How Much Does Mariah Carey Make from ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ Each Year?
Mariah Carey’s timeless holiday classic, “All I Want for Christmas Is You”, has been a Christmas staple since its release in 1994. As the Queen of Christmas, Carey has continued to earn millions from this iconic song year after year. But how much does she make annually from this festive hit? The answer may surprise you!
Upon its release, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” earned Carey $60 million in royalties, according to Forbes. Today, the song has appreciated in value and contributes significantly to Carey’s wealth. The song continues to dominate the charts, amassing royalties of around $2.5 million per year, with some reports estimating the figure closer to $3 million.
The success of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” goes far beyond just streaming royalties. The song, part of Carey’s Merry Christmas album, topped the charts in 26 countries and has become a global holiday tradition. It’s no wonder that each December, as soon as the holiday season rolls in, the song climbs back up the Billboard Hot 100 and other popular charts, much to the delight of fans.
This song’s popularity isn’t just a fleeting trend. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” made history when it became the first holiday song to reach 2 billion streams on Spotify in December 2024. This milestone further solidifies its place in pop culture and Carey’s status as the Queen of Christmas. Carey herself expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’m so grateful to all Spotify listeners around the world who’ve made the song part of their holiday tradition year after year.”
The Song’s Cultural Impact
Carey’s holiday anthem has been covered by numerous artists, from Ariana Grande to Michael Bublé, ensuring that its legacy continues to thrive. The song’s inclusion in the beloved movie Love Actually in 2003 only added to its cultural impact, making it even more ingrained in Christmas celebrations worldwide.
In addition to streaming success, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has garnered RIAA Diamond status after reaching 10 million sales and streams. It’s also been inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry in 2023, an honor that reflects its enduring significance in American music history.
The Most Popular Christmas Song?
While “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby remains the best-selling single of all time, Mariah Carey’s festive hit is certainly catching up. It holds the No. 1 spot globally on Christmas Day every year since 2016 and continues to increase in popularity, both in the U.S. and globally. In fact, the song has seen a staggering 860% increase in global streams since November 2024.
Conclusion
Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” isn’t just a seasonal favorite—it’s a financial powerhouse. With millions of dollars in annual royalties, a place in pop culture history, and a legacy that continues to grow, Carey’s Christmas classic has truly earned its title as the song that keeps on giving.
Is Mariah Carey the richest Christmas artist? You decide!
