A forgotten Christmas song, recorded nearly a quarter-century ago, is experiencing an unexpected surge in popularity, fueled by a dedicated fanbase on TikTok. The track, performed by Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet, is suddenly poised for a potential climb to the top of the charts this holiday season.
In 2001, Winslet lent her voice to “What If,” a song featured in the film *Christmas Carol: The Movie*. While not initially known for her singing, the song resonated with audiences, reaching number six in the UK Singles Chart and even hitting number one in Austria and Ireland. It was a surprising success, touching listeners with its heartfelt melody.
Now, a new generation is rediscovering the song, creating videos and sharing their enthusiasm online. Fans believe this could be the year “What If” finally claims the coveted top spot, correcting what they see as a missed opportunity from its original release.
Ironically, the song’s resurgence is happening despite Winslet’s own playfully expressed embarrassment. In a 2017 radio interview, she confessed the tune has “haunted” her for years, revealing her husband often plays it just to tease her.
She recounted instances of restaurants and hotel bars preemptively offering to play either “What If” or Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” anticipating her connection to those iconic soundtracks. The actress has repeatedly asked to have the song turned off, a testament to its enduring presence in her life.
Winslet initially agreed to sing on the soundtrack for an animated adaptation of *A Christmas Carol*, cautiously offering her vocal talents. She readily admitted she wasn’t a professional singer and was prepared for the producers to replace her with a more experienced artist if needed.
This isn’t the first attempt to champion “What If” as a modern Christmas classic. Back in 2019, one writer passionately argued for its recognition, praising its “camp classic” qualities and dramatic musical flourishes.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its undeniably nostalgic sound – a blend of classical guitar, soaring strings, and a key change designed for maximum emotional impact. Whether it will reach the summit of the charts remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: “What If” is captivating a new audience and sparking a wave of festive cheer.
