5 Reasons Why Sabrina Carpenter And Chappell Roan's 'Last Christmas' Duet Defined The 2024 Holiday Season

The holiday season of 2024 will be forever marked by a single, iconic collaboration: Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan's stunning duet of the Wham! classic, "Last Christmas." As of December 2025, fan discussions and social media clips of the performance continue to circulate, solidifying its place as one of the most memorable moments from Carpenter's Netflix special, A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter. This unexpected pairing of two of pop's most talked-about and rapidly rising stars not only delivered a fresh take on a beloved standard but also signaled a significant shift in the music landscape, showcasing the power of genuine, unscripted pop energy.

The performance, which aired on Netflix in December 2024, immediately became a viral sensation, drawing praise for its vocal harmony, playful chemistry, and the sheer star power of the two artists. Their joint decision to tackle such a sacred holiday track—originally performed by George Michael—was a bold move that paid off handsomely, captivating millions and cementing their status as the defining pop voices of their generation. The collaboration has since sparked massive speculation about their shared future, especially with both artists recently confirmed as headliners for major 2025 festivals like Primavera Sound Barcelona.

The Pop Titans: Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan's Rise to Stardom

While their duet on "Last Christmas" brought them together on stage, both Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan have had parallel, meteoric ascents that made this collaboration a cultural event. Their individual biographies paint a picture of relentless dedication and a sudden, massive breakout into the mainstream.

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Sabrina Carpenter: From Disney to Pop Icon

• Full Name: Sabrina Annlynn Carpenter
• Date of Birth: May 11, 1999
• Hometown: Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Career Start: Began acting in 2011, with a breakthrough role as Maya Hart in Disney Channel's Girl Meets World (2014–2017).
• Musical Style: Pop, synth-pop, R&B, known for witty, often cheeky lyrics and a polished, bubblegum-pop aesthetic.
• Key Albums: Emails I Can't Send (2022) and Short n' Sweet (2024).
• Recent Milestones: Opening act for Taylor Swift's global Eras Tour, securing multiple top 10 hits, and the critically acclaimed Netflix special, A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter.

Chappell Roan: The Midwest Princess Phenomenon

• Full Name: Kayleigh Rose Amstutz
• Date of Birth: July 19, 1998
• Hometown: Willard, Missouri, U.S.
• Career Start: Signed a record deal at 17, but her current persona and sound began to solidify around 2020.
• Musical Style: Pop, dark-pop, synth-pop, characterized by theatrical visuals, camp aesthetics, and deeply personal, queer-focused storytelling.
• Key Album: The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess (2023).
• Recent Milestones: Massive viral success throughout 2024, a critically praised debut album, sold-out headlining tours, and winning Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammy Awards (as speculated/reported in early 2025 news). Her music, like Carpenter's, is noted for its modern sensibility rooted in classic, sensual pop sounds.

The Anatomy of the 'Last Christmas' Duet and Its Cultural Impact

The decision to include Chappell Roan in A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter was a stroke of genius that elevated the special beyond a typical celebrity holiday showcase. The duet of the Wham! song "Last Christmas" was the undeniable highlight, a perfect storm of musical talent and cultural timing.

A Nonsense Christmas: Setting the Scene

Sabrina Carpenter’s Netflix special was a visually stunning, high-production affair, blending her signature witty humor with holiday cheer. The special featured a number of collaborations, but the pairing with Chappell Roan was the one that truly captured the zeitgeist. The performance was not just a cover; it was a reinterpretation that respected the original while infusing it with their distinct, modern pop sensibilities.

Vocal Chemistry and Performance Style

The duet allowed both artists to showcase their vocal strengths. Carpenter’s clear, effortless pop tone provided a smooth counterpoint to Roan’s more theatrical, powerful delivery. They navigated the melancholic yet catchy melody of the 1984 classic with ease, adding a layer of contemporary pop polish. The performance was lauded by fans and critics alike, with many noting that the two breakout artists managed to make the "sacred" Wham! version feel fresh again.

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The Significance of the Collaboration

The duet was more than just a musical moment; it was a cultural nod. Both Carpenter and Roan are celebrated figures in the LGBTQ+ community, and their joint performance of a song that deals with heartbreak and emotional vulnerability resonated deeply with a diverse audience. Some outlets even dubbed it the "gayest, best Christmas song," highlighting the track's renewed relevance through the lens of these two queer-aligned pop figures.

The success of the "Last Christmas" cover solidified the idea that Carpenter and Roan are not merely passing trends but formidable forces shaping the future of pop music, often drawing comparisons for their shared synth-pop sound and sensual, self-aware lyrics.

What’s Next? The Future of Pop and Potential 2025 Collaborations

The question on every fan's mind following the viral success of the "Last Christmas" duet is simple: Will there be more collaborations? While no official studio track has been announced as of late 2025, the evidence suggests that the two artists are traveling in the same orbit, making a future project highly probable.

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Shared Headlining Status at Primavera Sound 2025

A major indicator of their shared star power and industry standing is their confirmed status as headliners for the prestigious Primavera Sound Barcelona festival in 2025. Sharing the top billing with other major artists like Charli XCX is a clear sign that the music industry views them as co-equal titans. This shared festival stage presents the perfect opportunity for an impromptu reunion, or perhaps even the debut of a new joint track.

The Pop Music Landscape of 2025

Both artists are riding a massive wave of momentum. Carpenter continues to dominate the charts with tracks from her latest album, while Roan's post-Grammy success has propelled her to global fame. Their shared success in the modern synth-pop genre—a sound with roots in classic Philly soul and bedroom ballads—suggests a natural creative alignment beyond a holiday cover.

Fans are eagerly anticipating a formal studio collaboration, perhaps a track that blends Carpenter's polished production with Roan's theatrical flair. The "Last Christmas" duet served as a powerful proof-of-concept, demonstrating that their voices and personas complement each other perfectly. Whether it’s a surprise appearance on each other’s tours or a dedicated single, the world is watching to see how these two pop powerhouses will define the next era of music.