Christmas music season is officially approaching, and Ally Salort is getting an early start with her own rendition of one of the holiday season’s most recognizable songs. The New Jersey-born, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter has released a stripped-down interpretation of Wham!’s “Last Christmas,” putting a more intimate spin on the festive classic through Disruptor Records and RCA Records.
Rather than recreate the upbeat, synth-driven production that made the original a seasonal staple, Salort takes the song in a softer direction. Her acoustic arrangement places the focus on her vocals, trading the familiar rhythmic pulse for a warmer, more understated sound that brings the bittersweet emotions of the lyrics closer to the surface.
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Originally released in 1984, “Last Christmas” has remained a fixture of holiday playlists for four decades. George Michael’s wistful vocal delivery is central to the song’s enduring appeal, balancing the festive atmosphere with the disappointment of a love that did not work out. Ally Salort preserves that emotional contrast, approaching the lyrics with a gentle vulnerability while allowing the stripped-back instrumentation to give the melody room to breathe.
The release arrives after a busy year for the emerging artist, who recently supported Charlie Puth on his North American tour and is currently opening for Lexi Jayde on The Lover Girl Tour. Salort is also scheduled to perform at The Independent in San Francisco on November 2 and the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles on November 3, with both appearances supporting Jayde.
Earlier this year, she released Isn’t it sweeter?, an EP exploring love, self-discovery and the complicated process of growing into yourself. The project builds on the emotional songwriting introduced on her earlier EP, Change of Plans.
Ally Salort’s cover of “Last Christmas” is out now on all streaming platforms.
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