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About Edward from USA:

I told you that Winter was coming (112,720) by Edward from USA Billboard is removing YouTube streams from counting toward all charts, effective January 16, 2026. That's a massive change and it's going to shake things up more than people realize. Yes, Ariana and Taylor will definitely feel this. A lot of their weekly chart strength comes from fans looping music videos, lyric videos, and visualizers on YouTube. Without those numbers, those huge debuts and long chart runs won't come as easily. But this really affects most artists, especially those with international or free-platform-heavy fanbases where YouTube is the main way people listen. Billboard prioritizing paid subscription streams feels outdated, and the result is simple: charting gets harder, debuts look smaller, and the charts start reflecting who can pay rather than what people are actually playing. (Thursday 18 December 2025; 02:59)

Correction (112,719) by Edward from USA I don't think they will, and if they did, it would be unfair. Holiday songs aren't taking up those spots by accident or because of some loophole, they're there on merit. They're the most popular songs in the country during that time, measured by the exact same rules as everything else: radio airplay, streaming, and sales. If a song is dominating all three metrics, it deserves its position, whether it's a brand new release or a 30-year-old Christmas classic. Changing the rules just because seasonal songs are too successful would basically mean punishing records for being massively in demand. That's not how a chart that's supposed to reflect popularity should work. (Thursday 18 December 2025; 01:32) this is a reply to message 112,718

Correction (112,718) by TJ from Norway Do you think they will change the rules soon? (Wednesday 17 December 2025; 23:00)

Diamond certification for Merry Christmas (112,712) by Edward from USA "Merry Christmas" officially received RIAA Diamond certification on December 15, 2025. "Mariah Carey" has been stuck at 9× Platinum for 25 years now, so I think that album pretty much ran its course. Unless there's some sudden, unexpected renewed interest in it, and judging by how interested this generation is in her music other than Christmas, I doubt we'll see that happen in another 25 years. (Tuesday 16 December 2025; 15:14) this is a reply to message 112,711

Diamond certification for Merry Christmas (112,711) by Chicago Lamb from USA Mariah reportedly now ties Whitney Houston and Shania Twain for 3 Diamond certified albums. Perhaps the webmaster can substantiate this but Mariah's debut album is 9x Platinum. Therefore, she will take the lead at some point soon? (Tuesday 16 December 2025; 14:20)

Correction (112,703) by Edward from USA Billboard Hot 100 (dated December 20): #1 All I Want For Christmas Is You #2 Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree #3 Last Christmas #4 Jingle Bell Rock #5 Santa Tell Me (Monday 15 December 2025; 22:15)

The demo tape (112,695) by Edward from USA They can digitize it and leak it. I'm pretty sure that's not the only copy out there in the wild. That's what's going to eventually happen anyway. (Monday 15 December 2025; 12:00) this is a reply to message 112,694

The demo tape (112,694) by Bill from the UK Yes I just read more on the auction site and it clearly says it can’t be redistributed or sold etc. in any way. What a shame. Well, I hope whoever got it enjoys it for many years. (Monday 15 December 2025; 11:12)

History corrected (112,681) by Edward from USA It's official, "AIWFCIY" breaks and sets a new record, sitting at #1 for a cumulative 20 weeks. Lil Nas X, go ahead and get ready to bend the knee and hand the torch back to the queen. #2 Jingle Bell Rock #3 Last Christmas #4 Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree #5 Santa Tell Me (Sunday 14 December 2025; 15:35)

I'ma keep sweet at almost 60 (112,673) by Edward from USA The solo version without the girls just doesn't hit, it feels empty. And the version where Mariah added another verse? You can tell it was kind of slapped together and not very well produced. "Sugar Sweet" featuring Kehlani and Shenseea is easily the best version, but it just wasn't meant to be. I also agree that a younger Mariah would've done better with "Sugar Sweet". The song didn't flop because of a lack of promotion or a video, it simply didn't catch on because it came from Mariah, and people aren't interested in her music like that anymore, at least not the kind she's putting out now, and that's ok. There was a time when Mariah had the Midas touch, just like Taylor does today, she could've farted on a track and it would've been a hit. Sadly, those days are gone. I've been telling people here to focus on the music because I knew what would happen with "HFIA". I was being realistic and saw it coming, I don't live in la-la land. It's time for the Lambs to be a little more realistic. "HFIA" is a great album, and if it had been released by someone other than Mariah, it would've been a sure hit. Some people stay blind because they refuse to open their eyes and accept the truth. (Saturday 13 December 2025; 18:20)

Article: Mariah Carey's grunge album release date revealed (112,660) by Edward from USA I don't think she's aiming at going on tour to promote SUE, it's just that the window to profit from it is getting smaller as she comes to the realization that Roe can't be two years older than her. (Friday 12 December 2025; 17:29) this is a reply to message 112,658

Article: Mariah Carey's grunge album release date revealed (112,658) by Dominique from South Africa I used to be excited about this project, but timing is everything. This can turn out to be a huge mistake. I don't know if anyone wants a grunge album from an artist who looks half asleep, and walks around like they're trying to balance a bucket of water on their head. I love Mc but this could be totally humiliating, especially if she is going to perform any of these songs. (Friday 12 December 2025; 16:23)

Article: Mariah Carey's grunge album release date revealed (112,659) by Edward from USA I think they're just being practical, it's all about timing. Mariah and her team know that her newer music, while good, isn't exactly pulling in new fans. SUD could be her "Ray of Light" moment, that random left-field project that finally shakes up a sound that's been pretty much the same for 20+ years. And on top of that, she's not getting any younger. If there's ever a moment to drop vault material, it's within the next few years. She still looks amazing, but when the lighting flicker, her age shows, and the industry is ruthless with aging women. Once she hits 60 and the vocal issues get harder to disguise, that window gets even tighter. She'll always have AIWFCIY, obviously, but if she doesn't lose her skyscraper-style stilettos and refresh that tired Christmas show production, even that could start to catch up with her. (Friday 12 December 2025; 17:18) this is a reply to message 112,657

Article: Mariah Carey's grunge album release date revealed (112,657) by Bill from the UK Interesting development. If this is true, I'm looking forward to hearing this and seeing it released with Mariah's 1995 vocals. What a treat that would be. A delayed anniversary present for Daydream. (Friday 12 December 2025; 14:30)

Close call (112,655) by Edward from USA Talk of the Charts' mid-week predictions show "AIWFCIY" holding the #1 spot by a mere two points for next week. Translation: we need to stream. Meanwhile, somewhere in the middle of nowhere in Indiana, Brenda has apparently escaped the nursing home swinging her rocking chair, her walker, and anything else she could grab on the way out. She's projected to hobble her way up to #2, and there's a real chance she could snatch the #1 spot from Mimi if we're not careful, the gap is literally two points. Sadly, "Last Christmas" is projected to drop from #2 to #4. It's performing well on streaming and airplay, but the chances of it hitting #1 this year are fading fast. (Thursday 11 December 2025; 17:28)

In Your Feelings (112,654) by Edward from USA It's a budget issue. It would have to come out of her own pocket, and since it’s Mariah Carey, just getting her out of the house costs around $100k. Now imagine shooting a whole video, even a low-budget one. (Thursday 11 December 2025; 17:24) this is a reply to message 112,653

In Your Feelings (112,653) by jaker20 from US It's doing really well on R&B radio but I doubt that she'll do a video for it when she didn't even do a proper video for Sugar Sweet which is now the most streamed song in the album. (Thursday 11 December 2025; 15:57)

History in the making (112,645) by Edward from USA Don't worry, we all talk to ourselves sometimes. Sending yourself a heart reminded of Beyonce's "I'm feeling myself". (Wednesday 10 December 2025; 20:45) this is a reply to message 112,637

History in the making (112,637) by jaker20 from US It's absolutely crazy to think that Mariah owned the record for 25 years, then lose it and only to take it back. It's just mind-boggling. Also, I think I just replied to myself before this post. (Wednesday 10 December 2025; 02:10)

History in the making (112,629) by Edward from USA It's official, "AIWFCIY" is back on top of the Billboard Hot 100. Lil Nas X better have that torch polished and ready, because it's heading right back to the queen next week. It should've never wandered out of her queendom to begin with. (Monday 8 December 2025; 21:55)

2026 Plans for Here For It All? (112,612) by Edward from USA Bobby A, sadly there's probably not going to be an "HFIA" Deluxe Edition. Outside of her hardcore fans, nobody seem to care about the album. Mariah and Gamma aren't about to keep throwing money at something that isn't giving anything back. At the end of the day, Gamma is a business. It was a joint version, and both parties did what they could. You wouldn't keep pouring water into a bottomless barrel expecting it to get full, would you? And the whole "Mariah's Christmas popularity is fading" thing? Not really. The economy is just trash right now. Everything is expensive, people are losing jobs, and most folks are just trying to survive the holidays, not spend on unnecessary things like flights and concert tickets. Competition is tough in Vegas when Mariah doesn't bring anything new to her shows. Even with all that, Mariah's still doing her thing. Bublé's Christmas is 14 years old, Merry Christmas is 31 years old, and the fact that her album is back up at #14 (and looking to jump into the top 10 next week) is wild. That's not someone "declining", that's someone with ridiculous staying power. I don't think she should've moved her Christmas show to Vegas. It kinda took away that warm, cozy, classic Mariah holiday vibe. It worked better when it was more intimate and easier for fans to get to. She reigned supreme at Beacon Theater for a decade and she also did great at MSG. Both venues were a train away for most people. (Saturday 6 December 2025; 14:59) this is a reply to message 112,600

2026 Plans for Here For It All? (112,600) by Bobby A from United States I don't think there will a deluxe version now for several reasons. HFIA faded quicker than Caution. The support from Gamma was not there two weeks after the album dropped. September 26th was just the wrong release date for HFIA. Type Dangerous was released June. Sugar Sweet was not promoted for success on the charts. Do you see what I am saying? Also, it seems like we are seeing a decline in MC's Christmas holiday popularity. Her Christmastime shows are not selling out. Sony didn't do anything special for Merry Christmas or AIWFCIY this holiday season. Even radio airplay for AIWFCiY this year is down compared to last year. Michael Buble's Christmas is #1 on iTunes while MC's Merry Christmas is #14. Is MC's popularity during the Christmas holiday season waning? (Friday 5 December 2025; 07:06)

Would you rather? (112,609) by Edward from USA Does she do that? I thought she was Mary Poppins reincarnated. (Saturday 6 December 2025; 12:48) this is a reply to message 112,607

Would you rather? (112,607) by Bill from the UK What I don't understand is how parents are fine to let their young daughters listen to her swear and speak in an especially vulgar way in so many of her songs. With the internet there's no escaping it, but children should not be desensitised to language that foul. (Saturday 6 December 2025; 11:37)

Would you rather? (112,608) by Edward from USA I agree. At least Rihanna released catchy songs I could blast while working now. (Saturday 6 December 2025; 12:45) this is a reply to message 112,606

Would you rather? (112,606) by TJ from Norway I really don't understand why TS is so popular. It's like people are under a spell. (Saturday 6 December 2025; 09:45)

Would you rather? (112,604) by Edward from USA I would go with scenario #1. Taylor is still young and massively popular, she's only seven songs away from catching Mariah's 19 #1s, and with the way she releases albums, she'll hit that sooner rather than later. She doesn't even need a traditional single; she can take over the top 12 positions on Hot 100 on pure sales alone. I think that the "most #1s" record isn't safe long-term, but extending the run for AIWFCIY to 21 weeks or more is a record we won't see broken in our lifetime. (Saturday 6 December 2025; 01:44) this is a reply to message 112,603

Would you rather? (112,603) by T from USA If you could only chose one. Would you rather Mariah have the record for the longest running #1 hit or the most #1 hits? Scenario 1) AIWFCIY is number one for three more weeks giving it a total of twenty one weeks, and 100 weeks in total on the Hot 100. Scenario 2) AIWFCIY stalls forever at eighteen weeks, but her next two singles (featured or solo) go to #1, and so her all time Hot 100 total is 99 weeks. Pick one. (Friday 5 December 2025; 23:55)

Spotify 2025 (112,590) by Edward from USA Sorry, but I have to snitch. It was Stacey. (Thursday 4 December 2025; 02:07) this is a reply to message 112,587

Spotify 2025 (112,587) by TJ from Norway Someone must have hacked my account. Most played song: Type Dangerous. Album: number 1 Daydream, number 2 Music Box , number 3 Here for it All? This can't be correct, since I didn't listen to that album more than one day, and not even the whole album. Crazy. (Wednesday 3 December 2025; 18:18)

My Love (112,586) by Edward from USA Same sentiment. "Lead The Way" is a real power ballad, the low buttery parts are as difficult to sing as the last sustained note. "Till The End Of Time" is pure passion, it really takes its time building up till it explodes. I miss her going all out vocally on some ballads. It's been almost 12 years since she belted on an album. (Wednesday 3 December 2025; 03:45) this is a reply to message 112,583

My Love (112,583) by Stacey from USA I am so glad MC released Lead The Way. She has said that is her favorite song off Glitter. It's mine too. The song has that same emotional build up and release like Till The End of Time. I let out a big sigh of release when those songs end. (Tuesday 2 December 2025; 17:32)

Here it comes (112,584) by Edward from USA "AIWFCIY" is about to hit 100 next week, but Brenda's "RATCT" is sharpening candy canes and plotting. Fingers crossed. (Tuesday 2 December 2025; 23:30)

Michael and Justin (112,575) by Edward from USA Of course, it's different when it comes to sampling or using someone's actual vocal recording, like for a duet or remix. In those situations, you do need clearance from the copyright owner and the artist, because you're using the original recording, not just the song. (Monday 1 December 2025; 16:18) this is a reply to message 112,574

Isn't it ironic, don't you think? (112,574) by Edward from USA Mariah can't stop anyone from covering her songs. Same with Prince, he wasn't happy about "Nothing Compares 2 U" being released, but legally, there was nothing he could do. Once a song has been released to the public in the U.S., the copyright owner can't block someone else from recording a cover. This is because of what's called a compulsory mechanical license. After the original version is out, any artist can legally record and distribute their own version without asking the songwriter for permission. For example, if Kelly Clarkson wanted to cover any Mariah Carey song, she could record and release it without ever asking Mariah, she would just need to secure the mechanical license and pay the required royalties. Those royalties are handled through agencies like the Harry Fox Agency or a pro such as ASCAP or BMI, which make sure the original songwriter and publisher get paid. So even though Mariah Carey has said she doesn't really like other people doing her songs, that's just her personal preference. It doesn't give her legal power to stop a cover, as long as the proper licensing steps are followed. (Monday 1 December 2025; 15:28)

Isn't it ironic, don't you think? (112,574) by Edward from USA Mariah can't stop anyone from covering her songs. Same with Prince, he wasn't happy about "Nothing Compares 2 U" being released, but legally, there was nothing he could do. Once a song has been released to the public in the U.S., the copyright owner can't block someone else from recording a cover. This is because of what's called a compulsory mechanical license. After the original version is out, any artist can legally record and distribute their own version without asking the songwriter for permission. For example, if Kelly Clarkson wanted to cover any Mariah Carey song, she could record and release it without ever asking Mariah, she would just need to secure the mechanical license and pay the required royalties. Those royalties are handled through agencies like the Harry Fox Agency or a pro such as ASCAP or BMI, which make sure the original songwriter and publisher get paid. So even though Mariah Carey has said she doesn't really like other people doing her songs, that's just her personal preference. It doesn't give her legal power to stop a cover, as long as the proper licensing steps are followed. (Monday 1 December 2025; 15:28) this is a reply to message 112,573

Isn't it ironic, don't you think? (112,573) by Mi.I.am.A.Lamb from Poland Billy has became a friend of MC so it was very personal. For years Kelly Clarkson has been expressing her huge desire to cover Mariah's songs ("Miss you most" among others) but MC is not clearing that one. She is so protective of her catalogue although in previous years she did allow Michael Bublé and Idina Menzel to record AIWFCIY. (Monday 1 December 2025; 14:08)

Prince (112,561) by Edward from USA Prince always had this lingering disdain for Sinead O'Connor, and for a person like him with a Napoleon complex, it's hard not to see why: she took "Nothing Compares 2 U" and turned it into the cultural moment he never could. He and the giant diva swallowed held onto that resentment right up until the day he died. Sinead earned pennies from that song compared to the millions that flowed his way. Look at someone like Dolly Parton. She openly loves that Whitney turned "I Will Always Love You" into a global phenomenon, because she understood the bigger picture: a great cover only elevates the songwriter. She laughed all the way to the bank and thanked Whitney every chance she got. Prince and Mariah both getting touchy when someone else breathes new life into their songs feels... ironic. At the end of the day, it's ego. If you're going to play in the world of reinterpretation, you can't fall apart when someone does it too, sometimes even better. I don't think Mariah gives two fs about people covering her songs. She's just worried that someone could pull a "Nothing Compares 2 U" on one of her songs. It's all about ego and insecurity. (Sunday 30 November 2025; 15:20) this is a reply to message 112,552

Prince (112,552) by Lambi from USA Prince covered songs all the time though like Just My Imagination, Superstition, and Come Together, but only live and never on record. He did not like the idea of other people making money off his work, and Mariah probably feels the same way. Live performances seems to be fine but releasing them commercially is not. By that metric, she was not dissing Muni at all. I also do not think Mariah is complaining. She was even smiling here. She has always shown love to people who sampled her songs. She appreciated Like Mariah by Fifth Harmony, she approved Emotionless by Drake, she even jumped in on the Big Energy Remix and used Bryson Tillers SIO sample for a transition in concerts. She has consistently been supportive of people who sample her music tastefully. There is nothing inherently wrong with covering songs anyway. Mariah debuted with all originals, but when she was asked to do a cover for MTV Unplugged (just for TV), she then realized she could absolutely elevate a song. And had no problem doing on record: Without You, Open Arms and all that came after. But before I'll Be There, they originally wanted her to cover Aretha's Natural Woman, but out of respect for Aretha, Mariah went to Carole King and asked to write something new instead, and that is how If It's Over was born. She is at the core, a true songwriter, just like Prince, and really wanted make that a statement. And today I feel she really proved it. (Sunday 30 November 2025; 04:07)

Isn't it ironic, don't you think? (112,560) by Edward from USA I think it really comes down to taste. Aside from some of his early work, I've never been a big fan of Prince or his style of singing. I've actually played both versions of "The Beautiful Ones" for people who had never heard either version before, including people who don't even speak the language, and Mariah's version has always been the favorite. She and Sisqo did a great job with it. (Sunday 30 November 2025; 15:02) this is a reply to message 112,556

Isn't it ironic, don't you think? (112,556) by Mimi from UK I agree with you on that Mariah is being a hypocrite, but to say her cover of Beautiful Ones is better than Prince´s is crazy. Mariah did a good job on that cover, but it does not compare to the original. I'm a die hard MC fan but that's just crazy to state that, lol. (Sunday 30 November 2025; 07:09)

Muni Long (112,559) by Edward from USA You're not the only one, I didn't know who she was either. (Sunday 30 November 2025; 14:55) this is a reply to message 112,557

Muni Long (112,557) by Bill from the UK Am I the only one here who has no idea who or what Muni Long is? (Sunday 30 November 2025; 12:18)

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