Mariah Carey Wins Lawsuit Over ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’

Mariah Carey has secured a significant victory in a copyright infringement lawsuit filed against her by songwriter Andy Stone, who claimed that Carey’s iconic hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You” borrowed elements from his song. Judge Mónica Ramírez Almadani granted Carey’s motion for summary judgment, ruling that Stone failed to provide sufficient evidence to support his claims. This decision absolves Carey and her co-writer Walter Afanasieff of having to proceed to trial, as reported by AP. Additionally, penalties were imposed on Stone, requiring him to cover part or all of Carey’s legal costs, with the court labeling his allegations as “frivolous” and his actions as causing unnecessary expenses. The case began in 2023 when Stone, along with Troy Powers, filed a $20 million lawsuit claiming Carey’s 1994 song infringed on their similarly titled track released in 1989. Stone argued that Carey undoubtedly had access to the country song due to its commercial success. However, the judge, after reviewing a musicologist’s analysis, concluded the songs were “very different,” sharing only common lyrical ideas and holiday clichés predating Stone’s work. In a statement to Variety, Stone’s attorney Gerard Fox expressed disappointment, noting they based their case on opinions from two respected musicologists teaching at major colleges.