Mariah Carey has been called the ‘Queen of Christmas‘ but the superstar rejects that label. This nickname has been controversial since her smash hit “All I Want for Christmas” dropped in 1994. Music fans have long debated if she deserves the honor. Other artists, such as Elizabeth Chan or Darlene Love have been in contention for the crown.
Carey said she was uncomfortable with the accolade. “That was other people, and I just want to humbly say that I don’t consider myself that,” she explained. She thinks that the title of ‘Queen of Christmas‘ belongs to the Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ. She described herself as someone who loves Christmas and never wanted to court controversy with the humorous moniker.
In a recent appearance, she explained her view of the situation. “I’m someone who loves Christmas, who happened to be blessed to write ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You.’ And a lot of other Christmas songs. And let’s face it, you know, everybody’s faith is what it is. But to me, Mary is the Queen of Christmas.” Mariah Carey describes herself as a devout Christian.
In an interview centered on her faith, the pop superstar described how she ” believe[d] a deep faith was awakened to me that day. I understood on a soul level that no matter what happened to me or around me, something lived inside me that I could always call on. I had something that would guide me through any storm.” She has also released a series of songs which draw inspiration from her faith.
However, Carey found herself at the center of controversy, when she attempted to trademark the phrase “Queen of Christmas.” Mariah Carey’s company, Lotion LLC, filed a trademark petition for the phrase with the aim of launching a series of products. Ultimately the petition was rejected, but not after the situation created a media firestorm.
Elizabeth Chen, who describes herself as “music’s only full-time Christmas singer-songwriter” filed a motion to oppose. Carey’s legal team remained completely silent during the affair. As there was no response to the objection, The Trial Trademark and Appeal Board finally eventually made a “judgment by default” and rejected the trademark request.
Reactions from the artists involved were ecstatic. Darlene Love, another artist who’d used the nickname ‘ The Queen of Christmas,‘ celebrated the decision on her Facebook. “Thank you, Lord!! Congrats to all the other Queens of Christmases around the world, living and who have passed!” she posted. Attorneys representing Chan called the decision ” a complete victory.”
Louis Tompros an attorney involved in the drama, said that “Mariah Carey’s company was engaged in classic trademark bullying: trying to monopolize the title ‘Queen of Christmas’ with a trademark registration. It’s important to stand up to bullies. That’s what we helped do here. Now, because of what Elizabeth [Chen] did, nobody can claim exclusive and permanent rights to the ‘Queen of Christmas’ title.”
“Mariah Carey’s company was engaged in classic trademark bullying: trying to monopolize the title ‘Queen of Christmas’ with a trademark registration,” said attorney Louis Tompros. “It’s important to stand up to bullies. That’s what we helped do here. Now, because of what Elizabeth did, nobody can claim exclusive and permanent rights to the ‘Queen of Christmas’ title.”