Mariah Carey’s Christmas anthem returns to the top

Mariah Carey’s hit song, ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You,’ has reclaimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.

Singer, Mariah Carey. Image: Instagram via @MariahCarey

Mariah Carey’s iconic festive hit, All I Want for Christmas Is You, has once again claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. This has marked the official start of the holiday season.

The 1994 classic reappears like clockwork every year, proving its timeless appeal.

MARIAH CAREY’S ‘ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU‘

According to Luminate, the song garnered an impressive 38 million streams and reached 24 million listeners via radio in the past week.

This perennial favourite bumped Kendrick Lamar’s Squabble Up from the top position, according to Billboard.

Lamar’s track had dominated the chart for weeks as part of his critically acclaimed album GNX.

Despite slipping to No. 4, Lamar still holds strong in the top 10 with other hits such as TV Off at No. 6 and Luther at No. 7.

MARIAH CAREY AND OTHER CHRISTMAS SONGS ON THE CHART

Brenda Lee’s beloved Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, first released 66 years ago, follows Carey at No. 2.

It racked up 36 million streams and captivated 20 million radio listeners, according to Music Row.

Wham!’s Last Christmas also made its annual appearance, securing third place on the Hot 100.

Other holiday classics such as Bobby Helms’ Jingle Bell Rock at No. 5 and Burl Ives’ A Holly Jolly Christmas at No. 10 round out a chart filled with festive cheer.

“It’s incredible to see how these songs continue to resonate across generations,” says music analyst Tara D. “They’ve become more than just hits – they’re cultural staples.”

MARIAH CAREY AND SOUTH AFRICA

Even South African fans can’t resist these holiday tunes.

Radio stations and shopping centres across the country are already blasting All I Want for Christmas Is You. The song is spreading festive vibes from Cape Town to Johannesburg.

The Billboard 200 chart also reflects the festive spirit, with Michael Bublé’s Christmas at No. 7. Bing’s Crosby’s Ultimate Christmas is at No. 9.

These albums continue to fuel holiday playlists worldwide, according to Billboard.

TAYLOR SWIFT STILL REIGNS SUPREME

Yet, it’s Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department that reigns supreme, claiming its 16th non-consecutive week at the top.

While the festive season dominates the singles chart, Shaboozey’s A Bar Song (Tipsy), the longest-running No. 1 single of 2024, slips to No. 8.

Meanwhile, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ duet Die With a Smile takes ninth place.

This track, up for multiple Grammy Awards, remains a standout hit in a year dominated by big collaborations.

MARIAH CAREY, THE QUEEN OF CHRISTMAS

Mariah Carey, often dubbed the ‘Queen of Christmas,’ celebrated her chart-topping success with a tweet:

“Thank you to all my lambs for making this season magical again! #AllIWantForChristmasIsYou 🎄❤️.” Fans flooded social media, praising her enduring influence.

Closer to home, South Africans are embracing their own holiday traditions.

THE SONG OF THE HOLIDAYS

From sunny beach picnics to braais with loved ones, All I Want for Christmas Is You has become the unofficial soundtrack to our summer festivities.

As Cape Town resident Sipho Mahlangu puts it: “Mariah’s song makes Christmas feel like Christmas, even under the African sun.”

Whether you’re decking the halls or enjoying the sunshine, this festive anthem continues to unite listeners worldwide. It’s not just a song – it’s a tradition.