The draw has been complete and the groups for the impending Christmas Song World Cup are known. The format is changing this year. In previous competitions the first two weeks of December had open polling for the group stages to decide the Last 16 songs. This year we will hold indiviudal matches to find group stage results.
Voting is carried out on our facebook and instagram stories.
GROUP A
There is no denying that Group A is going to be a tough route into the Last 16 with a former double champion and three former quarter finalists slugging it out.
The Pogues | v | Mudd | December 1st |
The Pretenders | v | The Waitresses | December 1st |
The Pogues | v | The Pretenders | December 9th |
Mudd | v | The Waitresses | December 9th |
The Pogues | v | The Waitresses | December 13th |
Mudd | v | The Pretenders | December 13th |
Fairytale of New York - The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl**
The Pogues have an impressive pedigree, clocking up two championships in 2008 and 2012 before coming away as losing finalist in 2016. An extraordinary Last 16 defeat to East 17 in 2020 sent shockwaves as the Pogues were defeated before a final for the first time.
The song comes under fire on an annual basis in recent times for lyrics that some consider offensive but after the death of Shane McGowan in November last year, there will be a resurgance in popularity of the song. It is consistently cited by Brits as the favourite Christmas song of all time.
Prediction: They are always considered amongst the favourites, the strongest performer in the competition history and it would be a shock if they are not in amongst the semi finalists.
Mudd have never bettered their quarter final run in 2008, being eliminated by Slade. In 2012 and 2020 they were sent home at the Last 16 stage and not emerging from the group stage in 2012.
The tune is often mistaken as an Elvis tune and was last performed on British TV show Top of the Pops on Elvis's birthday in 1975. It hit the British number one spot in Christmas 1974
Prediction: A challenging group to escape and there will certainly be a fight between The Pretenders and Mudd to take the expected second place spot. Most likely to make Last 16 or head home before the knock out stages
2000 Miles - The Pretenders
The Pretenders have struggled to develop a consistent form. A Last 16 outing in 2008 and a Quarter Final berth in 2016 with group stage exits in 2010 and 2020.
Not technically a Christmas song, but in fact a tribute to James Honeyman-Scott, the guitarist of the band who had passed away the year before. Despite this, it has been taken to heart by the Brits as a Christmas song, in the top ten money earners for Christmas tunes.
Prediction: They will need to overcome Mudd to take the epxected second place slot behind the Pogues, but are unlikely to make it much further.
Christmas Wrapping - The Waitresses
The song reached a Quarter Final defeat to The Pogues in 2016 but failed to leave the group stages in 2012 and 2020, they did not even appear in the 2008 finals.
A song constructed from unused riffs and written in a taxi about a dislike of the festive season
Prediction: A consistently overlooked classic that never seems to gather support or momentum. Unlikely to overcome the challenges of a tough group
GROUP B
Another group of big names, a former champion, semi finalist and two Last 16 contenders. This is certainly a challenging start for a World Cup campaign and a potential superstar early exit could be on the cards.
Roy Wood | v | Band Aid | December 2nd |
Boney M | v | Beach Boys | December 2nd |
Roy Wood | v | Boney M | December 9th |
Band Aid | v | Beach Boys | December 9th |
Roy Wood | v | Beach Boys | December 13th |
Boney M | v | Band Aid | December 13th |
I Wish it Could be Christmas Everyday - Roy Wood & Wizzard*
An undisputed giant of the Christmas Song oeuvre. Twice quarter finalist in 2008 and 2012 before lifting the crown in 2016. They suffered a surprise defeat at Last 16 stage, coming up against a resurgant Chris Rhea in 2020.
Alongside Slade this is considered the starting gun of the Christmas song pop craze of the 70s and 80s. It is often despised by those who work in retail as it is such a staple of the Christmas play list
Prediction: Despite being a giant in the field, this is not an easy going group. They should be able to emerge from the group and should exect at least a quarter final appearance as a respectable showing.
Do they know its Christmas time - Band Aid 84
After a semi final berth in the 2008 contest the Charity single has been group stage fodder ever since. Perhaps as we are celebrating the 40th anniversary this year along with another re release they might be able to enjoy a resurgant push for glory.
Another song that has come under fire from people who feel the lyrics are out of place in a modern world, or even that the idea of a chairty appeal for Africa is a damaging concept.
Prediction: Band Aid is drifting toward the exit That semi final was an awful long time ago and they are holding onto a second seed slot by the skn of their teeth. Unfortunately they are in an extremely tough group and it may be another group stage exit once again.
Mary's Boy Child (Oh my Lord) - Boney M
Apart from a group stage exit in 2016, Boney M have consistently reached the Last 16 stage on every ocasion. It is always considered fondly.
The song is actually a medley of a Boney M composition and a 1950s Harry Belafonte song.
Prediction: It would seem fairly safe to predict a Last 16 finish but any one of the three players slugging it out for the second place could sneak through.
Little Saint Nick - Beach Boys
Only having emerged from the group stage once in 2016 to be eliminated at the Last 16 stage, consistently popular but not a front runner.
The song was inspired by the iconic Phil Spector Christmas Album.
Prediction: They need a good showing this year but the group they find themselves in puts a Last 16 showing as a very impressive performance.
GROUP C
Another group of heavy hitters that gives us a Beatles face off in the diary to enjoy.
Darlene Love | v | John Lennon | December 3rd |
Bowie and Bing | v | Paul McCartney | December 3rd |
Darlene Love | v | Paul McCartney | December 10th |
Bowie and Bing | v | John Lennon | December 10th |
Darlene Love | v | Bowie and Bing | December 13th |
John Lennon | v | Paul McCartney | December 13th |
Christmas! (Baby Please Come Home) - Darlene Love
Three Quarter Final showings with a Last 16 defeat in 2016. Darlene Love is a constant strong performer, considered one of the leading second tier first seeds.
Part of the iconic Phil Spector Chirstmas project, it was used as the opening credit song of Gremlins and features Cher on backing vocals.
Prediction: There is no reason why Darlene Love cannot reach the Quarter Finals.
Happy Xmas (War is Over) - John Lennon
A semi final berth in 2016 flatters the iconic Lennon who did not qualify in 2012 and otherwise sent home in Group Stages. Another song that could see a slide down the seedings if it doesn't make it out of the group stages this time.
Originally an anti war protest campaign song which was rereleased after his death. Perhaps the current climate of conflict will put some wind in the sails.
Prediciton: A tough one to call here, this is a group of big beasts but maybe, just maybe this is the year for Lennon to breakout of the group once again. Anywhere between group exit and quarter finalist is possible.
Little Drummer Boy (Peace on Earth) - Bowie & Bing
Did not qualify in 2008, Group Stages in 2012 followed by Last 16 appearances in the most recent two events. Bowie and Bing have grown in strength and popularity.
Bowie was not keen on the tune and so the harmony part was written for this performance. It is one of the most commercially sccessful releases of the Duke's distinguished career.
Prediction: Bing and Bowie could be expected to reach Last 16 although the group stage mix is hard to predict.
Wonderful Christmas time - Paul McCartney
A Last 16 showing in 2012 the only outing beyond the group stage for this Christmas song that will eventually be reconsidered by culture.
McCartney played all the instruments and performed all the vocals and produced the song himself.
Prediction: Although undeserved, we suspect McCartney will fail to take either of the qualification slots and once again be sent home in the group stages. This may well condemn him to losing a seeding place for the next competition.
GROUP D
The defending Champion Shakin Stevens is joined by giant Wham in what many will consider a straight up two way fight.
Shakin Stevens | v | Wham | December 4th |
Aled Jones | v | Queen | December 4th |
Shakin Stevens | v | Queen | December 10th |
Aled Jones | v | Wham | December 10th |
Wham | v | Queen | December 13th |
Shakin Stevens | v | Aled Jones | December 13th |
Merry Christmas Everyone - Shakin Stevens*
Two Group Stage exits and a Last 16 showing was not the kind of form or popularity that could have predicted Stevens lifting the crown in 2020. He had a storming campaign, culminating in a breathtaking victory over a strong Mariah Carey in the final.
The track was Stevens' last UK number one and he delayed release for a year to avoid clashing with Band Aid.
Prediction: It is difficult to see a repeat glory but it is well within the realms of possibility to reach Last 16 or maybe even Quarter Final stages.
Last Christmas - Wham!
Quarter finalists in 2008, Semi finalists in 2012 followed by a shock group stage exit in 2016 and then a dissappointing Last 16 exit in 2020. There is no question that Last Christmas is one of the giants of the field, but it has unquestionably underperformed.
All royalties for the song have been donated and charted to 2nd spot three times and 3rd place in 2019.
Prediction: It would be foolish to expect Wham to fail, but it has been an underperformer. It should be able to navigate out of this group and then a Quarter Final at least, should be on the cards.
Walking in the air - Aled Jones
A 2012 Last 16 remains the best performance for the animated film classic. Two group stage exits and a failure to qualify last time round mean that this is another song that is in risk of losing a seeding place.
The commerical release made Aled Jones a household name, but the recording for the film was actually sung by St. Paul's Cathedral choirboy Peter Auty.
Prediction: Aled Jones may well be heading home early and losing his seed status as a result.
Thank God it's Christmas - Queen
Three group stage finishes and a did not qualify in 2012. Queen have failed to set the Christmas season on fire with their contribution.
Brian May was convinced the lack of a promotional video cost the song dear.
Prediciton: Queen would be overperforming if they emerge from this group.
GROUP E
A Finalist, Semi finalist and Quarter finalist in this group.
Slade | v | Dean Martin | December 5th |
Mike Oldfield | v | Chris de Burgh | December 5th |
Dean Martin | v | Chris de Burgh | December 11th |
Slade | v | Mike Oldfield | December 11th |
Chris de Burgh | v | Slade | December 14th |
Mike Olfield | v | Dean Martin | December 14th |
Merry Xmas Everybody - Slade
Another of the big beasts, a finalist in 2008, quarters in 2012, semis in 2016 and a Last 16 exit in 2020. Those first three exits were at the hands of the Pogues and last time out a surprise defeat to Dean Martin, so the curtain riaser for this group has some added extra spice.
Noddy Holder joked that this song was his pension plan
Prediction: It is unthinkable that Slade will not get out of the group and should be expected to at least reach the quarer finals, if not the semis.
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow - Dean Martin
After three Group Stage exits Dean Martin had a spirited run to the Semi finals last time round, as seemingly the old school crooner vote coalesced behind him.
The song was written in a Hollwood July, with the heat leaving the writers trying to imagine cooler conditions.
Prediction: A tough one to call, despite an impressive run last time, Dean would be performing well to get to the Last 16.
In Dulce Jubilo - Mike Odlfield
A quarter final in 2016 and two previous Last 16 appearances with a group stage elimination in 2020. This tune has dropped to third place seedings.
Charted at number 4 in UK in 1975
Prediction: Mike should be reaching Last 16, and he needs the seeding points as well.
A Spaceman came travelling - Chris de Burgh
A debutant in the finals and an unknown quantity.
Prediction: Chris would be doing well to escape the group stages
GROUP F
Two quarter finalists, a finalist and a debutant. The draw has been cruel to the crooners this year, placing two of them in the same group
Bing Crosby | v | East 17 | December 6th |
Nat King Cole | v | Steeleye Span | December 6th |
Bing Crosby | v | Steeleye Span | December 11th |
Nat King Cole | v | East 17 | December 11th |
Bing Crosby | v | Nat King Cole | December 14th |
East 17 | v | Steeleye Span | December 14th |
White Christmas - Bing Crosby
A finalist in 2012 and two last 16 finishes after that, all better than the group stage showing in 2008. Bing Crosby is an evergreen popular hit.
A massive money spinner with relentless cover versions every year
Prediction: Should emerge unscathed from the group and could easily hit the quarter finals.
The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole
Quarter finalist last time out, shockingly did not qualify in 2016 and group stage exits in the two events prior to that. Nat King Cole is a member of the crooner squad that has not hit the heights of the semi finals.
Nat King Cole insisted on the iconic string arrangement despite his record label refusing to allow it.
Prediction: Could struggle to get out of the group
Stay Another Day - East 17
Two group stage finishes and not even qualifying in 2016 did not provide an indicator of the impressive run to the quarter finals in 2020, toppling The Pogues on the way.
Not really a Christmas song and actually written about the suicide of Tony Mortimer's brother.
Prediction: No reason why they cannot put in a showing like 2020 and hit the quarter finals
Gaudate - Steeleye Span
A first appearance in the finals and probably not emerging from the group stage.
GROUP G
The behemoth that is Mariah Carey, 2020 finalist is paired up with quarter finalist Elton John in the group stages once again.
Mariah Carey | v | Elton John | December 7th |
Andy Williams | v | Jethro Tull | December 7th |
Mariah Carey | v | Jethro Tull | December 12th |
Elton John | v | Andy Williams | December 12th |
Mariah Carey | v | Andy Williams | December 14th |
Elton John | v | Jethro Tull | December 14th |
All I want for Christmas is you - Mariah Carey
Two semi finals in 2008 and 2012 with a shock Last 16 exit at the hands of The Pretenders in 2016 and then a defeat in the final to Shakin Stevens last time out. She should storm the group as she usually does.
Mariah has become known as the "Queen of Christmas" as this song has charted in the US every year since release.
Prediction: It ain't Christmas if Mariah Carey is not in the last four. Despite her shock early exit in 2016, Mariah is a sure fire bet for the semi finals. Sensible money would also consider her one of the favourites to lift the crown.
Step into Christmas - Elton John
Elton is reaping the rewards of a run to the quarter finals last time out with a second seed spot this year. Prior to that he only reached elimination stages once in 2016 with a Last 16 defeat to the Waitresses.
Another song that was inpsired by the epic Phil Spector Christmas album sound
Prediction: Elton should be taking a second spot finish behind Mariah and heading into the Quarter Finals.
A quarter final in the 2012 event is the only time that Andy Williams has emerged from the group stage. An eternally popular song that seems to slip from the memory when compared to the Christmas greats.
Despite the enduring popularity of the song it was originally not released as the promotional single for The Andy Williams Christmas Album as a version of White Christmas was used instead
Prediction: It would seem unlikely that Andy will get out of the group stage once again this year.
Ring our Solstice Bells - Jethro Tull
Another debutant. Jethro Tull's Solstice Bells will be up against it with a challenging group.
Prediction: Liable to be group stage fodder
GROUP H
A semi finalist, quarter finalist and a Last 16 finish are joined by newcomer Johnny Mathis in the last group.
Chris Rea | v | Jona Lewie | December 8th |
Cliff Richard | v | Johnny Mathis | December 8th |
Chris Rea | v | Cliff Richard | December 12th |
Jona Lewie | v | Johnny Mathis | December 12th |
Chris Rea | v | Johnny Mathis | December 14th |
Cliff Richard | v | Jona Lewie | December 14th |
Driving Home for Christmas - Chris Rea
An impressive run to the semi finals last time out has bumped this tune into the top seeds points bracket. Previously a Last 16 finish in 2008 was the best showing. He didn't even qualify in 2012 and eliminated at group stages in 2016.
The song was written in a taxi when stuck in a traffic jam
Prediction: Chris should emerge from the group and would be a strong contender for a quarter final berth.
Stop the Cavalry - Jona Lewie
Two last 16 eliminations were improved upon in 2016 with a Quarter final showing but Lewie was sent home at the group stages last time out.
Was denied a number one chart place by two rereleased Lennon songs after the ex Beatle was murdered.
Prediction: Last 16 or Quarter finals should be within Lewie's capabilities.
Miseltoe & Wine - Cliff Richard
A consistent Group stage participant with a Last 16 appearance in 2008. Cliff underperforms.
Originally part of a musical called Scraps
Prediction: A group stage showing is most likely for the Peter Pan of Pop
When a child is born - Johnny Mathis
A first showing for Johnny Mathis but it may well be a brief one
Last 16 (15th, 16th, 17th & 18th of December)
The knock out matches are played over four days with two matches being voted on over each day.
Quarter Finals (19th, 20th December)
At this stage the competition is getting tense
Semi Finals (21st and 22nd December)
Two matches with the winners progressing to the Grand Final
Final (23rd December)
The sensible money is on the big hitters. The Pogues or Mariah Carey are the out and out favourites. But there is a pack of contenders just behind them that could emerge as victors. Roy Wood, Slade and Wham! The crooners always sneak in on the inside rail and surprise people with their popularity. Each year seems to present certain songs that capture the imagination of the moment. Chris Rhea and Shakin Stevens both benefited from zietgiest support last time round. Perhaps the anti war message of John Lennon or the anniversary of Band Aid will bring these songs back into awareness.
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