Story perspectives

Judge Dismisses $20M Lawsuit Against Mariah Carey

12/24/2025

Summary

Story summary

A judge dismissed a $20 million copyright lawsuit against Mariah Carey over her 1994 song "All I Want for Christmas Is You."
Plaintiffs Andy Stone and Troy Powers claimed Carey copied their 1989 country song.
Judge ruled the case lacked evidence while ordering the plaintiffs to pay Carey over $92,000 in legal fees.
Carey’s song spent 20 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming a holiday classic.

History

Historical Context

The Copyright Act of 1976, effective January 1, 1978, unified U.S. copyright law under federal jurisdiction, replacing the dual system of state and federal protections. This act allowed artists like Mariah Carey to secure their works, exemplified by her 20-week Billboard No. 1 hit "All I Want for Christmas Is You." Recent legal disputes, including a dismissed $20 million lawsuit against Carey, highlight ongoing copyright challenges in the music industry.

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Story summary

A judge dismissed a $20 million copyright lawsuit against Mariah Carey over her 1994 song "All I Want for Christmas Is You."
Plaintiffs Andy Stone and Troy Powers claimed Carey copied their 1989 country song.
Judge ruled the case lacked evidence while ordering the plaintiffs to pay Carey over $92,000 in legal fees.
Carey’s song spent 20 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming a holiday classic.

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