6 Shocking Details About Sabrina Carpenter's 'Last Christmas' Duet With Chappell Roan

The holiday music landscape was instantly redefined this season, as of December 13, 2025, with the release of a fresh, viral cover of the timeless classic, "Last Christmas." This isn't just any rendition; it's a dynamic duet between pop icon Sabrina Carpenter and fellow rising star Chappell Roan, which has become the undisputed centerpiece of Carpenter's highly-anticipated Netflix special, A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter. The performance has garnered immediate and massive praise from fans and critics alike, certifying it as one of the most talked-about musical moments of the entire holiday season.

The decision to cover the iconic Wham! track, coupled with the unexpected yet perfectly matched pairing of Carpenter and Roan, has injected a new, playful energy into the melancholic holiday anthem. Released on December 6, 2024, the special quickly cemented itself as a must-watch, with the "Last Christmas" duet being singled out as the absolute highlight.

Sabrina Carpenter: Full Biography and Profile

Sabrina Carpenter's career trajectory has seen her transition seamlessly from a Disney Channel actress to a global pop sensation, known for her sharp lyrical wit and catchy, infectious pop hooks. Her profile is a testament to her versatility in the entertainment industry.

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• Full Name: Sabrina Annlynn Carpenter
• Date of Birth: May 11, 1999
• Place of Birth: Quakertown / Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Producer
• Years Active: 2011–present
• Breakthrough Role (Acting): Maya Hart on the Disney Channel series Girl Meets World (2014–2017)
• Notable Albums/EPs: emails i can't send (2022), fruitcake (Holiday EP, 2023), A Nonsense Christmas (2024)
• Signature Hits: "Nonsense," "Feather," "Espresso," "A Nonsense Christmas"

The Viral Duet: Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan on 'Last Christmas'

The surprise collaboration between Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan for "Last Christmas" was a masterstroke in holiday programming. The pairing brought together two of the most talked-about pop artists of 2024, each known for their distinct and captivating stage personas.

1. A Clash of Styles That Just Works

The beauty of the duet lies in the contrast between the two artists. Sabrina Carpenter, known for her sweet yet sassy pop delivery, provides a polished, classic vocal performance. Chappell Roan, with her theatrical, glam-pop aesthetic, brings a distinct, almost karaoke-style energy to the track.

While some online discussions noted that their individual interpretations felt different, the consensus is that the overall performance is the "best moment" of the entire special. The chemistry between the two singers is undeniable, transforming the melancholic song into a vibrant, shared holiday moment.

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2. The Premiere and Immediate Fan Reaction

The duet was officially released as part of the Netflix special, A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter, which premiered globally on December 6, 2024.

Almost immediately, social media platforms exploded with praise for the cover. Fans specifically lauded the unexpected nature of the collaboration and the fresh take on a song that is covered countless times every year. The performance imagined a "decorous post-breakup" vibe, which resonated deeply with viewers.

Inside the Star-Studded 'A Nonsense Christmas' Special

The "Last Christmas" duet is only one component of the larger, highly-produced Netflix special, which was directed by Sam Wrench. The special serves as a vibrant, musical celebration of the holiday season, weaving together Carpenter’s original holiday tracks and iconic covers.

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3. The All-Star Guest Lineup

The special is packed with an impressive roster of musical guests and celebrity cameos, showcasing Sabrina Carpenter's growing influence in the industry. Beyond Chappell Roan, the special features performances and appearances from:

• Tyla: The South African singer, known for her global hit "Water."
• Shania Twain: The legendary country-pop superstar.
• Kali Uchis: The acclaimed R&B and soul artist.
• Nico Hiraga: Actor and comedian.
• Quinta Brunson: Creator and star of the hit series Abbott Elementary.

This diverse ensemble cast ensures the special appeals to a wide variety of music and pop culture fans, solidifying its status as a major 2024 holiday event.

4. Featured Songs and the 'Nonsense' Phenomenon

The special is a mix of classic holiday jingles and modern pop. It includes songs from Carpenter’s existing holiday EP, fruitcake, and her original, viral Christmas track, "A Nonsense Christmas."

The "A Nonsense Christmas" song, a festive rewrite of her chart-topping hit "Nonsense," was released on November 8, 2024. Its inclusion in the special, alongside the "Last Christmas" cover, bridges her established pop success with her burgeoning holiday music career.

The Legacy of Wham!’s Original 'Last Christmas'

To truly appreciate the fresh take by Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan, it’s essential to acknowledge the enduring legacy of the original track, which sets a high bar for any cover artist. Establishing this topical authority is key to understanding the cultural weight of the new duet.

5. The 1984 Synthpop Classic

The original "Last Christmas" was released by the British pop duo Wham! on December 3, 1984. The track was written and produced by the late George Michael, and it remains one of the most recognizable and beloved Christmas songs worldwide.

The song is a high watermark of mid-80s British synthpop, characterized by its distinctive use of a LinnDrum drum machine, a Roland Juno-60 synth, and the essential Christmassy sleigh bells.

6. A Timeless Theme of Love and Loss

Unlike many purely cheerful holiday songs, "Last Christmas" is fundamentally a song about heartbreak, betrayal, and the cyclical nature of love and loss during the festive season.

The lyrics tell a sorrowful tale of giving a heart away only to have it returned the very next day. This bittersweet theme is what has allowed the song to maintain its relevance for four decades, and it's a theme that both Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan—two artists who frequently explore themes of modern romance and heartbreak in their own music—are uniquely positioned to reinterpret for a new generation.

The success of the 2024 duet ensures that the narrative of "Last Christmas" continues, not just as a nostalgic piece of holiday music, but as a vibrant, evolving part of the contemporary pop culture conversation.