Another year, another run at No. 1 or Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” The seasonal staple has topped the Billboard Hot 100 for at least one week around the holidays every year since 2019, and it resumes its run for 2025 atop this week’s chart (dated Dec. 13).

This latest week at No. 1 is a historic one for Carey, as it makes it 19 total for “All I Want” — tying the holiday classic with Lil Nas X’s Billy Ray Cyrus-featuring “Old Town Road” and Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” for the longest-reigning No. 1 in Hot 100 history. And just below it, another holiday classic hits a new benchmark, as Wham!’s “Last Christmas” reaches the runner-up spot for the firs ttime.

Will “Last Christmas” eventually pass “All I Want” on the seasonal rankings? And what else are we finding notable among the Hot 100’s holiday titles this week? Billboard staffers answer these questions and more below.

1. Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” notches a record-tying 19th frame at No. 1 on the Hot 100 this week. On a scale from 1-10, how big an achievement is this for Carey?

Katie Atkinson: 10! The fact that she held this very record for more than two decades with her Boyz II Men collab “One Sweet Day,” lost it, and now is within one week of reclaiming it is an exceptional feat. She first set the record in 1996 alongside Boyz II Men, and almost 30 years later she’s getting it back? Seriously, who does that?! It’s an unprecedented chart achievement that I doubt could ever be re-created. Not to mention, Mariah could break the record next week, but then the weeks at No. 1 she could have in the holiday seasons to come are endless. The Hot 100’s No. 1 is officially Mariah’s personal chart penthouse, which she lets everyone else rent out the other 48 weeks of the year.

Kyle Denis: 8.5. It might be just as big as “Christmas” reaching No. 1 on the Hot 100 the first time around! Snatching back the all-time record from two absolute behemoths is no easy feat, but of course if anyone could pull it off, it’d be Mariah Carey.  

Jason Lipshutz: A 9. That will bump up to a 10 next week, if “All I Want for Christmas is You” ends the three-way tie with “Old Town Road” and “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” but for now, Carey notching a 19th week at No. 1 demonstrates just how enduring her holiday classic has become. Even when other holiday fare floods the top 10, or a song like Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” sneaks in for a week atop the Hot 100 in a different year, “All I Want for Christmas is You” remains the 800-pound gorilla of the season. The fact that it now shares a piece of Hot 100 history speaks to that dominance, which has no end in sight.

Andrew Unterberger: A 10. Next week might be an 11.

Denise Warner: 10, for sure. Mariah has 19 no. 1 hits on the Hot 100 – and multiple chart toppers that reigned for more than 10 weeks. But creating a song so iconic that its ascendency to the top becomes an inevitable holiday tradition? That’s incredible.

2. Wham!’s “Last Christmas” reaches a new peak of No. 2 on the Hot 100 this week — marking the fifth holiday season this decade in which the song has bettered its previous chart peak. What about the song has made it such a still-growing perennial over 40 years later?

Katie Atkinson: The thing that separates “Last Christmas” from pretty much every other holiday song is that it’s a perfect pop song that just happens to be Christmas-themed. I wouldn’t mind hearing this song on the radio in January or even July, really. George Michael crafted a great Wham! breakup song set at Christmastime that gets its much-deserved flowers poinsettias every December.

Kyle Denis: I think “Last Christmas” really benefits from the downcast gloom that hovers over most of Gen Z. If we’re not latching onto sexy Christmastime songs like Ariana Grande’s “Santa Tell Me” or Destiny’s Child’s “8 Days of Christmas,” we’re leaning into the songs that capture melancholy winter blues. Think Phoebe Bridgers’ intimate “If We Make It Through December” or Sabrina Carpenter’s “Santa Doesn’t Know You Like I Do.” 

Jason Lipshutz: I suspect that part of the reason why “Last Christmas” has grown in stature recently has to do with its singularity amidst the holiday perennials — there are no other Christmas smashes that function quite like it, its whimsical melancholy standing apart from the wholesome energy of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “Jingle Bell Rock,” as well as the new-school cheeriness of hits by Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande and Kelly Clarkson. Within a culture that now consumes lots of holiday music in playlist form, “Last Christmas” bounces nicely off of any other Christmas song around it, and as a result, Wham! keep climbing higher and higher each year.

Andrew Unterberger: We love an exquisitely sad holiday song, don’t we? Especially one with synths that twinkle like a perfect snowflake. The better question might be: Why isn’t The Pretenders’ similarly incandescent “2000 Miles” right behind it in the yearly rankings?

Denise Warner: I think “Last Christmas” really benefits from the downcast gloom that hovers over most of Gen Z. If we’re not latching onto sexy Christmastime songs like Ariana Grande’s “Santa Tell Me” or Destiny’s Child’s “8 Days of Christmas,” we’re leaning into the songs that capture melancholy winter blues. Think Phoebe Bridgers’ intimate rendition of “If We Make It Through December” or Sabrina Carpenter’s “Santa Doesn’t Know You Like I Do.” 
 
Outside of the song itself, Wham! also remains one of pop’s coolest duos, thanks, in large part, to George Michael’s legacy. Last year, the late pop icon’s “Father Figure” saw a streaming revival thanks to a key Babygirl sync, and Taylor Swift interpolated the song on her Life of a Showgirl track of the same name the following year. All roads lead back to Wham! 

3. Do you think “Last Christmas” will ultimately pass “All I Want” for the No. 1 spot one of these holiday seasons? If so, how long do you think it’ll likely take?

Katie Atkinson: It took until 2021 for “Last Christmas” to hit No. 1 in Wham!’s native U.K. (and then it’s bounced back to the top the last two years as well, à la Mariah), so I wouldn’t rule it out. But I think it would take something special – like a buzzy new music video or placement in a big TV show or film – to move the needle. Maybe there will be a big push for the song’s 50th anniversary in 2034, like when Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” ducked past Mariah during its 65th anniversary in 2023.

Kyle Denis: It definitely has the potential to! Realistically, a lot of stops have already been pulled for “All I Want.” Depending on how serious Andrew Ridgeley and Michael’s estate are about securing that No. 1 spot, they could probably reach the pole position by next holiday season with the right combination of promo moves. From remixes and music videos (performance, claymation, etc.) to live specials and performances, there are countless ways to life “Last Christmas” to the top of the Hot 100. 

Jason Lipshutz: Maybe there’s a concerted effort to finally get “Last Christmas” to No. 1 for a week this year or next, in the same way that Brenda Lee successfully went all-out to push “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” into the top spot in 2023. Otherwise, “All I Want for Christmas is You” remains the de facto holiday chart-topper. Wagering on another holiday song to supplant it as the go-to No. 1 during the holidays remains a foolish bet.

Andrew Unterberger: Next year will be the year! With the 10 year anniversary of George Michael’s death (which happened on Christmas Day, 2016) approaching, sentimentality over “Last Christmas” should be at an all-time high, while Mariah should already have the Hot 100 record well in hand. From there it might only take a small move or two to get Wham! over the top on the chart.

Denise Warner: It definitely has the potential to! Realistically, a lot of stops have already been pulled for “All I Want.” Depending on how serious Andrew Ridgeley and Michael’s estate are about securing that No. 1 spot, they could probably reach the pole position by next holiday season with the right combination of promo moves. From remixes and music videos (performance, claymation, etc.) to live specials and performances, there are countless ways to life “Last Christmas” to the top of the Hot 100. 

4. Are there any holiday songs lower on the Hot 100 you have your eye on to potentially reach new heights on the chart this holiday season?

Katie Atkinson: I love seeing my favorite holiday classic, Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You),” already hitting its previous peak of No. 9. Knowing that there are still three non-Christmas songs in the top 10 means that as early as next week, this 1961 recording could climb higher than ever before.

Kyle Denis: I imagine “Santa Tell Me” will match its No. 5 peak from last holiday season, but the combination of Christmas, awards season and Wicked: For Good might boost it even higher. Nat “King” Cole’s “The Christmas Song” has already matched its Hot 100 peak this season (No. 9), and Michael Bublé’s “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” is now within three spots of surpassing its all-time peak, so I’m keeping my eye on those two tracks as well. 

Jason Lipshutz: Jonas Brothers’ “Like It’s Christmas” re-enters at No. 35 this week, and while it has to compete with a lot more time-honored holiday songs, I could see it pushing higher in the coming years. Not only do the JoBros have a ton of goodwill as their reunion continues through stadium audiences, but “Like It’s Christmas” represents a solid distillation of their pop appeal. I’d bookmark that one to become a top 20 hit in the near future.

Andrew Unterberger: It’s literally called “The Christmas Song” — it should’ve been at least a top five Christmas-season hit by now. This may be the year.

Denise Warner: I imagine “Santa Tell Me” will match its No. 5 peak from last holiday season, but the combination of Christmas, awards season and Wicked: For Good might boost it even higher. Nat “King” Cole’s “The Christmas Song” has already matched its Hot 100 peak this season (No. 9), and Michael Bublé’s “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” is now within three spots of surpassing its all-time peak, so I’m keeping my eye on those two tracks as well. 

5. Is there any chance Mariah doesn’t break the all-time Hot 100 No. 1 record next week with “All I Want”?

Katie Atkinson: I suppose anything is possible — there are still three days left in the chart tracking week — but I’m expecting Mariah to take back her rightful crown by Monday.

Kyle Denis: I think we’d need a surprise launch of the official lead single for a new Adele or Rihanna album to keep Mariah from breaking the all-time Hot 100 No. 1 record next week. 

Jason Lipshutz: Nope. Lil Nas X and Shaboozey should enjoy the next few days — they will very likely be their last as the co-owners of the all-time Hot 100 longevity record.

Andrew Unterberger: Not really, no.

Denise Warner: This late in the tracking period? Barring an unexpected Wham! surge, I don’t see Mariah failing in this matter. (Although all I want for Christmas is an “Opalite” music video, which could potentially spoil future weeks for Carey. But not this one.)

Singer Jubilant Sykes was the victim of a fatal stabbing at his Santa Monica home on Monday (Dec. 8). The Grammy-nominated classical, opera and gospel singer was pronounced dead at the scene by authorities. Sykes was 71.

Police officers were called to Sykes’ California residence around 9:20 p.m. PT on Monday after receiving a 911 call reporting an alleged assault, according to a statement released by the Santa Monica Police Department.

After entering Sykes’ residence, “officers located an adult male, 71-year-old Jubilant Sykes, with critical injuries consistent with a stabbing. Santa Monica Fire Department personnel responded and pronounced the individual deceased at the scene.” 

Skyes’ 31-year-old son, Micah Sykes (identified by police as “the suspect” in the release) was found inside the home and taken into custody “without incident.” Sykes, one of the singer’s three sons, is set to be booked for homicide, and “the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.”

“I was born and raised in Santa Monica, so we were really pretty close out here. What a singer… Good spirit, good-hearted person, beautiful family,” Jubilant Sykes’ neighbor and friend Sammy Murphy told KTLA.

Billboard has reached out to the Santa Monica Police Department for comment.

Sykes was a decorated baritone singer trained in classical music, who had performed in operas across the globe in prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center, Apollo Theater, Hollywood Bowl and the New Orleans Jazz Festival.

The Los Angeles native earned a Grammy nomination for his role as the Celebrant in Leonard Bernstein’s Mass in 2009.

“In life, there is an extraordinary pain, and I don’t believe that you can sing without having a little bit of pain in life,” Sykes told All Things Considered host Michele Norris in 2002. “The fact that we’re all alive is a great gift, but pain is always coupled in there. I don’t think you can have great love without great pain.”

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On the hunt for the best tech gifts? Add this Apple AirPods sale to the top of your holiday shopping list. The coveted earbuds are cheaper than ever across its full family of products right now, and you’ll want to pick up the bestselling buds while the discounts are still live.

The new deals are on the AirPods Pro 3, which just launched in September and the AirPods (4th generation). While the latest pair offers upgraded features like better-than-ever noise cancellation and heart rate monitoring, the older models still hold up, with great audio quality and noise-canceling technology too.

Whether you’re looking for a great gift for music lovers or treating yourself to a headphone upgrade, this Apple AirPods sale is a can’t miss opportunity.

Shop the Best Apple AirPods Deals, at a Glance:

When it comes to the best Bluetooth earbuds for music, there’s no denying the popularity of the AirPods line. Apple’s famous all-white cordless earbuds are as much a status symbol as they are an essential go-to for recording artists, podcasters and music producers alike. We recommend them for everyday use as well including as an essential commuter gadget for listening to music or taking a FaceTime call while on the go.

Apple products rarely go on sale on the company’s own site, but Amazon and Walmart has multiple AirPods sales for up to 20% off for a limited time. Apple’s best-selling AirPods start at just $99 — their lowest prices of the season. Apple’s third-generation AirPods Pro’s are also on sale right now for 12% off. You can also score tons of discounts on older generation earbuds, as well as, a lineup of Beats headphones, which is also owned by Apple, for up to 33% off.

With AirPods, you’ll get personalized spatial audio, quick access to Siri, and up to 30 hours of battery life with the charging case. They are also equipped with an H2 chip that “pushes advanced audio performance even further, resulting in smarter noise cancellation and more immersive sound,” according to the product description. The more premium AirPods Pro include four interchangeable pairs of silicone tips (XS, S, M and L) and feature active noise cancellation to block out all unwanted noise.

Shop the best Apple AirPods on sale below before these deals are gone. Amazon says more than 10,000 people have purchased the AirPods Pro 2 in the last few weeks alone so you’ll want to add to cart soon.

BEST AIRPODS DEAL

Apple AirPods (4th Gen)

$99.99 $179.00 44% off

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AirPods are cheaper than ever, discounted starting at just $99 on Amazon. Note that the base AirPods won’t include the Active Noise Cancellation technology, but still features personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking and a lightning charging case.

BEST AIRPODS PRO DEAL

Apple AirPods Pro 3

$219.99 $249.00 12% off

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If you want the best audio experience from Apple’s line of earbuds, the latest Airpods Pro 3 are for you. With active noise cancellation as well as new features like live translation, heart rate sensing and a hearing aid feature, the Airpods Pro 3 is the best pair of earbuds you can get this year.

CHEAPEST AIRPODS PRO DEAL

Apple Airpods Pro 2

$199 $249 20% off

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The AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C are and older model in the AirPods family, but that also means it’s cheaper. Musicians are still snapping them up thanks to the superb audio quality (think: clear, crisp sound), and the buds’ Active Noise Cancellation feature, which blocks out exterior noise for a quieter, more focused listening session.

BEST FITNESS EARBUD DEAL

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

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Wireless Noise Cancelling Workout Earbuds with Secure- Fit Earhooks, Up to 45-Hour Battery with Charging Case, Sweat & Water Resistant, Heart Rate Monitoring – Electric Orange

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Take your workout to the next level with the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2. They sweat and water resistant and feature Apple’s advanced H2 chip for seamless integration with all of the brands products. These are great AirPods alternatives, and already seeing a 20% off markdown for the holidays.

BEST BEATS DEAL

Beats Studio Buds

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Want AirPods that are more fitness-friendly? The Beats Studio Buds offer a great compact size, impressive audio, noise cancellation and are IPX4-rated sweat and water resistant.

Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of best tech gifts and best gifts for gamers.

With the end of 2025 in sight, Billboard has been publishing roundups of the biggest stories of the year across multiple arenas. Now, in this central hub, you can find all of those stories in one place.

Since January, every sphere of the business has been subject to a whirlwind of major developments. At record labels, the biggest story came with the majors’ lawsuits against AI music platforms Suno and Udio in June — followed by settlements between several of those parties in the fall. In related news, a small handful of AI-assisted artists gained traction, most notably Xania Monet, who signed a multi-million-dollar record deal with Hallwood Media in September while landing on multiple Billboard charts.

On the live music front, Live Nation continued fighting the antitrust case brought by the Department of Justice and also faced a new challenge with a second lawsuit from another government agency, the Federal Trade Commission, over Ticketmaster’s resale policies. Speaking of live music, multiple indie festivals and at least one major festival (Lollapalooza) forged ahead with Earth-friendly initiatives, among other sustainability projects that were launched and continued across the industry over the past year.

On the political front, the beginning of the second Trump term also brought with it a fresh round of stories highlighting the often fraught relationship between the administration and the music business, from the impact of tariffs on merch and musical instruments manufacturers to deportations faced by non-citizen musicians amid the Trump regime’s harsh immigration policies. In music law, a slew of AI legislation dominated headlines — though the Sean “Diddy” Combs trial took up its share of the oxygen in a blockbuster court showdown that ended with the hip-hop mogul escaping the most consequential charges lodged against him.

The year also saw its share of massive deals — albeit less massive than last year — including big asset-backed securities (ABS) deals for Concord and Harbourview and Taylor Swift‘s purchase of her Big Machine masters for a cool $360 million.

Stay tuned for more roundups running down the biggest developments in publishing, AI and the exploding country music genre, as well as a look-ahead at 2026. You can find links to the year-end content we’ve published so far below, with placeholders for the remainder.

Music Business Year In Review

10 Biggest Record Label Stories

Biggest AI Music Stories

10 Biggest Live Music Stories

Biggest Publishing Stories

10 Biggest Music Business Deals

10 Biggest Music Law Stories

10 Biggest Music & Politics Stories

5 Biggest Sustainability Stories

Biggest Country Music Stories

Stories to Watch in 2026