Mariah Carey has made chart history with ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You‘.
The 55-year-old singer’s 1994 festive classic has returned to the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, extending her record for the highest number of years she has reached number one on the chart to 20. The song has generated an estimated $60 million in royalties since its release.
According to figures from Billboard, Mariah’s appearance in 20 distinct years – as per chart dates – came from 1990 to 2000, as well as 2005, 2006, and 2008, and then, thanks to ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’, annually every December from 2019 to now. This consistent chart presence spans over three decades of music industry evolution.
Mariah’s 20 appearances are far ahead of the next four acts, Sir Paul McCartney/ Wings, Beyonce, Michael Jackson and Madonna, who have all made the Hot 100 number one slot in 10 individual years. This achievement solidifies her position as one of the most successful recording artists in history.
But Paul also topped the chart in seven additional years as a member of The Beatles, while Beyonce got another three appearances with her former group Destiny’s Child, and Michael had another with the Jackson 5. The collective achievements of these artists represent some of the most significant moments in popular music history.
Mariah revealed earlier this week she had been delighted to learn she’d hit number one again while performing in concert in North Carolina. Her current tour has been selling out venues across the country, demonstrating her enduring appeal.
“Last night, I found out that ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ returned to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100,” she shared in a video on Instagram of her 13-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe handing her flowers, which was captioned. The post garnered millions of likes within hours of being shared.
“I couldn’t have dreamed of a better time or place to celebrate the news than on stage with my amazing fans, my kids and my #Christmastime tour family. I love you and am so grateful to you all.” The concert series has been praised for its elaborate production and stellar vocal performances.
Mariah recently admitted she is “very grateful” that ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ has given her such a strong association with the festive season. The song has become the highest-earning Christmas song of all time, streaming over one billion times on Spotify alone.
“I feel very grateful,” she told Best magazine. “The holidays are a wonderful time, but they can also be a difficult time for some people. The song has become an anthem for spreading holiday cheer worldwide.
“I just try to do my best to make people happy and to feel festive, no matter what’s going on in their lives. Her commitment to spreading joy has earned her the unofficial title of ‘Queen of Christmas.’
“I see myself as a friend for anyone who needs one for the holidays.” This sentiment reflects the universal appeal of her holiday music, which transcends generations and cultures.
The success of ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ continues to grow each year, with the song breaking streaming records and maintaining its position as one of the most popular holiday songs ever recorded. Music industry experts estimate that the song generates approximately $2.5 million in royalties annually during the holiday season.
The impact of this achievement extends beyond just chart success, as it demonstrates the longevity of Carey’s career and her ability to create timeless music that resonates with audiences year after year. Her influence on holiday music has inspired countless artists and continues to shape the genre.
This record-breaking milestone adds to Carey’s extensive list of achievements, which includes five Grammy Awards, nineteen World Music Awards, ten American Music Awards, and fifteen Billboard Music Awards. Her career spans over three decades of consistent commercial success and artistic innovation.
