Mariah Carey has spent decades reigning over the holiday music scene, but it seems even the Queen of Christmas isn’t immune to a little seasonal anxiety. Despite being the undisputed Christmas diva, recent developments in the holiday music scene have left her noticeably on edge. The source of Mariah Carey’s holiday anxiety is Sabrina Carpenter. It is no secret that after Carpenter’s hit Netflix Christmas special in 2024, rumors began circulating that Mariah is up against some fierce competition.
With her EP Fruitcake and Netflix special A Nonsense Christmas, Carpenter has seemingly taken the holiday scene by storm. Needless to say, Carey is not too thrilled about her new Christmas competitor, according to Star Magazine insiders.
“It’s never good to have someone more than half your age with a massive fan base trying to come after your business. And make no mistake, that is how Mariah views Christmas,” a source dishes. “Sabrina seems to be biting at her heels.”
This isn’t exactly the first time Mariah Carey has shown a touch of her “green-eyed monster” side. As previously reported, she has a well-known streak of competitiveness and a healthy dose of jealousy toward peers like Jennifer Lopez.
So, seeing a younger talent like Sabrina Carpenter gain traction, particularly one who is rapidly rising in popularity, is bound to trigger the standing Christmas Queen. And let’s be honest, for someone of Mariah’s stature and age, it’s completely normal to feel a twinge of panic about being challenged by a twenty-something with that kind of drive and momentum.
Who Will Own Christmas 2025: Sabrina Carpenter Or Mariah Carey?
Fans and industry watchers alike have noticed Mariah ramping up her own seasonal efforts early this year. She’s already performing classics like All I Want for Christmas Is You on tour in Asia. She is ensuring her presence is felt as the holiday season approaches. Meanwhile, Sabrina’s youthful energy proves she isn’t planning to back down anytime soon.
At the end of the day, this holiday showdown is shaping up to be a clash of experience versus fresh momentum. Mariah Carey has the legacy, the cash flow, and the title of Christmas royalty. However, Sabrina Carpenter is bringing the heat, the fans, and that youthful energy that comes with a rapidly ascending career.
It’s a classic case of old versus new. So in this case, Mariah might need to kick up that diva energy at a notch or two, especially if she wants to keep her crown firmly in place this season.
As the holiday music battlefield heats up, fans are left watching and wondering. Will the Queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey, defend her throne? Or will she be forced to pass the baton to Sabrina Carpenter?
Either way, it looks like Christmas 2025 could be in for quite a battle. At the same time, both women are incredibly talented. Many are asking if young Sabrina has what it takes to take on the more seasoned Mariah? Time will tell as this yuletide drama continues to unfold.
