The carol “All I Want for Christmas Is You” of Mariah Careylaunched in 1994, has generated revenue of approximately 103 million dollars globally since its debut, according to estimates by the legal firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillipscited by NBC News. Earnings come from various sources, including streams on streamingalbum sales and song downloads.
Billboard estimated that Carey got at least 2.7 million dollars in 2022 thanks to on-demand downloads and reproductions of the Christmas theme. These figures do not include additional income derived from television specials or live performances during the holiday season, according to the same source.
Spotify announced that the song was the first Christmas song to surpass the 2 billion views worldwide, remaining the most listened to globally every December 25 since 2016. In 2023, audio reproductions on EU they reached the 249 millionan increase in 49% regarding the 167 million registered in 2019, according to data from Brightmusic industry monitoring company. However, by 2024, transmissions through December 12 had decreased by 8% compared to the previous year, due to a shorter Christmas period, he indicated Billboard.
The song is not only popular on platforms streamingbut has also appeared in numerous moviestelevision programs and advertisements, which increases indirect income sources for Carey. This constant exposure ensures that royalties continue to flow each year, consolidating “All I Want for Christmas Is You” as one of the most profitable songs in Christmas history.
George Howardprofessor at Berklee College of Music and former president of the independent label Rykodische stated to NBC News that the song generates between 2 and 4 million dollars in annual gross income. The signature Manatt, Phelps & Phillips calculated a similar figure of 3.4 million dollars annual. The song would have generated approximately 9.8 million dollars only for its reproductions in Spotifyaccording to the royalty calculator Billboard.
The system of royalties of the music industry involves distribution of income between different participants, such as composers, producers, mixers y record labels. Carey She is listed as the sole performer of the song and is credited as co-author y co-producer next to Walter Afanasieffwhich increases their share of profits, as explained Howard. This triple function is unusual and contributes to increasing the singer’s income.
Live performances during the Christmas season also represent an important source of income. Thematic tours of Careylike “Merry Christmas Tour”continue to attract large audiences and generate additional revenue from both tickets and spin-offs.
Las royalties Musicals are divided into two categories: musical composition y sound recordinghe explained Jordan Bromleypartner of Manatt Entertainment. Los composers and publishers receive royalties for the composition, while interpreters and record labels receive payments for the recording. Carey receives income from both concepts, having rights to the composition and recording, according to Howard.
In 2022, the master recording of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” gender 5.3 million dollarswhile publishing royalties represented 3.2 millionhe indicated Billboard. Carey obtained approximately 1.9 million dollars of the recording, while his record company Sony Music received 3.4 million. Regarding the publication, Carey received around 1.6 millionassuming an equal division with Afanasieff. However, its net profit varied between 795,000 and 1.4 million dollarsdepending on the terms of your publishing contract.
The song also generates additional income from versions performed by other artists, since the copyright benefit the composers y editors when performed in public, according to Howard. More than 150 artists have made versions of the song, according to ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers). Editors include Universal Music, Sony Music y Kobalt Songs Music Publishingaccording to ASCAP.
Carey continues to benefit from copyrightwhich in USA remain in force during the life of the author and 70 years after his death, as explained Natasha Cheeintellectual property lawyer at Donahue Fitzgerald. In the case of joint works, the protection period extends until the death of the last surviving author.
Continued streaming and remakes ensure the song will remain a significant source of income for years to come, cementing its iconic status in global Christmas music.
