Legal Battle Over Holiday Classic: Mariah Carey, known for her timeless holiday hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” is facing a legal challenge as singer-songwriter Andy Stone, using the stage name Vince Vance, sues her for alleged song similarity. Stone claims that Carey’s song, released in 1994, copies his own “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” released in 1989 with his band, Vince Vance and the Valiants.
This lawsuit isn’t Stone’s first attempt to protect his song. He initially filed a lawsuit in 2022 but later withdrew it. Now, he’s back with a $20 million lawsuit, accompanied by Troy Powers, responsible for the musical composition of the Valiants’ song.
Stone’s legal team argues that when he co-authored the song in 1988, the phrase in the song’s title wasn’t part of popular culture as it is today. They contest the origin story of Carey’s song, implicating star producer Walter Afanasieff, who Stone is also suing.
Interestingly, Stone’s song even led him to the White House on two occasions during former President Bill Clinton’s tenure. His lawyer, Gerard P. Fox, represented songwriters in a case against Taylor Swift in 2022, which was settled out of court.
As this legal battle unfolds, Carey, the Queen of Christmas, has not yet commented publicly. Her holiday hit remains an iconic part of the season, earning her substantial royalties, with Forbes estimating that by December 2021, the song had generated over $72 million.
The outcome of this legal dispute could have implications for how similarities between songs are viewed in the music industry, especially when it comes to iconic holiday classics. Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” continues to be a staple of holiday playlists, generating substantial income year after year.
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Our Reader’s Queries
How much money does Mariah Carey make every Christmas?
Mariah Carey’s hit song “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has become a holiday classic, earning her an average of $3 million each season. However, her earnings skyrocket during years when she performs Christmas concerts and tours, as well as when she does holiday specials and product endorsements. It’s safe to say that Carey’s festive spirit pays off big time.
Is All I Want For Christmas copyrighted?
Mariah Carey is once again facing a lawsuit over the copyright for her hit song All I Want For Christmas Is You. The case, which had previously been withdrawn, has now been refiled. This legal battle is not the first for Carey, who has faced similar copyright disputes in the past. It remains to be seen how this latest lawsuit will play out, but it is clear that the issue of copyright infringement in the music industry is a contentious one.
How much money is Mariah Carey worth?
With a thriving music career, successful tours, and lucrative endorsements, Carey has amassed a fortune worth an estimated $350 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Her financial success is a testament to her talent and hard work, making her one of the most successful musicians of our time.