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Mariah Carey, fondly dubbed the “Queen of Christmas,” earns an impressive amount each year from her 1994 holiday classic All I Want for Christmas Is You. The song, which has become a cultural staple of the festive season, generates millions annually in royalties, making it one of the most lucrative holiday songs of all time.
Since its release, the track has reportedly earned over $60 million in royalties up to 2017. Recent estimates suggest Carey now rakes in between $2.5 million to $3 million each year, equating to about £5,753 per day, or £239.70 per hour, during the holiday season. These earnings primarily stem from streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, where the song is consistently among the most-played tracks each December. As of 2023, it achieved nearly 2 billion streams on Spotify alone, breaking single-day streaming records
When Carey co-wrote this festive hit early in her career, she couldn’t have predicted its enduring success. She recently reflected on how the song was inspired by her longing for a picture-perfect Christmas, which she had never experienced growing up. Over the years, the song has topped the charts in over 30 countries and has become a fixture in playlists worldwide
Beyond royalties, the song has become a hallmark of Carey’s brand. She has celebrated its success with annual Christmas tours and re-recordings, such as her 2011 collaboration with Justin Bieber. Despite facing legal challenges, including a recent copyright lawsuit, Carey’s iconic anthem remains a monumental success and an irreplaceable part of holiday cheer
Carey’s ability to consistently earn from this song exemplifies the power of music as a long-term investment, blending festive nostalgia with savvy business acumen. It’s no wonder fans affectionately call it an “infinite money glitch” and celebrate the joy it brings each year.
