Mariah Carey didn’t steal ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ from other writers, a judge says

A U.S. judge has ruled that Mariah Carey did not plagiarize her iconic holiday song "All I Want for Christmas Is You." The decision came after a lawsuit was filed by songwriter Andy Stone, who claimed that Carey and her co-writer, Walter Afanasieff, had copied elements from his 1989 song of the same name. The court found no substantial similarities between the two songs, affirming Carey's originality.

The ruling emphasized that the title alone does not constitute copyright infringement. Judge James E. Boasberg stated that while both songs share a similar title, they differ significantly in melody and lyrics. This verdict is seen as a significant victory for Carey, who has maintained that her song is an original creation inspired by the joy of the holiday season.

Carey’s "All I Want for Christmas Is You" has become a staple of Christmas music since its release in 1994, achieving immense commercial success and cultural impact. The judge's decision reinforces her status as one of pop music's most influential artists during the festive season.