number one:

What Is a Christmas Number One?

In the UK, the single that tops the charts in Christmas week is called the “Christmas Number One.” It’s a tradition that began in the 1950s and has become a big part of holiday culture. Winning the top spot is not just about music — it’s about pride, charity, and sometimes even protest.

The Most Controversial Christmas Number Ones

  1. Rage Against the Machine – Killing in the Name (2009)
    A Facebook campaign pushed this angry protest track to Number One, beating the usual X Factor winner. Nobody expected a politically charged rock anthem to be the Christmas hit.
  2. Mr Blobby – Mr Blobby (1993)
    A novelty TV character’s silly single became Christmas Number One. Critics called it one of the worst songs ever, but it still topped the charts.
  3. LadBaby – We Built This City on Sausage Rolls (2018) and sequels
    For five years, LadBaby claimed the crown with charity singles about sausage rolls. While praised for raising money, many felt the joke went too far.
  4. Bob the Builder – Can We Fix It? (2000)
    A children’s cartoon character beating serious pop acts for Christmas Number One left many stunned.
  5. Band Aid – Do They Know It’s Christmas? (1984, 1989, 2004)
    A charity song with big stars was loved by some but criticized by others for its lyrics and portrayal of Africa.
  6. Cliff Richard – Saviour’s Day (1990)
    Cliff was a Christmas chart regular, but many thought this religious ballad felt forced and won mainly thanks to his huge fanbase.
  7. Girls Aloud – Sound of the Underground (2002)
    A girl group formed on TV show Popstars: The Rivals shot straight to Number One, raising questions about “manufactured” pop dominating the charts.
  8. Spice Girls – 2 Become 1 (1996)
    A romantic ballad that mentioned safe sex topped the charts at Christmas. Some praised its message, others thought it was too grown-up for a festive hit.
  9. X Factor Winners’ Singles (2005–2008, 2010–2014)
    Year after year, the show’s winners claimed Number One. Critics argued this “monopoly” killed the Christmas spirit of surprise and variety.
  10. The Beatles – I Want to Hold Your Hand (1963) and others
    The Beatles dominated several Christmases in the 1960s. While fans loved it, some thought no one else had a fair chance.
  11. Pink Floyd – Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2) (1979)
    With its anti-school message, the song was banned in parts of the world, yet still became a Christmas Number One in the UK.
  12. Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You (1992)
    A powerful ballad that ruled the charts for weeks also took Christmas Number One. Some said it didn’t “feel” festive enough for the season.
  13. Benny Hill – Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West) (1971)
    A comedy track about a milkman became a Christmas hit. Many saw it as light fun, but others thought it made the charts look like a joke.
  14. The Human League – Don’t You Want Me (1981)
    A synth-pop love song that wasn’t Christmas-themed at all took the crown, surprising traditionalists who expected a holiday tune.
  15. Pet Shop Boys – Always on My Mind (1987)
    A cover of an Elvis classic hit Number One at Christmas, dividing fans who argued whether it was respectful or just a flashy remake.
  16. East 17 – Stay Another Day (1994)
    Although often remembered as a Christmas ballad, the song had no festive theme. Some loved its emotional power, others said it didn’t belong as a Christmas Number One.
  17. Michael Andrews & Gary Jules – Mad World (2003)
    A haunting, stripped-down cover of a Tears for Fears hit. Its dark mood shocked many who expected a joyful holiday tune.

Other Christmas Songs That Sparked Debate

Not every controversial Christmas track hit Number One, but some stirred plenty of arguments:

“Fairytale of New York” by The Pogues — Loved by many, but its use of offensive language has led to radio edits and censorship debates.

“Baby, It’s Cold Outside” — A holiday classic, but modern listeners argue its lyrics feel outdated and uncomfortable.

“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” — When first released in 1952, some religious groups said it was inappropriate for children.

Why Do These Controversies Matter?

Christmas chart battles are more than a music tradition. They reflect what people care about. Some songs spark political movements, others raise questions about taste, and some simply show how unpredictable the public can be. The arguments prove one thing: Christmas Number Ones are never “just songs” — they are cultural moments.

Final Word

From punk protests to novelty characters, controversial Christmas Number Ones remind us that music can shock, divide, and unite all at once. As this year’s race approaches, fans are already asking: which song will be the next to surprise us?


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