Tom Grennan’s recent performance at South London’s historic Rivoli Ballroom marked a pivotal moment in his career, a celebration of his new Christmas single, “It Can’t Be Christmas,” which is currently vying for the coveted Christmas No.1 spot. The intimate setting of the vintage ballroom provided a unique backdrop for Grennan’s energetic set, showcasing his vocal prowess and captivating stage presence. Despite his established status in the music industry, Grennan admitted to pre-show jitters, questioning whether fans would turn out on a Thursday night competing with primetime television. The performance, however, proved to be a resounding success, further fueling his ambition to secure the Christmas number one against formidable competition like Mariah Carey and Wham!. This Christmas marks a special milestone for Grennan, his first as a married man following his recent nuptials with Danniella Carraturo. Even with the festive season and chart battle consuming his time, Grennan is already looking ahead to 2025 and the release of his fourth album, hinting at a significant evolution in his sound and expressing confidence in the hard work invested in the project.
The Rivoli Ballroom performance served as a preview of what’s to come from the artist, following the success of his chart-topping album “What Ifs & Maybes” released earlier this year. Grennan’s performance incorporated both his well-loved hits like “Higher,” “Found What I’ve Been Looking For,” and “Remind Me,” as well as the debut of his Christmas contender. The singer’s determination to achieve the Christmas No.1 reflects his dedication to his craft and connection with his fans. Looking beyond the festive season, Grennan is clearly focused on the long-term trajectory of his career, building upon the momentum of his previous successes and promising a significant musical offering in his forthcoming album. The intimate gig at the Rivoli provided a lucky few with an exclusive glimpse into this next chapter, while fans unable to attend can anticipate its release on Amazon Prime in the new year.
The anticipation surrounding Grennan’s new music coincides with a broader festive musical landscape. The charts are bustling with a mix of classic Christmas staples and new releases vying for attention. From established holiday anthems like Wham!’s “Last Christmas” and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” to newer contenders like Ed Sheeran and Elton John’s “Merry Christmas,” the competition for the top spot is fierce. This diverse mix highlights the enduring appeal of Christmas music and its ability to evoke nostalgia and festive cheer. Grennan’s entry into this arena adds another layer of excitement to the seasonal chart battle, offering a fresh perspective on the holiday spirit.
Meanwhile, radio presenter Jordan North is celebrating a successful year following his move from Radio 1 to Capital Breakfast. The show’s listenership has surged by 400,000 since April, reaching an impressive 2.96 million, and notably surpassing Radio 1 in younger demographics. North attributes this success to the camaraderie and dynamic he shares with co-hosts Sian Welby and Chris Stark, solidifying their position as a leading force in morning radio. His role as host of Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball, featuring major artists like Coldplay and Katy Perry, further cements his rising profile within the industry. North’s playful banter about sharing a pint with Katy Perry underscores the show’s lighthearted atmosphere and accessibility, resonating with a broad audience.
The music world is also buzzing with a wave of new album releases across various genres. Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department: the Anthology” continues to dominate conversations, while other notable releases include Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short n’ Sweet,” Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX,” and the posthumous release of Juice Wrld’s “The Party Never Ends.” Michael Buble’s “Christmas” album adds to the festive soundtrack of the season, while artists like Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, Ed Sheeran, The Weeknd, and Linkin Park offer diverse musical experiences for fans. This influx of new music provides a rich tapestry of sounds and styles, catering to a wide range of tastes and reflecting the dynamism of the contemporary music scene.
In conclusion, Tom Grennan’s intimate Rivoli Ballroom performance served as a launchpad for his Christmas single and a taste of his upcoming album. His aim for the Christmas No.1 underscores his ambition and connection with his audience. The broader musical landscape, filled with classic holiday tunes and new releases, highlights the vibrancy of the industry, with Jordan North’s radio success adding another dimension to the narrative. The diverse range of album releases further enriches the musical offerings available, catering to a multitude of tastes and solidifying the ongoing evolution of the music world.
