Is Mariah Carey’s holiday classic unbeatable in the charts?

In the United States, Mariah Carey's highly acclaimed holiday song, which debuted in 1994, has recently achieved a significant milestone by spending 17 nonconsecutive weeks at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This remarkable accomplishment marks the third longest reign in the chart's history, further solidifying the song's status as a perennial favorite during the holiday season. The song has not only dominated the charts but also generated immense revenue for Carey, earning millions annually in royalties, thanks to its enduring popularity. The song has become a staple in holiday music, routinely topping charts as listeners return to it each year. Its success has sparked discussions about what makes a holiday song resonate with audiences over decades. Various pop artists, including John Legend and Justin Bieber, have attempted to create their own Christmas classics but have yet to achieve the staying power that Carey's song has maintained, demonstrating its unique position in the music industry. In addition, the fascination surrounding the song's history, including how it was created, speaks to the unexpected impact of a song that was initially not meant to be a holiday standard. Mariah Carey's initial hesitance towards creating a Christmas album turned into a lucrative endeavor, with the track generating an estimated $80 million in royalties over the years. Each December, the song's arrival marks the unofficial start of the holiday music season. With the ongoing resurgence of holiday music on platforms like Spotify, Carey’s track recently became the first holiday song to reach over two billion streams, showcasing its widespread appeal. As the song continues to draw listeners annually, it appears poised to break even more records in the future, reinforcing its legendary status during the festive season.