In a turn of events that has surprised the music industry and fans alike, former Philadelphia Eagles’ center Jason Kelce has found himself at the forefront of the holiday music charts. Teaming up with the iconic Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac, their rendition of “Maybe This Christmas” has leapfrogged the long-standing favorite, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You”, to claim the top spot on the iTunes holiday songs chart.
Their duet breathes new life into Ron Sexsmith’s soothing holiday classic. This swift ascent to the top of the charts is a clear indicator of the duo’s remarkable synergy and the public’s enthusiasm for their musical collaboration. Countering Mariah Carey’s song, which last year alone notched up over 21.3 million streams on Christmas Eve according to Spotify, was no small feat. Yet, “Maybe This Christmas” has managed to captivate listeners, signaling a ripe moment for newcomers to shine amidst perennial holiday hits.
Jason Kelce shared his elation over the duet’s success during an episode of “The New Heights” podcast, which he hosts with his brother and fellow NFL star, Travis Kelce. His humorous remark about being the new “Queen of Christmas” pointed not only to the unexpected nature of the song’s popularity but also to the ever-changing dynamics of what listeners tune into during the holiday season.
However, it’s noteworthy that Kelce isn’t entirely a stranger to the world of music. His involvement with The Philly Specials, a band he formed with his brother, has also garnered attention on the holiday music scene. Their track, “It’s Christmas Time (in Cleveland Heights),” has made an impressive impact, landing among the top ten on several charts. Furthermore, the band’s upcoming album, *A Philly Special Christmas Party*, set for a November release, promises to channel its proceeds towards charitable causes, capturing the spirit of giving that defines the season.
Adding a layer of allure to the duet is Stevie Nicks, whose enchanting voice and legendary status in the music industry have undoubtedly drawn a wider audience to the song. Despite Kelce’s modest jest that his singing might not typically qualify for chart-topping success, Nicks’ involvement has infused the track with a distinctive charm that appeals across generations.
Mariah Carey’s holiday anthem, since its release in 1994, has been an immutable fixture of seasonal joy, earning her the moniker “Queen of Christmas.” The song’s unflagging popularity is reflected in its recurring dominance on holiday charts and even in a whimsical tribute via an official declaration in New Zealand recognizing her as the official holiday royalty.
Industry experts, like Rolling Stone music critic Chris Molanphy, note that the success of Kelce and Nicks’ song hinges on its genuine emotional resonance and a touch of nostalgia, a blend that seems to have struck the right chord with listeners during the holiday season. Simone Johnson, a seasoned music industry analyst from Billboard, remarks on how the collaboration effectively captures the essence of the holiday spirit in a fresh and vibrant way.
As the festive season encourages a richer and more varied musical palette, the rise of “Maybe This Christmas” and similar tracks may signal a broader shift in listener preferences, moving between the comforting familiarity of classic tunes and the exciting novelty of new entries.
Though Mariah Carey’s reign atop the holiday charts is likely to resume, given her legendary track’s historical stronghold, the unexpected success of “Maybe This Christmas” serves as a reminder of the dynamic and evolving landscape of holiday music. It proves that there’s always room for surprises and that the festive season can bring forth unconventional candidates to the spotlight.
Thus, the phenomenon of Jason Kelce and Stevie Nicks topping the charts not only diversifies the musical offerings around the holiday season but also underscores the storyboard of holiday music, continually shaped by both tradition and innovation. As Kelce looks to further explore his musical ventures, it’s clear that the future of holiday music may hold many more surprises, resonating with a global audience ready to embrace both the warmth of the familiar and the excitement of the new.
