Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ Breaks Record for Most Weeks at No. 1 on Singles Chart

Mariah Carey's classic holiday hit, "All I Want for Christmas Is You," has now set a new standard for longevity on the Billboard Hot 100. The song has achieved a 20th week at number one, surpassing the previous record of 19 weeks jointly held by Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road" featuring Billy Ray Cyrus and Shaboozey's "A Bar Song (Tipsy)." This achievement solidifies the track's unparalleled role in modern pop culture. An industry analyst noted, "Carey's song has become more than a hit; it's a seasonal institution that reliably drives streaming spikes and retail playlists every year, showcasing a unique commercial lifecycle." Originally appearing on her 1994 album *Merry Christmas*, the track experienced a remarkable 25-year journey before first hitting the chart's peak in 2019, a testament to its slow-burn, generational appeal.

In a related feat, the anthem has also equaled another major chart milestone. By logging its 77th cumulative week on the Hot 100, it now ties with Dua Lipa's "Levitating" for the longest-charting song by a female solo artist. Carey, whose 1995 collaboration with Boyz II Men, "One Sweet Day," once held the record for most consecutive weeks at number one (16 weeks) for over two decades, continues to redefine chart longevity. This dual record-breaking performance underscores her enduring influence across multiple eras of music consumption.

The latest Hot 100 ranking demonstrates a near-total holiday dominance, with seasonal tracks claiming eight of the top ten slots. Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" holds firm at number two, while other perennials like Wham!'s "Last Christmas" and Bobby Helms' "Jingle Bell Rock" populate the upper tier. The only non-festive entries breaking through are Huntrx's "Golden" at number six and Taylor Swift's "The Fate of Ophelia" at number seven. This predictable annual chart shift illustrates the powerful role of nostalgia in driving music consumption, effectively reshaping the commercial landscape each holiday season. The phenomenon provides a consistent revenue boost for rights holders, with streaming services now amplifying the reach of decades-old recordings to new audiences.

Over on the Billboard 200 albums chart, Taylor Swift's *The Life of a Showgirl* claims a ninth consecutive week at number one, resisting a strong push from holiday titles that fill half of the top ten. These include contemporary offerings like Michael Bublé's *Christmas* at number four and timeless collections such as Bing Crosby's *Ultimate Christmas* at number five. Crosby's album, featuring the iconic "White Christmas"—a song that itself set early chart records—exemplifies the multi-generational staying power of holiday music. The enduring annual resurgence of these albums offers a stable financial foundation for record labels and artist estates, a business model that has only been strengthened by the streaming era's accessibility.

The simultaneous chart success of Carey's single and these classic albums highlights a broader industry trend: holiday music has evolved into a reliable, high-yield market segment. Its predictable annual performance allows for strategic marketing campaigns and curated playlists, creating a unique cycle where historic recordings compete directly with contemporary hits. This dynamic ensures that the soundtrack of the season remains a blend of cherished tradition and modern blockbuster appeal.