Mariah Carey, the undisputed “Queen of Christmas,” has added yet another milestone to her illustrious career. Her festive collaboration “Oh Santa! (feat. Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson)” has reached a remarkable 100 million streams on Spotify, becoming her 22nd song to hit this impressive milestone. As the holiday season approaches, the track’s popularity is surging with over 200,000 daily streams and an upward trajectory, solidifying its place as a contemporary Christmas classic.
A Christmas Collaboration of Powerhouses
Originally released as part of Carey’s 2010 holiday album Merry Christmas II You, “Oh Santa!” was reimagined in 2020 with the addition of two powerhouse vocalists, Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson, for Mariah’s Apple TV+ holiday special, Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special. The collaboration brought together three of the most celebrated voices of our time, and their harmonies, whistle notes, and undeniable charisma breathed new life into the already jubilant track.
The updated version was met with critical acclaim, with fans and critics alike praising the synergy between the three artists. Billboard described the collaboration as “a festive vocal masterclass,” while Rolling Stone hailed it as “a delightful addition to Mariah’s Christmas empire.”
The Road to 100 Million Streams
Mariah Carey’s dominance of the Christmas season is unparalleled, with her signature hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You” being a perennial favorite and a cultural phenomenon. While “Oh Santa!” doesn’t yet rival the ubiquity of “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” it has carved its own niche in the holiday music space.
Since its release, “Oh Santa!” has steadily gained traction, with its yearly resurgence starting in late October and peaking in December as Christmas playlists flood Spotify. The addition of Grande and Hudson in 2020 gave the track an extra boost, appealing to younger audiences and fans of the featured artists.
This year, the song has achieved its 100 million stream milestone just as the holiday season begins, marking a significant achievement for a modern Christmas song in an era dominated by nostalgic classics. With daily streams exceeding 200,000 and growing, it’s clear that “Oh Santa!” is capturing the hearts of listeners worldwide as a go-to festive anthem.
Video Milestone: 66 Million Views on YouTube
The music video for “Oh Santa!” has also enjoyed considerable success, amassing over 66 million views on YouTube. The video, released alongside the 2020 version of the song, showcases the three singers in a vibrant, holiday-themed setting reminiscent of a classic Christmas TV special. The choreography, spirited performances, and playful energy of the video have made it a staple on holiday playlists and music video countdowns.
The visual dynamic between Carey, Grande, and Hudson adds an extra layer of magic to the song, with the trio’s chemistry shining through in every frame. Fans have particularly adored the moment when Carey and Grande harmonize on their iconic whistle notes, a moment that went viral on social media and contributed to the song’s enduring popularity.
RIAA Certification: A Matter of Time?
Despite its streaming and viewing milestones, “Oh Santa!” has not yet received any RIAA certification. However, it is likely that the song is nearing eligibility for at least a Gold certification, which requires 500,000 units in sales and streaming equivalents in the United States. Given the song’s current momentum and its annual resurgence, it may not be long before this festive track earns its first official plaque.
The Growing Legacy of “Oh Santa!”
While “Oh Santa!” may never fully eclipse the monumental success of “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” it represents a significant achievement in Carey’s career and highlights her ability to remain relevant in the ever-evolving music industry. The collaboration with Grande and Hudson has not only rejuvenated the song but also introduced it to a new generation of listeners.
The track’s consistent growth in streams year over year suggests that it is becoming a staple of modern Christmas music. Its energetic tempo, catchy melody, and powerhouse vocals make it a perfect addition to holiday playlists alongside other timeless classics.
Mariah Carey: The Queen of Christmas Expands Her Reign
Mariah Carey’s Christmas empire continues to expand, with “Oh Santa!” standing as a testament to her enduring influence in the genre. From her record-breaking chart performances with “All I Want for Christmas Is You” to her innovative projects like Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special, Carey has solidified her position as a holiday icon.
The success of “Oh Santa!” further underscores Carey’s unique ability to create music that resonates with audiences year after year. It also highlights the power of collaboration, as the addition of Grande and Hudson brought a fresh dimension to the track, ensuring its place in the pantheon of modern Christmas hits.
The Future of “Oh Santa!”
As the song approaches its fourth holiday season since the 2020 re-release, its popularity shows no signs of waning. With streaming numbers climbing and its YouTube views steadily increasing, “Oh Santa!” is well on its way to achieving even greater milestones.
Fans can also look forward to more festive projects from Carey, who has hinted at additional Christmas surprises in the coming years. Whether through new music, live performances, or expanded holiday specials, it’s clear that Carey’s love for the season and her fans remains as strong as ever.
A Festive Celebration
“Oh Santa!” reaching 100 million streams is more than just a milestone; it’s a celebration of the magic that Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, and Jennifer Hudson have brought to holiday music. As Christmas draws near, the song’s infectious energy and joyful spirit are sure to brighten the season for millions of listeners worldwide.
With its upward trajectory in streams, increasing daily plays, and enduring appeal, “Oh Santa!” is poised to remain a holiday favorite for years to come. For Mariah Carey and her legion of fans, the song’s success is yet another reason to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.