CMAT says Christmas song with Elton John is a dream come true

Sir Elton John has teamed up with Irish singer-songwriter CMAT for a fresh take on his festive hit single, Step Into Christmas. As reported by RTE, the duet serves as this year’s Amazon Music Original Christmas song. The original 1973 track saw a resurgence in 2025, when it climbed to number seven on the UK singles chart.

This release follows a successful precedent for the platform; last year, Australian pop icon Kylie Minogue provided the Amazon Music Original, XMAS, which went on to become the 2025 UK Christmas number one single. The new version featuring CMAT is scheduled to be available for streaming exclusively on Amazon Music starting this Thursday.

A Shared Musical Connection

The collaboration appears to be rooted in mutual admiration. Sir Elton, born Reginald Dwight, noted that he has loved CMAT since he first heard her and saw her videos years ago. I’ve loved CMAT since I first heard her and saw her videos years ago. She has this incredible personality and a wicked sense of humour, he said.

You can tell she has rock and roll and country, and Americana, at the heart of what she does – we’re kindred spirits in so many ways, and that’s why I was so thrilled with the idea of us collaborating on Step Into Christmas. She’s done an amazing job.

Elton John

For CMAT, whose legal name is Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, the project represents a confusing but joyful full-circle moment. When I listen to the music of Elton John, I am seven years old in the back of my mam’s car. It doesn’t matter how old or famous I become – whenever I listen to Elton John I will always be seven years old in the back of my mam’s car. she remarked.

Reflecting on the recording process, she added: Reconciling this feeling with the reality of getting to work with the man in question has been confusing to say the least, but the greatest joy of my life. Christmas is my absolute favourite thing in the world, second maybe only to Elton John. I would like to invite the whole world to step into Christmas with us and make your yuletide dreams come true.

Building Momentum for the Festive Release

CMAT, 30, has been building anticipation for the track throughout the week, sharing photos on Instagram that depicted her dressed in costumes reminiscent of Sir Elton’s iconic style. Her recent success includes winning the best album award at the Ivor Novello Awards for her third LP, Euro-Country, which was released last year.

Sir Elton continues to maintain a significant presence in the charts decades after his rise to fame in the 1970s. With a career spanning hits like Rocket Man, Tiny Dancer, and I’m Still Standing, he has secured five Grammy Awards, five Brit Awards, and a total of 10 number one singles and albums in the UK.