If there’s one thing Mariah Carey knows how to do, it’s maintain her reign as the Queen of Christmas.
Nearly 30 years after the release of her iconic holiday anthem, “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” the song remains a global phenomenon, earning the superstar an estimated $2.5 to $3 million every single year without her lifting a finger. And while we love to deck the halls with Mariah’s unparalleled vocals, the sheer magnitude of her success deserves its own standing ovation.
Mariah has crafted a legacy that transcends seasons and generations. Her 1994 hit has not only become a staple of holiday playlists worldwide but has also solidified its place in music history as one of the best-selling Christmas songs of all time. According to The Economist, the track had generated more than $60 million in royalties as of 2017—a number that has undoubtedly grown in the years since.
The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal appeal. Carey’s powerhouse vocals, “All I Want For Christmas Is You” feels both timeless and nostalgic — a theme that resonates just as strongly today as it did three decades ago. It’s no wonder that every December, the song climbs the charts, often reclaiming the number-one spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
What’s even more impressive? Mariah co-wrote the track with Walter Afanasieff, and he recalls the process was surprisingly straightforward. In an interview with Billboard, Afanasieff shared, “That one went very quickly: It was an easier song to write than some of the other ones.”
The song’s success has surpassed even Mariah’s own expectations. In a 2023 interview with Good Morning America, Carey reflected on the song’s legacy and her goal in writing it: “I was working on it by myself … on this little Casio keyboard and writing down words and thinking about, ‘What do I think of at Christmas? What do I love? What do I want? What do I dream of?'”
Beyond its chart-topping success, “All I Want For Christmas Is You” has paved the way for Mariah’s Christmas empire. From holiday-themed concerts and merchandise to partnerships with major brands, the song has allowed Carey to turn festive cheer into a lucrative annual business. And every December, the song resurges in popularity, often climbing back to the number-one spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
For artists of color —specifically those that are Black, Mariah’s story serves as a powerful example of the importance of ownership. By co-writing and maintaining the rights to her music, she has secured not just seasonal success but a generational legacy. Her story is a testament to the value of creative control, showing that a single song can build an empire.
So, as you cue up your holiday playlist, take a moment to appreciate the woman behind the music. Mariah Carey’s holiday classic isn’t just a song—it’s a phenomenon that reminds us of the magic of the season and the power of Black excellence.