ED SHEERAN & ELTON JOHN - MERRY CHRISTMAS

Released: December 3, 2021

Charted:  UK: #1 (3 weeks)  US: #42 

"Merry Christmas" is a collaborative holiday song by Ed Sheeran and Elton John. Released as a single through Asylum and Atlantic Records, the song quickly made its mark, entering at the top of the UK Singles Chart during the week of December 10, 2021. This achievement marked Ed Sheeran's twelfth chart-topper in the UK and Elton John's ninth number-one single in the country. The festive track originally appeared on the Christmas edition of Sheeran's album "=", and it also features on the Christmas edition of Elton John's collaborative album, "The Lockdown Sessions".

Ed Sheeran and Elton John teamed up for "Merry Christmas" after a Christmas Day call where Elton John expressed admiration for the enduring success of "Step Into Christmas." John proposed the idea of a Christmas duet, and though Sheeran was initially reserved, John's enthusiasm won him over. Sheeran insisted that the song should be a proper Christmas tune with sleigh bells and a festive vibe. The collaboration resulted in the creation of "Merry Christmas," along with two other festive songs, during a stay at Elton John's place.

The official music video for "Merry Christmas" pays homage to iconic British Christmas hits and scenes from the festive romantic-comedy film Love Actually. Ed Sheeran and Elton John re-create moments from Christmas classics like "Last Christmas," "Walking in the Air," "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday," "Merry Christmas Everyone," and "Stay Another Day." The video adds a nostalgic and festive touch, celebrating the spirit of Christmas through these beloved songs and memorable scenes.