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Mariah Carey has once again shattered the record for the most streamed song on Spotify in a single day. With over 23.7 million streams on Christmas Eve, “All I Want For Christmas Is You” has set a new benchmark, surpassing Carey’s own record from the previous year by more than 2.6 million streams. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Carey has achieved this feat, showcasing the enduring appeal of her iconic holiday hit. Despite turning 30 next year, the song continues to be a beloved and defining single for the holiday season.
In a surprising turn of events, this year saw Brenda Lee’s “Rockin Around the Christmas Tree” reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time in the song’s history, displacing Carey from her traditional dominance of the pre-Christmas charts. However, Carey’s gracious response to this development demonstrated her humility as she sent flowers and a congratulatory note to Lee for her remarkable accomplishment. “Rockin Around the Christmas Tree,” originally released in 1958, achieved a significant milestone, signaling the enduring popularity of classic holiday music alongside modern favorites.
“All I Want For Christmas Is You” has proven to be a lucrative asset for Mariah Carey, generating approximately $8.5 million in global revenue and publishing royalties in 2022 alone, according to Billboard. Over the years, Carey has consistently earned substantial royalties from her 1994 holiday hit, with estimates suggesting an average annual income of $2.5 million from the song. The song’s enduring popularity and revenue potential were further highlighted by a report from the Associated Press, projecting total earnings in excess of $100 million in 2023.
The enduring appeal of Christmas music and the resounding success of “All I Want For Christmas Is You” raise interesting questions about the power of holiday hits in the music industry. Nate Sloan, an assistant professor of musicology at the USC Thornton School of Music and co-host of the podcast “Switched On Pop,” offers valuable insights into the popularity and longevity of Christmas music, shedding light on the magic behind these timeless holiday tunes.
As Mariah Carey continues to conquer new milestones with her iconic holiday hit, the festive season serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of timeless music in shaping our holiday traditions and experiences.
