Kylie Minogue Reveals that it Took a Decade to Create Her Holiday Single 'XMAS'

Pop superstar Kylie Minogue has finally released the Christmas song she has kept private for ten years. Her new single, XMAS, was inspired by the Village Peoples classic YMCA and was first conceived during the summer of 2015.

The track is part of the 10th anniversary edition of Minogues holiday album. Kylie Christmas (Fully Wrapped) will return on December 5, featuring four new songs alongside the original collection.

Minogue shared with The Sun that the concept originated while she was in Berlin after releasing her first Christmas album. I was at Soho House in Berlin on a summer terrace, just after the first Christmas album, she said. After a few glasses of wine, it came to us: like YMCA but XMAS. Ive been holding onto the chorus for ten years.

The single is accompanied by a video in which Minogue performs the iconic flying lift from Dirty Dancing. Despite her extensive stage experience, she described the stunt as a bold step. I was nervous as Id never tried it before. It was a fantasy moment, she explained. We practiced a couple of times before the main take. The first lift overshot, the second was fine, and the third worked perfectly. The bruises the next day were worth it.

Regarding the songs potential as a holiday hit, Minogue said she isnt placing expectations on chart success. Im not counting on it. It would be amazing, but thats not my main focus. Im just thrilled ten years have passed since my last Christmas album and were still going strong.

The release comes after a busy period in Minogues career. Over the past two years, she has released two albums, including 2023s Tension, and completed a 66-date global tour. Despite the workload, she expressed excitement about continuing music creation. Its been a massive year, but Id happily spend most of my time in the studio. Making music is deeply satisfying, she said.

Minogue acknowledged that recording a holiday album during tour breaks was challenging but emphasized that her creative drive remains strong. Maybe I should focus more on the groundwork and let releasing come naturally, she added.

Her 2023 album Tension topped charts in the U.K. and Australia, reached No. 21 on the Billboard 200, and produced the international hit Padam Padam, which won a Grammy for Best Pop Dance Recording. Its follow-up, Tension II, also led charts in multiple countries and entered the U.S. top 100.

Author's Commentary: Kylie Minogue's New Christmas Single Marks a Decade of Musical Evolution

Kylie Minogue's long-awaited release of her Christmas single, "XMAS," after ten years of secrecy, is a testament to her enduring passion for music and her ability to blend past influences with contemporary trends. The track, inspired by the Village People’s iconic "YMCA," was conceived during a summer break in 2015. However, it wasn’t until now, with the release of the 10th anniversary edition of "Kylie Christmas," that the song has seen the light of day. The decision to finally share this festive track shows Minogue’s unwavering commitment to her artistry, even amidst her busy schedule.

What makes this release particularly significant is the context in which it’s happening. Minogue has spent the past few years releasing chart-topping albums, including the critically acclaimed "Tension" and its follow-up "Tension II." These projects have not only solidified her position as a pop icon but also expanded her musical range. "XMAS" marks a shift from her recent releases, showcasing her versatility and willingness to revisit the holiday genre. However, unlike her previous albums, Minogue is clear about not expecting chart dominance for the Christmas single, emphasizing that the release is a personal milestone rather than a commercial one.

As she continues to enjoy success with her latest album and Grammy-winning hits, "XMAS" feels like a playful return to a more lighthearted and nostalgic side of Minogue's persona. With her iconic "Dirty Dancing" lift in the music video, she proves yet again that she’s not afraid to take risks, even if they involve a few bruises. While the single may not be her main focus, the joy and excitement she expresses about making music are palpable, reminding us all why Kylie Minogue continues to be a beloved figure in the pop music landscape.

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• Kylie Minogue Says Holiday Single ‘XMAS’ Was a Decade in the Making