After 30 years, Mariah Carey is still the reigning “Queen of Christmas” and she won’t be dethroned anytime soon. The R&B songstress changed the game with her 1994 ‘Merry Christmas’ album, leaving fans to anticipate the return of her marvelous holiday music. While other singers may strictly cover traditional Christmas carols, Carey has festive songs that are original and written by herself. By sonically combining R&B, pop, soul, and gospel, Carey’s Christmas songs stand out and remain loved by multiple generations.
The Success of “All I Want for Christmas Is You”
When “All I Want for Christmas Is You” was first released three decades ago, the catchy melody and powerful vocals immediately caught people’s attention. Shortly after it was released, it reached number six on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary chart in the United States. With the rise of streaming, Carey’s hit holiday song is gaining more popularity than it did before. As the single became more accessible, it finally reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2019 for the first time.
Every year since 2019, the song climbed to number one during the holiday season, extending her record for the most number ones of any solo artist. This joyful jingle is still topping the charts and being added to holiday playlists. During the week of December 7th, 2024, it was also in the number 10 slot on the Billboard Hot 100.
When it comes to royalties, this holiday classic is still making a lot of profit. According to The Economist, Carey’s earnings are estimated to be $2.6 million annually from this Christmas hit.
As Mariah Carey became more associated with Christmas, more merch and media were released inspired by her childhood dreams. In 2017, Carey executive produced the animated film All I Want For Christmas Is You, which told a heartwarming story about little Mariah’s wish to get a puppy as a Christmas present. In 2022, Carey also co-wrote The Christmas Princess, a children’s picture book, with writer Michaela Angela Davis.
‘Merry Christmas’ Remastered Album Update
On December 6th, 2024, Mariah released the digital deluxe edition of her Merry Christmas album to celebrate its 30th anniversary. A new limited edition 2-record set will be released on December 13th featuring Carey’s classic Christmas album on vinyl 1. Also, the newly remastered version of her 1994 St. John of the Divine concert will be on vinyl 2. It will include an exclusive Christmas card and a 24-page photo book of Carey’s Christmas journey as well. This deluxe vinyl package is currently available for preorder along with other options, including a red and white cassette tape.
In an Instagram post, Carey also revealed new bonus songs that she’s adding to the “All I Want for Christmas Is You” physical singles, including “Oh Santa!” with Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson, and “Christmas Wrapping” with her daughter Roe. So, get ready to sing along and spread holiday cheer with this joyful, nostalgic album.
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