Mariah Carey Demos Auction and Christmas Hit Break Chart Records

Mariah Carey has made headlines twice in one week. Her ultra-rare 1988 demo tape sold for over $54,000 at auction. Meanwhile, her holiday classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You” returned to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

These events highlight Carey’s enduring legacy. The tape sale broke a record for a female artist’s cassette. The song‘s latest chart feat ties a historic record.

Rare Demo Sells for Record Price

Wax Poetics auctioned the cassette on December 11. It sold for an impressive $54,050. This makes it the highest-selling cassette by a female artist ever auctioned.

The tape came from producer Arthur Baker’s archive. It features seven early recordings. Five songs later appeared on Carey’s 1990 debut album.

Two tracks have never been officially released. They were long sought after by dedicated fans. The lot included a certificate of authenticity.

Alex Bruh, CEO of Wax Poetics, called the tape a “holy grail.” He said it captures the moment a generational voice was taking shape. The sale underscores Carey’s self-made beginnings.

Historic Chart Reign Continues

“All I Want for Christmas Is You” jumped back to No. 1. This marks its 19th total week atop the Billboard Hot 100. That ties the record for the longest reign in the chart’s history.

According to Billboard, the song now matches runs by Shaboozey and Lil Nas X. It is Carey’s seventh holiday season ruling the chart. This extends her own record.

The song was originally released in 1994. It did not become a annual chart-topper until the streaming era. It has reached No. 1 every holiday season since 2019.

This achievement gives Carey her 19th career Hot 100 No. 1. She holds the most chart-toppers among solo artists. She is also the first to score a No. 1 hit in four different decades.

The dual milestones demonstrate Mariah Carey’s unique and lasting impact on music history. From a priceless demo tape to a record-tying chart run, her influence continues to resonate across generations.

Thought you’d like to know

What was on Mariah Carey’s demo tape?

The cassette contained seven early recordings from 1988. Five evolved into songs on her 1990 debut album. Two tracks remained officially unreleased until now.

How much did the demo tape sell for?

The tape sold for $54,050 at auction. This set a new record as the highest-selling cassette by a female artist. Wax Poetics confirmed the final sale price.

What Billboard record did her Christmas song break?

“All I Want for Christmas Is You” just tied the record for most weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100. It reached its 19th total week at the top, matching other historic hits.

Why is this demo tape so significant?

It represents Carey’s talent before she was signed. The tape is directly linked to her famous discovery at a 1989 party. Collectors view it as a key piece of pop music history.