Mariah Carey’s New Christmas Card: A Legal Twist on a Classic
The girl‑power diva who made “All I Want for Christmas Is You” an evergreen jam had a surprise holiday season this year, not from a new remix but from a courtroom showdown. Andy Stone, a songwriter who goes by the catchy stage name Vince Vance, filed a lawsuit claiming that Mariah’s hit is a copy of his own song from 1993.
Who’s In the Spotlight?
- Mariah Carey – the queen of Christmas tunes.
- Andy Stone (Vince Vance) – the original guy behind “All I Want for Christmas Is You” back in 1993.
- Sony Music Entertainment – the label that slapped Mariah’s song onto the charts.
The Legal Hurdles
Stone is looking for at least US$20 million in damages (about S$27 million). His complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, rings a bell of alleged copyright infringement, misappropriation, and other sneaky claims.
He says the trio basically “steal” his unique style, create confusion, and play it off his popularity without asking.
Differences (and Similarities)
While Marie’s hit and Stone’s track share the same title, the actual words and tunes walked a different path. That’s one way the case looks a bit shaky.
What’s Been Happening After the Verdict Melodies?
- Mariah’s Christmas classic hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 every year since 2019, despite being two decades old.
- Stone’s 1993 song also snagged extensive airplay during the last holiday season, and even topped a Billboard chart.
When Did the Songfire Spark?
Coincidentally, Stone’s lawyers reached out in April 2021 but couldn’t find an agreement. It’s not clear whether curiosity, hearsay, or a sudden eureka moment spurred the lawsuit.
Today’s Take
It’s a good reminder that even a classic can get tangled in legal knots. Whether you’re a fan of the snowy vibes or an aficionado of courtroom dramas, you’ll want to keep an eye on this case. Who knows? We might see a battle of the tunes (and maybe a sequel to the “All I Want for Christmas Is You” saga). Stay tuned for the next chapter in this holiday melodrama!
