Mariah Carey awarded over $92K from dismissal of Christmas song case
December 25, 2025
Mariah Carey is ending 2025 on a high note — both musically and legally. The global superstar has been awarded over $92,000 in legal fees following the dismissal of a copyright lawsuit tied to her iconic holiday hit, All I Want for Christmas Is You.
The case, which resurfaced headlines earlier this year, was officially thrown out by a U.S. federal judge, who ruled that the claims against Carey lacked merit. As a result, the plaintiffs were ordered to partially cover the singer’s legal expenses — a rare but significant outcome in celebrity copyright disputes.
Why Mariah Carey Was Sued
The lawsuit was filed by songwriter Andy Stone (known professionally as Vince Vance), who alleged that Carey’s 1994 Christmas classic infringed on his 1989 song of the same name. The claim sought massive damages, reportedly reaching $20 million, arguing that Carey’s song copied core elements of the earlier track.
However, the court didn’t agree.
After reviewing the musical composition, structure, lyrics, and melody, the judge concluded that the two songs were not substantially similar in a way that would qualify as copyright infringement. Sharing a song title alone, the court noted, does not violate copyright law.
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Court Dismisses the Case — And Awards Fees
In March 2025, the judge dismissed the lawsuit entirely, calling the evidence insufficient. Months later, the court went a step further — ordering the plaintiffs to pay $92,000+ to cover part of Carey’s legal costs.
This decision sends a strong message within the music industry, reinforcing protections for artists against what courts view as unfounded or repetitive claims.
A Win for the ‘Queen of Christmas’
For Carey, the ruling protects not just her finances — but her legacy.
All I Want for Christmas Is You continues to dominate global charts every holiday season, generating millions in annual revenue through streaming, airplay, and licensing. The dismissal ensures that the song remains undisputedly hers as it continues its reign as one of the most successful holiday tracks of all time.
Fans quickly celebrated the news online, calling the ruling “justice served” and praising Carey for once again proving that her Christmas crown is untouchable.
What’s Next?
As of now, the case appears closed, with no confirmed appeal. Carey, meanwhile, continues to enjoy another record-breaking holiday season — both on the charts and in the courtroom.
