Renowned as the “Queen of Christmas,” Mariah Carey delivered a breathtaking performance of her iconic holiday hit, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards last night.
This marked the first time she graced an awards show stage with the festive anthem, creating an eagerly anticipated and unforgettable moment.
Taking center stage in a dazzling white minidress, Carey captivated the audience with her powerhouse vocals, reaffirming her status as a holiday music icon.
This milestone performance not only re-solidified Carey’s position in the music industry but also marked a triumphant return to impressively performing her hit song after previous stints of lipsyncing, as well as past highly criticized live performances.
Beyond its significance for Carey, the performance provided a much-needed boost for the Billboard Music Awards, which has faced challenges in recent years in regard to changing consumer habits, declining viewership, and industry competition.
The event garnered a substantial online audience, streaming live on the Billboard website and gaining traction on social media — and Carey’s highly talked-about performance contributed to making the 2023 Billboard Music Awards a memorable and successful show.
Carey also received the prestigious Billboard Chart Achievement Award for “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” This accolade recognizes artists who have left a lasting impact on the Billboard charts, a feat Carey has achieved with 19 number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Billboard has been an integral part of my life for a very long time now. Even though I don’t acknowledge time, I kind of have to admit that some of my most memorable times in my career are connected to Billboard and the BBMAs,” the Christmas singer shared in her acceptance speech.
“One thing I really have to say that I’m really grateful for is the fact that my fans have been here with me through the hits, through the misses, the No. 1s and, the Bubbling Unders.”
Mariah Carey’s rendition of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards not only marked a pivotal moment in her illustrious career but, *more importantly*, set us up for another exciting holiday season filled with “All I Want for Christmas Is You” playing on repeat.
