Spotify Streaming Surpasses 2 Billion Plays
Estimated 150 Billion Over 30 Years
Pop star Mariah Carey, known as the 'Queen of Christmas,' is analyzed to earn tens of millions of won every year from just one hit song, "All I Want For Christmas is You."
On the 25th (local time), U.S. economic media CNBC reported, citing Billboard estimates, that Carey is estimated to have earned between $2.7 million and $3.3 million (approximately 3.9 to 4.8 billion won) from this single song in 2022 alone.
This income comes from song downloads and streaming, excluding related revenues such as TV special broadcasts, which are more profitable. However, CNBC noted that it is difficult to determine the exact income as Carey and her record label have never disclosed the copyright contract details for this song.
Since its release in 1994, the song's popularity has not waned over 30 years; rather, it has climbed back up the charts, gaining even greater popularity. CNBC reported that Carey's actual recent earnings are likely higher.
Global music streaming service Spotify announced that the song recently surpassed 2 billion streams worldwide, the first Christmas-related song to do so. Since 2016, it has ranked number one in streaming every Christmas on Spotify.
According to music industry market research firm Luminate, the song's audio streams in the U.S. totaled 249 million last year, an increase of about 49% compared to 167 million in 2019.
George Howard Berkley, a music professor and former president of independent record label Lyric Disc, described the song as a "money machine" and an "incredible phenomenon." He estimated the song generates annual revenue between $2 million and $4 million (approximately 2.9 to 5.8 billion won).
Music industry law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips estimated the song's annual digital sales at $3.4 million and its total revenue over the past 30 years at about $103 million (approximately 150.3 billion won).
However, Carey’s share of the digital revenue is only a portion, as record labels hold a significant percentage. Since Carey participated in writing, composing, and producing the song, she is estimated to earn more than a typical singer.
Experts predict that this song will continue to generate revenue in the future.
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