Ariana Grande and Kelly Clarkson have made history this holiday season by securing the top two spots on Billboard’s list of the 25 most popular Christmas songs of the 21st century. Grande’s “Santa Tell Me,” released in 2014, takes the number one position, while Clarkson’s “Underneath the Tree,” from 2010, follows closely in second. This year marks a important shift, as both songs have also entered the Billboard Hot 100’s top 10 during the Christmas week, with “Santa Tell Me” at number 9 and “underneath the Tree” at number 10. The list features a mix of contemporary hits and classic favorites, showcasing the evolving landscape of holiday music.
Title: Ariana Grande and Kelly Clarkson Dominate Holiday Music Charts: An Insightful Discussion
Time.news Editor (TNE): We’re excited too discuss the recent remarkable achievements of Ariana Grande and Kelly Clarkson in the holiday music scene. Both artists have secured the top two spots on Billboard’s list of the 25 most popular Christmas songs of the 21st century, with ariana’s “Santa Tell Me” taking frist place and Kelly’s “Underneath the Tree” following in second. Can you elaborate on what these rankings signify for modern holiday music?
Music Expert (ME): Absolutely! The success of “Santa Tell Me” and “Underneath the Tree” reflects a notable shift in holiday music. For the first time, both songs have entered the Billboard Hot 100’s top 10 during the Christmas week, which is a rare achievement for Christmas music. This trend shows that contemporary holiday songs are gaining as much traction as traditional classics, appealing to a younger audience that craves modernity in holiday music.
TNE: that’s fascinating! It seems like the landscape of holiday music is evolving. What do you think is driving this shift toward modern tracks over classic favorites?
ME: There are several factors at play. First, social media and streaming platforms have made it easier for new holiday songs to be discovered and shared widely. As an example, platforms like TikTok can propel a song into popularity within days. Both Grande and Clarkson have strong online followings, which helps in promoting their holiday tracks to a broader audience. Additionally, there’s a growing appetite for original content over covers of traditional songs, as listeners seek unique, relatable experiences during the holiday season.
TNE: You mentioned streaming platforms. How vital are they for artists during the holiday season compared to traditional sales?
ME: Streaming has revolutionized how music is consumed, and this is especially true during holidays when music plays a huge role in celebrations. The more streams a song garners, the higher it climbs on the charts. This year, both “Santa Tell Me” and “Underneath the Tree” modulated well onto the charts, showcasing that listeners prefer these new hits just as much as the classics. The data confirms that traditional sales are diminishing compared to streaming numbers, especially for holiday music.
TNE: With this context in mind, what implications does this have for aspiring artists looking to break into the holiday music genre?
ME: For emerging artists, the key takeaway is to focus on originality while leveraging digital platforms for promotion. Investing in social media campaigns and engaging with listeners can create a unique holiday song that stands out. Collaboration with established artists, like how Grande and Clarkson have done, can also provide a valuable boost in visibility. Additionally, targeting themes in line with contemporary celebrations can resonate well with today’s audience.
TNE: It truly seems that modern holiday music marketing requires savvy digital strategy more than ever. Are there any practical steps you recommend for artists wanting to write a successful holiday song?
ME: Certainly! Here are a few practical steps:
- Identify Unique Themes: Instead of sticking to the standard winter wonderland trope,think outside the box. Consider incorporating personal experiences that resonate with a wide audience.
- Collaborate with Other Talents: Partner with songwriters or producers who can bring a fresh viewpoint or sound to your project.
- Leverage Social Media: Build a following and create buzz around your song before its release. Short teasers or behind-the-scenes looks can incite curiosity.
- Engagement: Encourage fan interaction. host contests or ask fans to share their holiday stories, incorporating them into your song’s promotion.
- Timing & Consistency: Release your song early in the holiday season to catch the wave of listeners gearing up for celebrations.
TNE: Thank you for these insights! It’s clear that both Ariana Grande and Kelly Clarkson are not just shining stars this holiday season, but they’re also setting trends that many artists can aspire to follow.
ME: Exactly! Their success illustrates the importance of adapting to industry changes and connecting with audiences in an increasingly digital world.It is indeed undoubtedly an exciting time for holiday music!