Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash posted a meme mocking Mariah Carey on Instagram, implying he can’t stand to listen to her NFL Christmas Day game performance. He posted a photo of Shelley Duvall in The Shining screaming in fear by the door, but instead of Jack Nicholson, it’s a photo of Mariah Carey singing.
Mariah Carey’s Christmas anthem, “All I Want for Christmas Is You”, continues to reign as a holiday cultural phenomenon, solidifying her status as the “Queen of Christmas.” Originally released in 1994, the song has become a perennial chart-topper, earning Carey over $80 million in royalties to date, according to industry estimates.
The track reached an unprecedented milestone when it topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in December 2019—25 years after its debut. It has since reclaimed the number-one spot annually during the holiday season, driven by streaming services. In 2023, the song broke another record with over 1 billion Spotify streams, making it one of the platform’s most-played holiday tracks.
Carey has capitalized on this success, building a lucrative Christmas brand. Her annual holiday tours sell out globally, and her festive merchandise—including ornaments, clothing, and exclusive vinyl—has become a hit among fans. Additionally, her partnership with major brands like McDonald’s and Amazon during the holiday season ensures her Christmas presence extends far beyond music.
Mariah Carey’s enduring appeal lies in her ability to blend nostalgia with modern marketing strategies, ensuring that every December, her name is as ubiquitous as the Christmas tree itself. With no signs of slowing down, she remains a holiday staple for generations.
