Celebrity Coverage
How Mariah Carey Turned One Christmas Song into a $3 Million Annual Paycheck – Essence
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 19: Mariah Carey performs her holiday performance on the Toyota Center on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 in Houston. (Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
If there’s one thing Mariah Carey knows the best way to do, it’s maintain her reign as Queen of Christmas.
Nearly 30 years after the discharge of her iconic holiday anthem, “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” the song stays a global phenomenon, earning superstars an estimated $2.5 to $3 million annually without lifting a finger. And while we love decorating the halls with Mariah’s incomparable vocals, the sheer scale of her success deserves a standing ovation.
Mariah has created a legacy that transcends seasons and generations. Her 1994 hit not only became a staple of holiday playlists around the globe, but additionally cemented its place in music history as probably the greatest-selling Christmas songs of all time. According to , the song has been generated over $60 million in royalties since 2017 – and this number has undoubtedly increased in recent times.
The song’s enduring popularity may be attributed to its universal appeal. Carey’s powerful vocals on “All I Want For Christmas Is You” are each timeless and nostalgic – a theme that resonates as strongly today because it did thirty years ago. It’s no wonder that the song climbs the charts every December, often regaining the highest spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
What’s much more impressive? Mariah wrote the song with Walter Afanasieff and, as she recalls, the entire process was surprisingly easy. In an interview with Afanasieff said, “This song came together very quickly: it was easier to write than some of the others.”
The song’s success even exceeded Mariah’s expectations. In a 2023 interview Carey reflected on the song’s legacy and her purpose in writing it: “I used to be working on it by myself… on this little Casio keyboard, writing down the words and considering, ‘What do I take into consideration on Christmas?’ What do I really like? What do I need? What am I dreaming about?”
In addition to its chart-topping success, “All I Want For Christmas Is You” paved the way in which for Mariah’s holiday empire. From holiday concert events and merchandise to collaborations with major brands, the song has allowed Carey to show holiday cheer into a profitable annual business. Every December, the song gains popularity, often climbing to primary on the Billboard Hot 100.
For artists of color – especially Black artists – Mariah’s story is a powerful example of the importance of ownership. By co-creating and maintaining the rights to her music, she secured not only seasonal success, but additionally a generational legacy. Her story is a testament to the worth of creative control and shows that one song can construct an empire.
So as you set in your holiday playlist, take a moment to understand the lady behind the music. Mariah Carey’s holiday classic is not just a song – it’s a phenomenon that reminds us of the magic of the season and the facility of Black excellence.
Celebrity Coverage
ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence
With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is predicted to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Nineteen Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.
Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.
From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.
In case you missed it, take a have a look at 17 of the perfect celebrity beauty moments from the week below.
Celebrity Coverage
Black artists shine with 2024 Christmas albums – Essence
This holiday season, a few of the most talented Black music artists are reimagining the sounds of Christmas. From the soulful sounds of gospel legends to the contemporary kind of rising stars, these albums offer something for everybody who wants so as to add splendor to their celebrations. Whether it’s fresh takes on timeless classics, moving original songs, or reissues of beloved favorites, these projects bring joy, warmth and a way of community to everyone.
Jennifer Hudson makes her holiday debut with a track that mixes powerful vocals and heartfelt melodies. CeCe Winans brings a spiritual touch and Coco Jones adds her unique talent. Celebrating her thirtieth anniversary, Mariah Carey returns to the zeitgeist, and the reissue of Boyz II Men offers the right, cozy soundtrack.
As you decorate the halls and meet your family members, let these albums fill your space with music that uplifts, inspires and sets the right holiday mood. Here’s a more in-depth have a look at Black artists bringing joy to the world with their Christmas 2024 releases.
Celebrity Coverage
Let Anok Yai’s spiky bun inspire your holiday hair look – the essence
Images by Dave Benett/Getty
Earlier this week, Model of the Year nominee Anok Yai appeared at the Fashion Awards gala at London’s Royal Albert Hall. And regardless that the night ended there controversial joke for this yr’s award, the look of her hair stood out, as did her skilled achievements.
Paired with an archival John Galliano gown from 1994, her hairstyle was as avant-garde as the supermodels of the day – and was the most groundbreaking look of the night. On the foundation, a pixie cut with micro-mushrooms framed her sculpted features, and the sides stopped just at the tip of her eyebrows.
However, the summit took an unexpected turn. Almost like a headdress, straight, long strands gathered at the top of the head, overlapping right into a bow. The look was romantic and evoked the essence of Mugler’s Alien Hypersense, of which it’s the face. “I carry a bottle in every purse, it’s an addiction” Yai said in front of the red carpet.
The iconic outfit was repeated by Rihanna, who two days later arrived in an identical style at the thirty eighth annual Footwear Awards Gala in New York. With slight moderation – longer, blunt bangs and full updo – hairdresser Nafia Biała used an identical technique. Could this be the hottest hair trend of the season? These two icons actually suggest that.
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