Mariah Carey, widely recognized as the "Queen of Christmas," captivated audiences this Christmas Day with her performance of the iconic holiday classic "All I Want for Christmas Is You." This festive showcase kicked off Netflix's coverage of the NFL Christmas games, setting the mood for the day packed with thrilling football.
The pre-recorded performance saw Carey dazzling fans high above the Los Angeles skyline, dressed in a stunning red bodysuit adorned with gold epaulettes and accompanied by dancers dressed as nutcrackers. Mixed with visuals from past games featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers, the performance created a delightful blend of holiday cheer and sports excitement.
According to Carey, "This Christmas, we all get our wish. The NFL is live on Netflix — and I’ll be there, too." Her enthusiasm for the event was palpable, marking the beginning of NFL Christmas Gameday, which featured two key matchups: the Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers at 1 p.m. ET and the Baltimore Ravens vs. the Houston Texans at 4:30 p.m. ET.
This year, Carey celebrated her holiday hit’s milestone: "All I Want for Christmas Is You" reached 17 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, setting the record for the longest-running number one single by a female artist. This surpassed her previous record with "One Sweet Day," which spent 16 weeks atop the chart—a feat achieved by only one other song.
Her legendary single, released 30 years ago as part of her first holiday album, "Merry Christmas," continues to resonate with fans, generating significant royalties yearly. Estimates indicate the song brings her between $2 million and $4 million each December, totaling around $80 million since its release.
Reflecting on its origins, Carey reminisced about the initial reluctance to create a Christmas album at the start of her career. "I felt it was too early," she stated, recalling how her then-husband, Tommy Mottola, insisted on producing at least one original song. Interestingly, the song’s lyrics and melody came together in less than 15 minutes, showcasing the duo's creative synergy.
The performance also included special appearances, such as comedian Kevin Hart, adding to the festive atmosphere. Carey’s dance and charm drew spontaneous applause and joy from viewers, and social media erupted with spectators praising her appearance.
While reminiscing about her early career, Carey acknowledged the evolution of her music style and her passion for Christmas. "I love this season. It’s not fake," she expressed, emphasizing the authenticity of her festive spirit. Notably, her dedication to the holiday season culminated recently with her "Merry Christmas One and All Tour," which spanned 16 dates across major cities.
Besides Carey, the NFL Christmas Gameday festivities included performances by other notable artists, including Beyoncé and the vocal group Pentatonix, who also contributed to the celebratory vibe surrounding the games.
Despite her immense success, Carey remains humble and connected to her fans. She previously shared her gratitude over social media after her chart record announcement: "This is amazing!!!! Will never ever ever ever ever take this for granted. Merry early Christmas!!!!"
Carey’s holiday classic has continued to dominate streaming platforms, being the first holiday song to reach two billion streams on Spotify. She expressed her thanks to Spotify listeners for making it part of their Christmas traditions year after year.
After such a lively and spirited performance alongside exciting NFL action, it’s clear why Mariah Carey holds the title of the "Queen of Christmas." Her enduring passion for holiday music and celebration continues to resonate, ensuring her influence during this festive season remains unmatched.
All these accolades and the warmth of her performances undoubtedly set the tone for many fans as they celebrate the holidays, making it clear: Mariah Carey delivers magic every Christmas.
