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I told you that Winter was coming (112,720) by Edward from USA Billboard is removing YouTube streams from counting toward all charts, effective January 16, 2026. That's a massive change and it's going to shake things up more than people realize. Yes, Ariana and Taylor will definitely feel this. A lot of their weekly chart strength comes from fans looping music videos, lyric videos, and visualizers on YouTube. Without those numbers, those huge debuts and long chart runs won't come as easily. But this really affects most artists, especially those with international or free-platform-heavy fanbases where YouTube is the main way people listen. Billboard prioritizing paid subscription streams feels outdated, and the result is simple: charting gets harder, debuts look smaller, and the charts start reflecting who can pay rather than what people are actually playing. (Thursday 18 December 2025; 02:59)

Correction (112,719) by Edward from USA I don't think they will, and if they did, it would be unfair. Holiday songs aren't taking up those spots by accident or because of some loophole, they're there on merit. They're the most popular songs in the country during that time, measured by the exact same rules as everything else: radio airplay, streaming, and sales. If a song is dominating all three metrics, it deserves its position, whether it's a brand new release or a 30-year-old Christmas classic. Changing the rules just because seasonal songs are too successful would basically mean punishing records for being massively in demand. That's not how a chart that's supposed to reflect popularity should work. (Thursday 18 December 2025; 01:32) this is a reply to message 112,718

Correction (112,718) by TJ from Norway Do you think they will change the rules soon? (Wednesday 17 December 2025; 23:00)

Correction (112,718) by TJ from Norway Do you think they will change the rules soon? (Wednesday 17 December 2025; 23:00) this is a reply to message 112,703

Correction (112,703) by Edward from USA Billboard Hot 100 (dated December 20): #1 All I Want For Christmas Is You #2 Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree #3 Last Christmas #4 Jingle Bell Rock #5 Santa Tell Me (Monday 15 December 2025; 22:15)

Someone's Ugly Daughter by Bianca (112,717) by TJ from Norway I like that idea. Like gesture George Michael back in the 90's. (Wednesday 17 December 2025; 22:57) this is a reply to message 112,686

Someone's Ugly Daughter by Bianca (112,686) by John from USA I would want Mariah to release a kind of visual album, where each track has a music video, but the twist is that an actor or celebrity is singing is featured on each track ghost-singing to Mariah's voice in their music videos. This would probably make Mariah more accessible to the mainstream listeners of today. (Sunday 14 December 2025; 19:04)

Article: "All I Want for Christmas Is You" record-breaking 20th week at No. 1 (112,716) by Zachariah from Croatia It was a joke, Eric the Webmaster. I always tease my friends that she has the biggest hit because the year ends with it. (Wednesday 17 December 2025; 07:48) this is a reply to message 112,709

Article: "All I Want for Christmas Is You" record-breaking 20th week at No. 1 (112,709) by Webmaster Eric from the Netherlands Why do you spread false information? A simple Google search tells you that the "biggest hit" varies by metric (sales, streams, longevity), but recent massive hits over the last 7 years (2018-2024) include Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" and "Perfect", The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights", The Chainsmokers' "Closer", Luis Fonsi's "Despacito", Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road", and Miley Cyrus's "Flowers". (Tuesday 16 December 2025; 09:46)

HFIA planning 2026 (112,715) by Lara from Middle East Nothing is Impossible could benefit of a video from her fiasco performance under Stella's management (forgot the year) and how she made it up the year after. That's a random thought I had about her upcoming performance for NYE. (Tuesday 16 December 2025; 18:55) this is a reply to message 112,713

HFIA planning 2026 (112,713) by T from USA If her team were to capitalize on all this good news and help promote her new studio album now is the time. I would've had a video for In Your Feelings ready to drop on December 26th (the day after Christmas where she's totally everywhere), a cool looking video that is so attention grabbing people have no choice but to talk about it. Then a few days later she features the live performance on New Years Eve. Let IYF do it's thing all of January and then during the opening of the Olympics on February 5th she could do a live performance of Nothing Is Impossible, with a video ready to drop the next day on Friday February 6th. That way the year starts with the two big songs on HFIA. I know it would mean a little bit of work and money (film two videos) but if that doesn't spark life into the album then nothing would. (Tuesday 16 December 2025; 15:58)

Diamond certification for Merry Christmas (112,714) by Bill from the UK All the more reason for MC to re-release the debut as a deluxe, with the demo versions (which she always proclaimed to be better) as a bonus disc. I can't wait for my Christmas break from work as I always book out one day to spend with the debut album. I play that, the singles and remixes, The Live Debut EP, and watch The First Vision and a home made DVD of live performances from the era. (Tuesday 16 December 2025; 16:49) this is a reply to message 112,712

Diamond certification for Merry Christmas (112,712) by Edward from USA "Merry Christmas" officially received RIAA Diamond certification on December 15, 2025. "Mariah Carey" has been stuck at 9× Platinum for 25 years now, so I think that album pretty much ran its course. Unless there's some sudden, unexpected renewed interest in it, and judging by how interested this generation is in her music other than Christmas, I doubt we'll see that happen in another 25 years. (Tuesday 16 December 2025; 15:14)

HFIA planning 2026 (112,713) by T from USA If her team were to capitalize on all this good news and help promote her new studio album now is the time. I would've had a video for In Your Feelings ready to drop on December 26th (the day after Christmas where she's totally everywhere), a cool looking video that is so attention grabbing people have no choice but to talk about it. Then a few days later she features the live performance on New Years Eve. Let IYF do it's thing all of January and then during the opening of the Olympics on February 5th she could do a live performance of Nothing Is Impossible, with a video ready to drop the next day on Friday February 6th. That way the year starts with the two big songs on HFIA. I know it would mean a little bit of work and money (film two videos) but if that doesn't spark life into the album then nothing would. (Tuesday 16 December 2025; 15:58)

Diamond certification for Merry Christmas (112,712) by Edward from USA "Merry Christmas" officially received RIAA Diamond certification on December 15, 2025. "Mariah Carey" has been stuck at 9× Platinum for 25 years now, so I think that album pretty much ran its course. Unless there's some sudden, unexpected renewed interest in it, and judging by how interested this generation is in her music other than Christmas, I doubt we'll see that happen in another 25 years. (Tuesday 16 December 2025; 15:14) this is a reply to message 112,711

Diamond certification for Merry Christmas (112,711) by Chicago Lamb from USA Mariah reportedly now ties Whitney Houston and Shania Twain for 3 Diamond certified albums. Perhaps the webmaster can substantiate this but Mariah's debut album is 9x Platinum. Therefore, she will take the lead at some point soon? (Tuesday 16 December 2025; 14:20)

Diamond certification for Merry Christmas (112,711) by Chicago Lamb from USA Mariah reportedly now ties Whitney Houston and Shania Twain for 3 Diamond certified albums. Perhaps the webmaster can substantiate this but Mariah's debut album is 9x Platinum. Therefore, she will take the lead at some point soon? (Tuesday 16 December 2025; 14:20)

The demo tape (112,710) by Bill from the UK I will always say that Ben Margulies was the best writing partner she ever had, hands down. Original, varied, unique creations with interesting arrangements. Every song sounded completely different to the other, and like nothing else before them. Walter who. (Tuesday 16 December 2025; 10:08) this is a reply to message 112,707

The demo tape (112,707) by Bobby A from United States It is a shame that Ben Marguilies' and MC's professional relationship ended after the demo tape. It would have been nice to see what they could have created for Emotions. (Tuesday 16 December 2025; 08:51)

Article: "All I Want for Christmas Is You" record-breaking 20th week at No. 1 (112,709) by Webmaster Eric from the Netherlands Why do you spread false information? A simple Google search tells you that the "biggest hit" varies by metric (sales, streams, longevity), but recent massive hits over the last 7 years (2018-2024) include Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" and "Perfect", The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights", The Chainsmokers' "Closer", Luis Fonsi's "Despacito", Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road", and Miley Cyrus's "Flowers". (Tuesday 16 December 2025; 09:46) this is a reply to message 112,708

Article: "All I Want for Christmas Is You" record-breaking 20th week at No. 1 (112,708) by Zachariah from Croatia So proud to be her fan and the fact that she has the biggest hit of the year for the last 7 years. (Tuesday 16 December 2025; 08:56)

Article: "All I Want for Christmas Is You" record-breaking 20th week at No. 1 (112,708) by Zachariah from Croatia So proud to be her fan and the fact that she has the biggest hit of the year for the last 7 years. (Tuesday 16 December 2025; 08:56)

The demo tape (112,707) by Bobby A from United States It is a shame that Ben Marguilies' and MC's professional relationship ended after the demo tape. It would have been nice to see what they could have created for Emotions. (Tuesday 16 December 2025; 08:51) this is a reply to message 112,702

The demo tape (112,702) by Bill from the UK Yes and no. So, Mariah had her original demo tape (the one Tommy got his hands on at the party), that she put together pre-fame. For the longest time, the songs contained on it were Alone In Love, All In Your Mind, Someday, Vanishing and Do You Ever Wonder. That was according to "Her Story". This tape however seems to have another song (unreleased). That may well be Hypnotized, or another song entirely. When Mariah was signed to CBS (as it was back then), the process of putting an album together involves the artist producing several songs in demo format. These are presented to the executives who then "green light" the selection to go into recording/production, or go back to be revised and changed, or the direction changed etc. It may be that the demo Mariah referenced was the beta version of what would end up being her debut album. I guess we won't really ever know for certain. It just drives me mad that there are things like this out there that will likely forever remain a mystery. (Monday 15 December 2025; 21:05)

There's so much Mariah press this week (112,706) by jaker20 from US AIWFCIY is breaking records, and the album Merry Christmas is doing 10x platinum, and the Here For It All Christmas show this weekend apparently breaking the TikTok record. (Tuesday 16 December 2025; 05:22)

Article: "All I Want for Christmas Is You" record-breaking 20th week at No. 1 (112,705) by Dove from United States Yay. So happy for Mariah and for us. (Tuesday 16 December 2025; 02:34)

The demo tape (112,704) by Stacey from USA Exactly. Legally, what Eric said is what should happen. Will it? Nope. Here's hoping someone gets the "illegal" bug and releases those songs, lol. What a treat that would be. (Monday 15 December 2025; 23:16) this is a reply to message 112,695

The demo tape (112,695) by Edward from USA They can digitize it and leak it. I'm pretty sure that's not the only copy out there in the wild. That's what's going to eventually happen anyway. (Monday 15 December 2025; 12:00)

Correction (112,703) by Edward from USA Billboard Hot 100 (dated December 20): #1 All I Want For Christmas Is You #2 Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree #3 Last Christmas #4 Jingle Bell Rock #5 Santa Tell Me (Monday 15 December 2025; 22:15)

The demo tape (112,702) by Bill from the UK Yes and no. So, Mariah had her original demo tape (the one Tommy got his hands on at the party), that she put together pre-fame. For the longest time, the songs contained on it were Alone In Love, All In Your Mind, Someday, Vanishing and Do You Ever Wonder. That was according to "Her Story". This tape however seems to have another song (unreleased). That may well be Hypnotized, or another song entirely. When Mariah was signed to CBS (as it was back then), the process of putting an album together involves the artist producing several songs in demo format. These are presented to the executives who then "green light" the selection to go into recording/production, or go back to be revised and changed, or the direction changed etc. It may be that the demo Mariah referenced was the beta version of what would end up being her debut album. I guess we won't really ever know for certain. It just drives me mad that there are things like this out there that will likely forever remain a mystery. (Monday 15 December 2025; 21:05) this is a reply to message 112,698

The demo tape (112,698) by BFF from United States Didn't Mariah say that "Hypnotized" was one of songs on her demo tape? She tweeted about listening to this song back in 2015, so she clearly has access to some or all of the songs she registered and recorded prior to her record deal with Sony. (Monday 15 December 2025; 16:26)

AIWFCIY (112,701) by Dave from USA Congrats to MC on another historic moment in a monumental career. Regaining her own record back is boss. (Monday 15 December 2025; 20:52)

Someone's Ugly Daughter by Bianca (112,700) by MusicfanJ from Germany Absolutely. I find it quite interesting that her voice almost changes with each album. For me the biggest change was with Butterfly, Rainbow and MIAMTEC. (Monday 15 December 2025; 18:08) this is a reply to message 112,690

Someone's Ugly Daughter by Bianca (112,690) by Lighty from China Is it every three albums though? I think Mariah's voice changes with each album, especially after Music Box. Even #1's and Rainbow are not exactly the same, vocally. (Monday 15 December 2025; 03:41)

I see you up there (112,699) by Dove from United States I caved and subscribed to watch the new Christmas special. I'm glad I did, it's making me feel merry. I still wish I could just buy it so I can watch it every year but maybe they will release it later. I think it's time for another Christmas album. I love that she sings Sleigh Ride at her Christmas shows. I enjoy her and I'm here for what she's giving us this era. (Monday 15 December 2025; 16:28)

The demo tape (112,698) by BFF from United States Didn't Mariah say that "Hypnotized" was one of songs on her demo tape? She tweeted about listening to this song back in 2015, so she clearly has access to some or all of the songs she registered and recorded prior to her record deal with Sony. (Monday 15 December 2025; 16:26) this is a reply to message 112,692

The demo tape (112,692) by Webmaster Eric from the Netherlands They only bought the tape, not the rights to the songs. So all you can do with the tape is listen to it. You can't play it on radio or tv and you certainly can not release the songs. I'm sure Mariah has another copy of the tape, but I don't know if she has the rights to the songs. (Monday 15 December 2025; 09:58)

Here For It All Christmas show (112,697) by BFF from United States I watched/listened to a little bit of it. Honestly, a lot of vocals sound like she had a cold but maybe that's just the state of her voice these days? It seem that most of the show used pre-recorded vocals as with the Mimi anniversary shows. She seems to have pre-recorded a lot of content in her "current" voice to make it sound more believably live. There's no way to prove with absolute certainly, but the Christmastime show just seems to be more of the same. I'm happy that she's still out there, but it does seem dishonest to keep up the charade at such high ticket price points. On the other hand, I understand that the holiday season is now her main source of income, so there is pressure to keep performing to ensure AIWFCIY continues accumulating weeks at #1. The Hot 100 chart hasn't officially posted for the week of 12/20/25, but it seems like a foregone conclusion that she will take the record back for most weeks at #1 and that she will be the first act to accumulate 20 weeks at #1. It's so strange that these random news stories keep being planted about her panicking that the song will not perform well this year. (Monday 15 December 2025; 16:22) this is a reply to message 112,684

Here For It All Christmas show (112,684) by Bobby A from United States When MC is focused about giving a great performance, she shines. Last night's petformance was 10 stars. I loved the vocals and overall performances from everyone. (Sunday 14 December 2025; 18:01)

Someone's Ugly Daughter by Bianca (112,696) by Dove from United States It does change a little every album but I group the albums together like this: Mariah Carey Emotions Unplugged Music Box Merry Christmas Daydream Butterfly Rainbow Glitter Charmbracelet Emancipation E=MC2 Memoirs Merry Christmas 2 You Me. I Am Mariah Caution Here for it All (Monday 15 December 2025; 16:21) this is a reply to message 112,690

Someone's Ugly Daughter by Bianca (112,690) by Lighty from China Is it every three albums though? I think Mariah's voice changes with each album, especially after Music Box. Even #1's and Rainbow are not exactly the same, vocally. (Monday 15 December 2025; 03:41)

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