55 Years, 19 Number Ones: Exploring Mariah Carey’s Anniversary Through Her Billboard Dominance
“It’s time for celebration”. For everyone who’s followed Mariah throughout her career, it is well known she is not a fan of birthdays, but anniversaries. Born on March 27th, 1969, time is not something the diva acknowledges but we are definitely thankful for the time she’s given to us as the musical legend that she is. This year, we’ve decided to celebrate Mariah’s 55th anniversary through her unfinished journey of her unparallelled 19 Billboard Hot 100 Number One Hits.
Vision of Love
Mariah Carey’s chart dominance began with “Vision of Love,” marking the arrival of a legendary artist. Remaining at number one for four consecutive weeks, the song showcased Carey’s vocal range. It etched her name in music history. The video for “Vision of Love” became iconic, a memory cherished by many singers as the epitome of success. Despite Carey’s playful critique of the “excessive” hairspray used in the video, there’s no denying the profound impact. The song introduced Mariah Carey to the world, setting the stage for her unparalleled career.
Love Takes Time
On November 10th, 1990, Mariah Carey reached another milestone with the release of her second single, “Love Takes Time”. This song quickly became a hit, reaching number one and staying in that position for three weeks. This made Mariah the artist who spent the most weeks at number one in 1990. It also dethroned Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby”.
The song can be recently heard in the 2019 episode “Revelations” of the LGBTQ+ series “Pose”.
Someday
Although Mariah Carey has expressed her dislike for the way the song turned out, she reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on March 9, 1991. This achievement was with her third single from her debut album “Mariah Carey”. Carey’s single, “Someday”, dethroned Whitney Houston’s song “All the Man I Need” to reach the top, staying there for two weeks. This made Carey the only female artist to have her first three singles consecutively reach number one.
I Don’t Wanna Cry
On May 25th, 1991, “I Don’t Wanna Cry” became number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks. This continued Mariah Carey’s streak of consecutive number ones. It was released as a 7-inch vinyl with “You Need Me” as the B-side. The single is currently certified gold by the RIAA.
Emotions
Mariah released her second album “Emotions” in 1991 with the lead single of the same name reaching number one on October 12. It remained there for 3 weeks, making it Mariah’s fifth consecutive number one to date. While “You’re So Cold” was initially intended as the lead single, “Emotions” was chosen instead. Mottola states it showcased Mariah’s whistle register fluidity, becoming a signature song. The song is certified platinum, and in 2018 Drake sampled the 12″ Club Mix version for his song “Emotionless.”
The follow-up single, “Can’t Let Go,” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. However, Tommy Mottola, president of Sony Music, removed physical single releases to boost album sales. This action prevented it from potentially becoming Mariah’s sixth consecutive number one single.
I’ll Be There (feat. Trey Lorenz)
In 1992, as MTV hosted a popular series called “Unplugged,” Mariah was asked to participate in the show. In a last-minute decision, she covered “I’ll Be There” by The Jackson 5. The beautiful rendition quickly reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on June 20th, 1992 and Michael Jackson said himself, this was his favourite cover of one of his songs.
Dreamlover
In 1993, Mariah Carey released her fourth studio album, “Music Box“. With “Music Box”, Mariah Carey cemented her status as one of the world’s most successful singers. Her hit single “Dreamlover” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart on September 11, 1993 for eight weeks, breaking her previous record for her longest-running number one single. “Music Box” remains Mariah Carey’s best-selling album to date, with over 20 million copies sold worldwide. It is now certified Diamond by the RIAA.
Hero
Mariah Carey released “Hero” as the second single from her album “Music Box”. Written originally for Gloria Estefan, Mariah Carey decided to keep it and it has become one of her most iconic songs to date. While she is known to top the Billboard chart during Christmas for other reasons, funny enough “Hero” reached the number one position on December 25, 1993, and stayed there for 4 consecutive weeks.
Fantasy
Mariah Carey’s soaring hit “Fantasy” etched its place in history as her 9th number-one single on September 30, 1995. Breaking barriers and shattering records, it became the first song by a female artist to debut directly at the top of the charts. Its mesmerizing melody and “Genius of Love” sample captivated listeners, propelling it to spend eight weeks at the coveted number-one spot.
While European countries relished the Daydream album version, the United States experienced a unique twist with the version featuring Ol’ Dirty Bastard, adding an unprecedented hip-hop merge to pop culture. Mariah’s “Fantasy” remains a timeless classic that continues to enchant music enthusiasts across the globe and was recently re-sung in Latto’s remix of “Big Energy” featuring Carey herself.
One Sweet Day (feat. Boyz II Men)
“One Sweet Day,” a heartfelt collaboration between Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men, was released as a single on November 14, 1995. The song served as the second single from Mariah Carey’s fifth studio album, “Daydream.” Its emotionally resonant lyrics and soul-stirring vocals struck a chord with listeners, propelling it to reach the pinnacle of the Billboard Hot 100 chart on December 2, 1995.
Remarkably, “One Sweet Day” held the number one spot for an astounding 16 consecutive weeks, setting a new record at the time for the most weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100. This extraordinary achievement cemented the song’s place in history and established it as one of the most successful and enduring collaborations in music history. Additionally, “One Sweet Day” received widespread critical acclaim and garnered several prestigious accolades, including three Grammy Award nominations.
Its profound impact on audiences and the music industry showcases the timeless power of Mariah Carey’s artistry and the heartfelt synergy between her and Boyz II Men in this iconic ballad.
Always Be My Baby
“Always Be My Baby,” a classic R&B gem and the unmistaken do-do-doop back hook, was released as a single on March 9, 1996. The song’s infectious melody and heartwarming lyrics resonated deeply with audiences, leading it to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart on May 4, 1996. Capturing hearts and souls, “Always Be My Baby” remained at the number one spot for two weeks. Although it didn’t break the record set by her collaboration with Boyz II Men in “One Sweet Day,” “Always Be My Baby” has stood the test of time. Surpassing in popularity, it became a worldwide favorite.. The song was later sampled by Fifth Harmony in “Like Mariah” in 2015 and in 2023, remixed by Austin Millz in the latest “sped up” trend.
As of the time of writing this article, the song has been certified 5 times platinum in the US alone.
Honey
During the Butterfly era, Mariah Carey saw her first emancipation period, a reinvented wardrobe and newfound artistic freedom. On September 13, 1997, Mariah released “Honey” which became her third single to debut directly at number one on the Billboard Charts, a remarkable feat for any artist. Mariah remains the only artist to achieve this milestone with three songs. “Honey” incorporated samples from “Hey DJ” by World-Famous Supreme Team and “The Body Rock” by the Treacherous Three, showcasing Mariah’s foray into the hip hop scene and redefining her career. The song’s iconic music video, shot in Puerto Rico, unveiled a bold and daring side of Mariah, donning short skirts and stilettos as never seen before. The infectious five-note melody captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, and “Honey” even made an appearance in the clubbing scene of Reese Witherspoon’s 90s series, “Little Fires Everywhere.”
With its enduring popularity, “Honey” has earned a double platinum certification in the US, solidifying its place as a beloved classic in Mariah Carey’s illustrious discography.
My All
In the Latin-influenced R&B ballad “My All,” Mariah Carey expresses her desire to rekindle a night of passion with a distant lover. Inspired by her affair with New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter during her troubled marriage to Sony Music executive Tommy Mottola, the song delves into themes of desire and separation. Tunes like “Honey” and “The Roof” from the Butterfly album were also influenced by this Puerto Rican rendezvous.
Despite the risk, Carey boldly poured her emotions into the song, infusing it with Spanish undertones. Directed by Herb Ritts, the music video depicts a romantic reunion at a lighthouse but faced challenges, as Carey suffered an allergic reaction on set. “My All” marked Carey’s 13th #1 hit on the Hot 100 and signaled the end of her partnership with co-writer Walter Afanasieff due to her evolving musical direction. The song’s allure extended to a Spanish-language version titled “Mi Todo.”
Heartbreaker (feat. Jay-Z)
“Heartbreaker,” Mariah Carey’s infectious R&B track, soared to the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on August 23, 1999. Released as the lead single from her album “Rainbow,” the song highlighted Mariah’s powerful vocals and marked a transition into a more urban sound. Its popularity surged with a clever sample from Stacy Lattisaw’s “Attack of the Name Game,” adding a nostalgic touch to the modern hit.
The music video for “Heartbreaker” was a blockbuster, showcasing Mariah in a dual role as both a glamorous diva and a sneaky alter ego – Bianca. Actor Jerry O’Connell starred as her love interest, enhancing the fun and playful storyline with captivating dance sequences. The song also marked Jay-Z’s first number-one as a featured artist. And while we’re at it, the video cost an astonishing 2.5 million dollars!
Thank God I Found You (feat. Joe & 98 Degrees)
“Thank God I Found You,” Mariah Carey’s heartfelt ballad featuring Joe and 98 Degrees, secured the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on February 19, 2000. Released in 1999 as part of her album “Rainbow,” the song beautifully conveyed gratitude for finding true love. Mariah’s soulful vocals, combined with the harmonious voices of Joe and 98 Degrees, created a captivating and emotional musical journey.
We Belong Together
Ah, the so-said comeback. “We Belong Together,” Mariah Carey’s iconic ballad, mesmerized global audiences and left a historic mark on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Featured in her tenth studio album, “The Emancipation of Mimi” (2005), the song swiftly climbed to the top spot, maintaining its position for an impressive 14 weeks. Mariah’s soulful vocals, coupled with the song’s poignant lyrics, resonated deeply with listeners, cementing its place as one of her defining hits.
During its debut week, “We Belong Together” achieved remarkable sales, with over 277,000 digital downloads and 189,000 physical copies sold, marking one of the highest first-week sales in history. Its enduring popularity is underscored by a remarkable RIAA certification of 6x Platinum in the United States, highlighting its timeless appeal and Mariah Carey’s undeniable talent as both a vocalist and songwriter. In 2021, Mariah released a Valentine extended version, showcasing her ability to deliver this iconic ballad with soaring vocals.
Curiously “Shake It Off” could have been another well-deserved number one… And it did go all the way: to number two. However, it never peaked at the top because of the success of another song that was at number 1: We Belong Together. Mariah literally blocked herself from achieving another milestone.
Don’t Forget About Us
Released in 2005 as part of the multi-platinum edition of “The Emancipation of Mimi,” “Don’t Forget About Us” soared to the top of the charts. This achievement further solidified Mariah’s reign as the “Queen of Billboard.” During its debut week, “Don’t Forget About Us” showcased its widespread appeal by selling over 81,000 digital downloads and 6,000 physical copies.
The video features one of Marilyn Monroe’s iconic “leg out of the pool” photo shoot moments. Mariah referred to it as a homage to Monroe’s movie “Something’s Got To Give”. It also includes multiple intimate moments between Carey and actor Christian Monzon. The song received an impressive RIAA certification of 2x Platinum in the United States, attesting to its enduring charm and the unwavering support from fans worldwide.
Touch My Body
“Touch My Body,” Mariah Carey’s playful and infectious hit, debuted in 2008 as part of her eleventh studio album, “E=MC²”. The song swiftly climbed the charts, securing the number one spot and marking Mariah’s 18th chart-topper. This feat solidified her status as the artist with the most number-one hits at that time. During its debut week, “Touch My Body” achieved remarkable sales, surpassing 286,000 digital downloads. This was Mariah’s highest first-week sales of her career at that point.
Fast forward to 2023, the song witnessed a resurgence in popularity thanks to a viral TikTok trend, attracting a new generation of fans and a massive audience. As a response, “Touch My Body” is shining on digital platforms, like Spotify, where it averages 250,000 daily streams.
All I Want for Christmas Is You
And finally, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” the beloved holiday anthem, has left an indelible mark on the music industry since its release in 1994. Despite the prevailing rule that prevented Christmas songs from charting on the Billboard Hot 100 at the time, the song’s timeless appeal couldn’t be denied, and it continued to gain popularity year after year. In its first week of release, the song sold an impressive 45,000 copies, laying the foundation for its enduring success.
The holiday anthem reached the number one position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the first time on December 21, 2019, exactly 25 years after its original release in 1994, and has been number one every year since. This historic achievement made it Mariah Carey’s 19th number-one hit on the Hot 100 chart. It marked a significant moment in music history, as the song became the first holiday-themed song to top the chart since the rule change that allowed Christmas songs to be eligible for the Hot 100.
The song’s enduring popularity and widespread appeal have made it a perennial favorite during the holiday season. Its climb to number one was a testament to its timeless charm and Mariah Carey’s unmatched status as the “Queen of Christmas.”
After all these years, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has received several RIAA certifications. Ultimately achieving 14x Diamond status in the United States, it has attested to its lasting impact and popularity. As one of the top 100 most-streamed songs to date and one of the top 100 most-sold singles of all time, the song has become a holiday staple, cherished by audiences of all ages. Due to its crescent popularity and numbers every year, it’s not stopping anytime soon.
In conclusion…
At age 55, Mariah Carey’s 19 Billboard number ones underscore her indelible mark on the music industry. From her debut with “Vision of Love” to the timeless holiday anthem “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” each chart-topper represents a milestone in her illustrious career. With her unmatched vocal prowess and ability to craft unforgettable melodies, Mariah has consistently resonated with audiences worldwide, earning her the title of the “Queen of Billboard.”
As the only artist with such a remarkable achievement, Mariah’s reign atop the Billboard charts is a testament to her enduring impact and cultural significance. Each number one hit not only reflects her musical genius but also symbolizes the connection she shares with her fans. With her unparalleled talent and unwavering dedication, Mariah Carey continues to shape the landscape of contemporary music, inspiring generations to come.
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