From “Vision of Love” to “Touch My Body,” this pop and R&B sensation has done everything an artist can do. She has acted in a variety of movies and tv shows, performing at many historical landmarks for veterans and even judged on American Idol. 

Since 1994, however, she has been labeled as “The Queen of Christmas,” when she released a song that is pretty much glued to our minds around this time of year. 

If you haven’t realized already, we’re talking about Mariah Carey, a singer-songwriter who has achieved an 18 number-one record on the Billboard Chart. One of those successful songs is her Christmas classic, “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” which once again hit number one on the Billboard charts this year. 

She took that song along with many other classics and put together a 45-minute Christmas special on Apple TV, which was released on December 4th.  

It begins by featuring other famous stars such as Bette Midler, Millie Bobby Brown, and Heidi Klum, who express their disappointment in the irregularities that 2020 has brought to us.

Carey’s inclusion of the other celebrities allows viewers to realize that even some of the biggest stars are struggling as well. 

The special continues with Mariah Carey singing her rendition of “Sleigh Ride,” as she makes her way in a reindeer-led sleigh from her apartment in New York to the North Pole.

Her first full performance in the North Pole is followed by a special showing of the popular cartoon, Charlie Brown. When the cartoon concludes, Carey stands next to a bright red piano, singing “When Christmas Comes.” 

Perhaps the most controversial performance sung by Mariah is when she has fellow singers, Jennifer Hudson and Ariana Grande, by her side, singing Mariah’s 2010 original,  “Oh Santa.” After the debut of the special, Carey’s loyal fans, known as the lambs, were in a state of shock when Mariah and Ariana harmonized together in their infamous whistle register. 

The show then transitions to the singer collaborating with Snoop Dogg, which was preceded by her solo of “O Holy Night.” Jaws will drop when viewers witness Carey able to hit the highest note in the song in her whistle register while standing in a snow-covered forest, surrounded by a choir dressed in all white robes.

Multiple performances follow, such as Carey’s version of “Joy To The World” and “Silent Night.” However, any Mariah Carey Christmas concert would not be complete without her own original Christmas single song. 

The Christmas special concludes with the 1994 hit single “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” which once again rose to the number one spot on the Billboard charts this year. Carey is accompanied by her children, Moroccan and Monroe, along with her choir and dancers dressed as elves.

In the past thirty years of her career, Carey’s voice has undoubtedly changed. Her 2020 voice is very different from her “Hero” and “We Belong Together” days. That being said, Mariah is able to prove that she can still hit those high notes and her slaying whistle.  

I highly recommend getting the family together in front of the television if you’re looking for something positive to bring to this stressful holiday season. Mariah, along with other producers, singers, and actors, has provided an opportunity for a magical sing-along, which will provide some sense of Christmas tradition

I found her Christmas special inspiring in a way that makes everyone still feel the Christmas spirit that lies within all of us. Her flawless performances and collaborations will put a smile on everyone’s faces, which I think is the best way to end this unique year.