Mariah Carey’s evergreen festive anthem, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” has once again jingled its way to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, officially ushering in the holiday season with its timeless charm.
Originally released in 1994, the song reliably returns to dominate the charts each December, a testament to its enduring appeal. Over the past week alone, the track amassed an astounding 38 million streams and captivated 24 million listeners on the radio, according to Luminate.
This yuletide staple dethroned Kendrick Lamar’s “Squabble Up,” which had reigned atop the chart for weeks as part of his acclaimed album GNX. While Lamar’s hit dropped to No. 4, he continues to shine in the top 10 with “TV Off” at No. 6 and “Luther” at No. 7, proving his chart dominance remains intact.
Hot on Carey’s heels is Brenda Lee’s beloved classic, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” which jingled its way to the No. 2 spot. First released 66 years ago, the song garnered 36 million streams and reached 20 million radio listeners, according to Music Row. Meanwhile, Wham!’s “Last Christmas” landed snugly at No. 3, adding to the festive takeover of the Hot 100.
Other holiday staples lighting up the chart include Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock” at No. 5 and Burl Ives’ “A Holly Jolly Christmas” at No. 10. “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.”
The holiday cheer isn’t confined to the U.S. Even South African fans are joining in, with radio stations and shopping centres from Cape Town to Johannesburg already blasting Carey’s festive hit, spreading seasonal vibes far and wide.
The Billboard 200 chart is also steeped in holiday spirit, with Michael Bublé’s Christmas sitting comfortably at No. 7 and Bing Crosby’s Ultimate Christmas cosying up at No. 9. These albums continue to soundtrack holiday playlists around the globe, according to Billboard.
Still, not all the action belongs to festive tunes. Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department maintains its reign at the top of the Billboard 200, claiming a remarkable 16th non-consecutive week at No. 1. Meanwhile, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” the longest-running No. 1 single of 2024, has slipped to No. 8.
In the singles chart’s non-festive corner, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ Grammy-nominated duet “Die With a Smile” secured ninth place. This standout collaboration continues to shine in a year brimming with musical partnerships.
Main Image: Billboard
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