Mariah Carey Awarded $92K After 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' Lawsuit Dismissed

Mariah Carey wins $92,000 in a lawsuit dismissal over 'All I Want For Christmas Is You,' affirming the song's originality and legacy.

When Legal Battles Meet Christmas Cheer

If you’ve ever hummed along to Mariah Carey’s iconic holiday anthem, “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” you know it’s more than just a song—it’s a seasonal tradition. But behind the festive sparkle, a legal skirmish unfolded, putting this beloved tune under the microscope. Thankfully for Mariah and her fans, the courts have sided with the Queen of Christmas, awarding her $92,000 after dismissing a copyright infringement lawsuit. Let’s unwrap how this yuletide legal drama played out.

Mariah Carey, the undisputed Queen of Christmas, lighting up the season with her timeless hit.

The Lawsuit That Tried to Steal Christmas

The saga began when Andy Stone—a country singer performing under the name Vince Vance—filed a lawsuit in November 2023 in a Los Angeles federal court. He claimed that Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” infringed on his 1989 song of the same title. Stone argued that Carey’s version exploited the “popularity” and “style” of his original track.

His lawyer, Douglas M. Schmidt, boldly claimed at the time, “If you look at both songs, you can see that about 50 per cent of the words are the same, in almost the same order. I think it’s a pretty strong claim.” Sounds dramatic, but as any music fan knows, holiday tunes often share familiar themes and phrases—the sort of warmth and cheer that make Christmas songs so universal.

Expert Opinions and the Court’s Verdict

The case took a decisive turn in March when Judge Monica Ramirez Almadini scrutinized the claim. Her ruling made it clear that Stone’s attorneys hadn’t “met their burden of showing” the two songs were “substantially similar.” Instead, expert testimony pointed to shared “Christmas song clichés” that were common in numerous earlier holiday tunes—not evidence of copying.

This means the magic of Mariah’s song isn’t borrowed—it’s original, born from the festive spirit shared by many but uniquely hers.

The Financial Bow on the Case

The judge’s ruling didn’t just stop at clearing Mariah Carey’s name. Court documents revealed that Stone was ordered to pay Carey $92,303.20 in sanctions. The judge deemed the lawsuit lacked merit and aimed to discourage similar baseless claims in the future. Ironically, Stone had been chasing a hefty payday—seeking at least $20 million in damages!

This legal victory reinforces not only Mariah’s creative rights but also the notion that holiday classics aren’t easy pickings for legal battles.

A Song That Keeps Climbing the Charts

It’s worth remembering just how monumental “All I Want For Christmas Is You” has become over the years. Back in 2020, the song finally hit UK Number One for the first time—26 years after its initial release. And this December, it shattered records by securing its 20th week at the top of the US Billboard Hot 100. Talk about a timeless anthem!

This enduring popularity underscores just how deeply embedded Mariah’s song is in holiday culture—no wonder it’s fiercely protected.

The Christmas Charts and New Festive Hits

While Mariah’s song dominates the airwaves year after year, this festive season saw Kylie Minogue’s new single “XMAS” snag the UK Christmas Number One spot. Kylie made history as the first female solo artist to top the charts in four different decades—a stunning achievement.

She recently reflected on her song’s success, sharing, “It’s been amazing... Like with all songs, once they go out into the world, all you want is for them to have their own life.” Her excitement grew as she described a whole village in Devon filming a dance video for “XMAS,” calling it an emotional moment that showed the song’s immediate connection with fans.

Watch the Devon village’s joyful video here

Why Mariah’s Christmas Classic Still Shines Bright

All the legal drama aside, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” remains a beacon of holiday joy. Its blend of catchy melody, heartfelt lyrics, and nostalgic charm make it a seasonal staple that continues to warm hearts worldwide. This lawsuit’s dismissal just proves that some classics are simply untouchable.

“If you look at both songs, you can see that about 50 per cent of the words are the same, in almost the same order. I think it’s a pretty strong claim.”
— Douglas M. Schmidt

FAQ

• What was the lawsuit about?
  A country singer named Andy Stone claimed Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” infringed on his 1989 song with the same title.
• How did the court rule the case?
  The judge found that the songs were not substantially similar and dismissed the lawsuit, ordering Stone to pay sanctions.
• How much was Mariah Carey awarded?
  She was awarded $92,303.20 in sanctions against the plaintiff.
• Has Mariah Carey’s Christmas song been successful?
  Yes! It reached UK Number One in 2020 and has dominated the US Billboard Hot 100 for 20 weeks.
• Who else topped the Christmas charts recently?
  Kylie Minogue’s “XMAS” secured the UK Christmas Number One in 2023, making chart history.

Wrap your holiday spirit in timeless tunes just like Mariah’s iconic hits. Celebrate your love for classic albums with a stylish album cover poster from our store—bring that festive magic into your home all year long! Shop your favorite album cover poster here.