Pop Giants: Christmas-Hits

Every year, just in time for the beginning of Advent, Christmas carols are played on the radio. In addition to immortal classics like "Ave Maria" or "Silent Night, Holy Night", there are mainly hits from the 80s and 90s like "Last Christmas" by Wham and "Do They Know It's Christmas" by Band Aid , "The Power of Love" by Frankie Goes To Hollywood or "Driving Home For Christmas" by Chris Rea, which for many people are firmly associated with the Christmas season.

But which song is actually the most successful Christmas hit? In the music documentary “Pop Giganten: Weihnachts-Hits “.

This is how Chris Rea's contemplative "Driving Home For Christmas" came about at a time when the singer and guitarist was still unknown and short on cash. He couldn't afford a train ticket to go to his parents' house and was taken in the car. Along the way, Chris Rea came up with the idea for this song.

Few also know that George Michael was accused of plagiarism by Barry Manilow when his world hit “Last Christmas” was released and that an out-of-court settlement was reached. It didn't harm the success of the song: "Last Christmas" conquers the charts every year and makes George Michael richer by around 8 million euros every year.

In addition to these special stories, the documentary is also dedicated to the Christmas songs that play a major role in films such as Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" in "Home Alone" or songs that were not originally intended as Christmas songs and only became so through the media were made.

Of course, our celebrities talk about their most unusual Christmas experiences and they have also come up with a very personal Christmas surprise for the viewers!

Broadcast date: 11/29/2016