Mariah Carey’s festive classic, "All I Want For Christmas Is You," has become a holiday staple since its release in 1994. It’s not just popular; it’s one of the top-selling Christmas songs over the last three decades.
Recently, Carey received a legal win. A U.S. court ruled that she did not infringe on any copyrights related to the song. This decision came after songwriter Adam Stone claimed that Carey copied elements from his earlier song, which shares the same title. Stone argued that he deserved at least $20 million in damages because he felt she had taken advantage of his style and popularity.
Judge Mónica Ramírez Almadani dismissed Stone’s case, citing expert opinions that suggested while both songs had typical "Christmas song clichés," they weren’t substantially similar enough to warrant a copyright claim. The ruling was so clear that the judge ordered Stone and his legal team to pay for Carey’s legal expenses, calling the arguments "frivolous."
In her memoir, Carey shared that the song’s creation was quite humble. She wrote much of it on a simple Casio keyboard while watching "It’s a Wonderful Life." It was later polished in the studio with her collaborator, Walter Afanasieff.
"All I Want For Christmas Is You" remains a phenomenal success. It rakes in about $8.5 million each year and has spent 140 weeks in the UK’s top 100 music chart. Since its debut, it has generated around $100 million in total revenue. In 2023, the song was honored by being included in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress, solidifying its status in music history.
As a fun fact, the song’s upbeat melody and catchy lyrics have sparked countless covers and adaptations, highlighting just how influential it is across generations. Whether played in stores during the holiday season or sung in gatherings, Carey’s timeless hit continues to evoke the spirit of Christmas, making it a song that many cherish year after year.
For those interested, you can read more about the court ruling on BBC News.
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