Mariah Carey awarded $92K after Christmas song lawsuit dismissed

Mariah Carey awarded $92,000 after judge dismisses copyright lawsuit over her iconic holiday song

Mariah Carey has secured a legal victory after a federal judge dismissed a copyright lawsuit filed against her earlier this year, awarding the singer over $92,000 for legal fees. The case, brought by Andy Stone of Louisiana and Troy Powers of Tennessee, alleged that Carey’s 1994 holiday classic infringed on their 1989 country song of the same title. The plaintiffs sought $20 million in damages and a jury trial, but the court found the claims lacked sufficient evidence to proceed.

The dismissal comes as Carey’s Christmas song continues to break records and dominate the charts. The track recently celebrated its 20th week at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the song with the most weeks at the top of the chart in history. Originally released in 1993, it did not reach number one until 2019, a surge fuelled by the growing popularity of streaming platforms. Since then, the song has consistently returned to the top spot each holiday season, cementing its status as a timeless classic.

Carey’s victory not only reinforces her rights as the creator of one of the most iconic holiday songs but also highlights the lasting cultural impact of her work. Over the decades, the track has become synonymous with the holiday season, appearing in films, advertisements, and annual festive playlists around the world. Her legal win ensures that the original composition remains protected against unfounded claims, underscoring the importance of copyright enforcement for established music.

The award of over $92,000 will cover Carey’s legal expenses, reflecting the financial and personal toll these cases can have, even on celebrated artists. Fans and industry insiders have lauded Carey’s persistence and the outcome, noting that it preserves the integrity of a song that has become an essential part of holiday traditions globally.