Emilia Clarke’s Hidden Singing Talent: Why Her ‘Last Christmas’ Role Was a Defining Moment

Emilia Clarke, renowned for her iconic portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, ventured into the world of singing with her role in the 2019 romantic comedy Last Christmas. Directed by Paul Feig, the film, which was inspired by George Michael’s music, saw Clarke playing Kate, a disillusioned Christmas store worker with dreams of singing. The movie, released in November 2019, grossed $123 million worldwide and garnered a mixed reception. While the film’s story and reviews were debated, Clarke’s performance, particularly her chemistry with co-star Henry Golding, was widely praised. As we mark five years since its release, it’s a perfect time to reflect on Clarke’s singing experience in the film and where her musical journey stands today.

Singing in Last Christmas

In Last Christmas, Clarke’s character, Kate, has a strong passion for singing, and the film features multiple musical moments, including her rendition of George Michael’s Last Christmas. It was a significant challenge for Clarke, as she was determined to perform her own singing for the role. In various interviews, Clarke confirmed that she did her own vocals for the film, despite the pressure involved in performing a song by such an iconic artist.

During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Clarke humorously pointed out, “I don’t do my own stunts but I do do my own singing,” underscoring the personal challenge the role presented. She acknowledged the weight of the task, particularly as Last Christmas was rooted in George Michael’s music, which fans hold dear. In her conversation with Bustle, Clarke revealed how intimidating it was to perform, but she also emphasized that it was crucial for her to do justice to the music, as it was an integral part of her character’s arc.

In a heartfelt interview with NPR, Clarke further shared her genuine love for singing, saying, “It was incredibly nerve-wracking because I care so much about singing, and I’m genuinely at my happiest when I am singing.” This comment reflected not only her dedication to the role but also a deep personal connection to music. For Clarke, singing wasn’t just an aspect of the role; it was a way for her to rediscover joy and fulfillment, which aligned with her character’s journey throughout the film.

Post-Last Christmas Singing Journey

Since the release of Last Christmas, there has been little to suggest that Clarke pursued a music career. While she expressed her happiness in singing for the film, it appears that music has not been a major focus in her professional life beyond this role. Searches for Emilia Clarke singing career after Last Christmas primarily return results that reflect her time working on the film, with no indication of any significant musical performances afterward. Her IMDb profile and Wikipedia page continue to highlight her acting roles in films like Terminator: Genisys (2015), Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018), and her more recent appearances in Secret Invasion (2023), but they make no mention of music-related projects.

Interestingly, Clarke’s Spotify artist page shows that she has a modest following of 2.3K monthly listeners, though the page largely references her performances in Last Christmas and a lighthearted song titled Rastafarian Targaryen from Game of Thrones: The Musical for Red Nose Day in 2015. However, no recent music has been added, and her 8tracks radio searches reveal fan-curated playlists, not official performances.

Clarke’s career trajectory in recent years suggests a move away from music and a continued focus on acting and directing. According to a Geo.tv article from 2024, she has expressed a strong interest in directing, underscoring her creative aspirations beyond her acting roles. This shift reinforces the idea that while singing was an enriching experience for Clarke in Last Christmas, it was not a path she chose to pursue professionally.

Reflection Five Years Later

Looking back at her role in Last Christmas, it’s likely that Clarke reflects on the experience with a sense of pride and nostalgia. In her earlier interviews, such as the one with NPR, she mentioned that singing was a source of happiness for her, and given her personal connection to the role, she probably cherishes the opportunity to have brought that aspect of Kate’s character to life. However, there is no recent commentary suggesting that she is continuing her musical journey in any meaningful way.

While Clarke’s singing role in Last Christmas was an important and enjoyable chapter in her career, it seems that it was more of a one-time endeavor. The film allowed her to tap into her passion for singing, but her current career plans focus more on acting and directing. The absence of new musical projects suggests that she views her experience in Last Christmas as fulfilling but not necessarily as the beginning of a music career.

Conclusion

As Last Christmas celebrates its fifth anniversary, Emilia Clarke’s foray into singing remains a memorable and significant part of her career, but it does not appear to have sparked a long-term musical path. While she embraced the challenge of performing her own singing in the film, Clarke’s focus has since shifted toward acting and directing, with no major musical endeavors following the film’s release. For fans, Last Christmas stands as a special moment in Clarke’s versatile career—a delightful reminder of her multifaceted talents.