LOS ANGELES, California– A federal judge has dismissed a copyright lawsuit against Mariah Carey over her 1994 holiday song, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” The ruling, issued on March 19, 2025, by Judge Mónica Ramírez Almadani, grants summary judgment in favor of Carey and co-writer Walter Afanasieff, avoiding a trial.
The lawsuit was filed by Andy Stone and Troy Powers, who alleged that Carey’s song copied elements from their 1989 track of the same name, performed by Vince Vance & the Valiants.
The plaintiffs sought $20 million in damages, arguing that the two songs shared similarities in melody, lyrics, and theme.
Stone and Powers expressed disappointment with the ruling, while Carey and Afanasieff welcomed the dismissal, reaffirming their commitment to originality in songwriting.