Christmas is just two weeks away and festive songs are in full swing – but which artist makes the most money at this time of year. Here’s the top 10, according to Spotify
View 4 Images
You might think it was Mariah Carey, but she’s not the top Christmas earner(Image: YouTube)
Christmas hasn’t started until you’ve heard Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You – but it might surprise you to know she’s not the highest Christmas earner.
Though the ‘Queen of Christmas’ is said to pocket a staggering £8 million from Christmas streams of her hit song alone, there’s one artist who takes home more every year. So who is the person in question?
It’s the ‘King of Christmas’, Canadian crooner Michael Buble. The 50-year-old is the biggest overall earner during the festive season. Of his total £26 million coming from Spotify streams, £11.8 million is from Christmassongs – the highest total of all artists.
Ariana Grande comes in third place. This is despite only 4% of her music on Spotify being Christmas themed, like Santa Tell Me. Yet the 32-year-old Wicked star is still pulling in £5.8 million for her contribution to Spotify’s favourite Christmas playlists. This is in addition to the £133 million she gets from the rest of her discography.
READ MORE: ‘I tried Wetherspoons’ Christmas dinner and can sum it up in two words’
Wham’s Last Christmas, released in December 1984 and sung by music legend George Michael – who sadly died on Christmas Day 2016 at the age of 53 – is in fourth place with their huge hit pulling in £4.5 million a year from Spotify streams alone.
Justin Bieber is next on the list, making £3.6 million from his Christmas songs that include Christmas Love, Mistletoe and recordings of All I Want For Christmas Is You and Santa Claus is Coming To Town.
Brenda Lee might be 81 now, but she’s still Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree from the hit she released in 1958 when she was just 13 years old. It’s said to earn her a whopping £3.5 million in streams.
Kelly Clarkson also earns £3.5 million for her Christmas back catalogue that includes hits like Underneath the Tree, Santa, Can’t You Hear Me, Christmas Eve and Silent Night.
White Christmas and It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year singer Andy Williams passed away in 2012, but his music still makes £3.5 million every Christmas.
John Lennon’s Happy Xmas (War Is Over) rakes in £1.6 million each year. While Elton John’s classic Step Into Christmas adds £1.5 million to his fortune over the festive season.
Libby Mayfield, Head of Marketing for Dark Horse SEO agency who carried out the research said: “When you look at the numbers, Christmas isn’t just a season, it’s a business model. For some artists, one festive hit isn’t just a chart success, it’s the backbone of their entire streaming income. For others, a few Christmas covers can boost their revenue by millions.
“Ultimately, it’s hard to look at this data and not wonder where originality has gone. Sure, some songs are classics, but what is it about recent years that’s made it so tempting to rehash and rerecord instead of writing new music?”
Article continues below
READ MORE: Ted Baker necklace that’s an affordable alternative to Kate Middleton’s pearl jewellery is on sale
Ant & Seb have made a surprise comeback 17 years after their iconic X Factor audition, with the brothers releasing charity single ‘Sprinkle It’ for Shelter
View 4 Images
Ant and Seb’s audition was hilarious but failed to get them a spot in the competition
They failed to win over Simon Cowell back in 2008 – but fast forward to 2025, and Ant & Seb have captured the hearts of the internet with an unexpected Christmas return that’s sent X Factor devotees into overdrive. The Welsh siblings from Cardiff – permanently cemented in reality television folklore for their memorable X Factor audition – have made a comeback with a festive charity track called “Sprinkle It.”
After sharing a brief clip on TikTok revealing their return, the response has been phenomenal. The clip has amassed more than 480,000 views on TikTok within a day, whilst hundreds of comments have poured in. Supporters have been swift to embrace the moment, with responses varying from “This is the best day of my life” to “2025 has officially been saved.”
READ MORE: Simon Cowell’s Netflix co-star lifts lid on his secret side including bizarre lunchesREAD MORE: ‘I was 15 and to go straight from school to instant fame was wild,’ says Five star
Others expressed disbelief, questioning, “Is this actually them?”. One supporter posted: “Did Ant and Seb just rescue 2025 at the last moment?” whilst another proclaimed the return was “better than a One Direction reunion.”Another captured the sentiment plainly: “I gasped – oh my god, iconic.”
Ant & Seb initially rose to prominence almost twenty years ago following their X Factor audition which became one of the programme’s most discussed episodes, primarily due to Seb’s now-iconic rap and the notorious phrase, “Why did he bring his brother?” Despite failing to advance as a novelty act under Simon Cowell, Cheryl and Louis Walsh, the episode went on to become one of the most unforgettable, accumulating millions of views across YouTube, Instagram and TikTok throughout the years.
Seventeen years later, the siblings have returned with “Sprinkle It,” a cheerful, uplifting number blending Ant’s silky vocals with Seb’s characteristic wit. The duo co-wrote the track themselves, aiming to deliver something enjoyable, entertaining and seasonal.
However, the return carries additional significance. After their initial X Factor appearance, Ant suffered a mental health crisis connected to the editing and public presentation of their audition. Ant continues his recovery, and the pair explain this venture is about spreading joy, laughter and optimism, whilst demonstrating that circumstances can get better and time offers healing. Every penny raised from the single will go to Shelter and Shelter Cymru, helping those experiencing homelessness throughout the UK.
New Orleans Saints special teams coordinator Phil Galiano says Charlie Smyth’s future as a permanent member of the squad is “up in the air”.
Saints head coach Kellen Moore confirmed on Tuesday that the kicker will make his home NFL debut against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday (21:25 GMT).
Former Gaelic footballer Smyth is set to start his third successive NFL game after featuring in the defeat at the Miami Dolphins and last weekend’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
NFL rules say a player can be elevated three times from the practice squad before they must be made a permanent fixture in a team’s 53-man roster.
That means that if Smyth impresses against the Panthers, the Saints would need to sign him before selecting him for a fourth match, but Galiano would not be drawn to comment on the 24-year-old’s future.
“All of that is up in the air, our focus is on one game at a time and what we’re trying to do is go and win this game,” he said.
3 days ago
4 days ago
Smyth earned his opportunity after regular kicker Blake Grupe was waived by the Saints, and he came through a competition against veteran Cade York to earn his shot at the NFL.
The former Down GAA goalkeeper landed a 56-yard field goal and a rare onside kick on his debut but had mixed fortunes in the surprise victory over the Buccaneers.
Smyth missed a 48-yard field-goal attempt in the driving rain, but his 30-yard effort tied the game in the closing stages of the third quarter.
He was perfect from his three extra-point attempts, but failed to hit the landing zone late in the game from a kick-off although the Buccaneers could not capitalise on the error.
Galiano was pleased with Smyth’s reaction after his first missed field-goal attempt and believes there were plenty of positives to take from his first two appearances.
“I thought it was good as he missed it and came over to the sideline, I grabbed him and said, ‘hey, you got your first miss in the NFL out the way, so how are you going to respond to it?'” added Galiano.
Briton Dalton Smith’s world-title challenge against WBC light-welterweight champion Subriel Matias remains on, despite the champion returning adverse drug-test findings.
The Puerto Rican tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) out-of-competition test taken on 9 November.
A ‘B’ sample also returned an adverse finding, but the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) says the concentration detected was below the threshold used by major boxing jurisdictions, meaning the fight in New York on 10 January can proceed.
“The New York State Athletic Commission is aware that Mr Matias, who is currently licensed, has received an adverse analytic finding from VADA concerning an out of competition test,” the commission told BBC Sport.
“The reported concentration was below the applicable threshold used by multiple jurisdictions, including Nevada, California, and New York.”
The commission added that Matias has been cooperative but that the situation remains under review and he will be subject to additional testing.
It added: “At this time the fight is scheduled to proceed on 10 January 2026.”
Ostarine, a non-steroidal drug used to support muscle growth, has been on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned substance list since 2008.
Following the initial A-sample finding, the WBC said it had identified mitigating factors in Matias’ case.
The sanctioning body indicated the adverse result was linked to the fighter’s use of supplements known to carry a risk of Ostarine contamination, adding that the levels detected were low and consistent with accidental ingestion.
However, the organisation has placed him on a 12-month probation period.
The WBC also warned that any further positive test during the probationary period would result in an indefinite suspension, pending further investigation.
Sheffield’s Smith, 28, has won all 18 of his professional bouts, and his team have said he will not pull out of the contest.
Legendary Scottish actor and comedian Stanley Baxter has died aged 99.
Baxter launched his career as a child performer on BBC Scotland before rising to fame through his television comedy programmes. Born in Glasgow on May 24, 1926, he made his stage debut at the tender age of six.
His friend and biographer Brian Beacom announced the star’s death, and said he died on Thursday (11 December) in a care home for those in the entertainment industry in North London. Baxter had been living at Denville Hall for two years and was only a few months away from his 100th birthday.
His breakthrough on the small screen arrived with the comedy sketch programme On the Bright Side. Appearing alongside Betty Marsden as co-host, he subsequently received a BAFTA for Light Entertainment Performance.
The performer also had his own eponymous programme which aired from 1963 to 1971 – The Stanley Baxter show. Baxter would also host standalone comedy extravaganzas on ITV’s London Weekend Television and the BBC. At their peak, the shows reached more than 20 million viewers.
For many years, he remained one of Scotland’s most celebrated pantomime performers, with one reviewer calling him “the dame of the century”. The comic received awards for his comedy and acting throughout his career, and won a lifetime achievement award at the British Comedy Awards. He also won Bafta Scotlands Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television award in 2020.
The star was also the subject of two TV tribute programmes. Earlier this month, BBC Scotland announced that an hour-long documentary featuring rare archive footage and candid interviews will air on New Year‘s Eve as the actor’s 100th birthday approached.
Being Stanley Baxter is set to feature a raft of stars who were close to him, including actor Bill Paterson and actress Amanda Barrie, as well as Mark Gatiss and Alan Cumming.
Baxter also had parts in a number of films, such as Geordie from 1955, Very Important Person from 1961, The Fast Lady from 1962 and And Father Came Too! from 1963.
In an interview with Radio Times in 2014, Baxter said he had written an autobiography which was to be published after his death. However he released a biography, co-written with Beacom, in 2020.
**WhatsApp Community **or follow us on**Google News ** , **Flipboard ** , Apple News, **TikTok **_ , ** ****Snapchat **,** **Instagram **, ** **Twitter **,** ****Facebook **,** ****YouTube **and _** ** Threads– or visit The Mirror homepage.
Cotonou, Benin – The Dantokpa market in Cotonou is once again a whirlwind of activity, just days after a failed bid to topple the Beninese government.
Pedestrians and cart pushers jostle in the narrow streets, a sign that daily life is returning to normal following the brief but intense crisis.
Recommended Stories
list of 3 itemsend of list
Among the bustling crowds, petty traders like Abel Ayihuonsou are back to selling their goods, eager for information about the attempted putsch and what it means for the nation’s future.
“For the moment, everything is back to normal. And that’s very good for the country and we are happy,” Ayihuonsou said, summarising the widespread relief.
The failed putsch
The crisis began on Sunday morning when a group of soldiers seized the national television station and announced the deposition of President Patrice Talon.
However, the attempted coup was swiftly defeated by forces loyal to the president, critically supported by the Nigerian Air Force.
While former colonial power France and regional country Ivory Coast offered Benin support, Nigerian forces, alongside loyalist troops, were instrumental in quashing the rebellion.
Nigeria deployed military jets to target the mutineers, as forces loyal to Benin’s president surrounded a base where the plotters had holed up. This coordinated action forced the coup leaders to retreat from both the state television station they had occupied and the presidential palace they had tried to take by force.
By Sunday afternoon, the interior minister had released a statement saying Beninese army leadership had “foiled the attempt”. And that evening, Talon appeared on state television promising to punish those responsible.
“I would like to assure you that the situation is completely under control and therefore invite you to calmly go about your activities starting this very evening,” the president said.
Benin’s President Patrice Talon in Cotonou, on August 1, 2022 [File: AFP]
Beninese journalist Moise Dosumou highlighted the strategic nature of the intervention, suggesting that although Benin requested help, Nigeria’s prompt reaction was key as a regional power.
“A threat of instability at its doorstep would inevitably spill over onto both Nigeria and ECOWAS,” Dosumou observed.
Nigeria’s role in Benin, although commended by the African Union, regional bloc the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and other international bodies, drew criticism at home.
Some Nigerians wondered how Nigerian fighter jets thwarted a coup in a foreign country, while seemingly unable to do the same to bandits and armed groups terrorising villagers at home.
A region in flux
The failed coup comes at a precarious time for the region.
Several West African countries have witnessed coups in recent years, including Benin’s northern neighbours, Niger and Burkina Faso, as well as Mali, Chad, Guinea and, most recently, Guinea-Bissau, where soldiers seized power last month.
A successful takeover in Benin would have further weakened ECOWAS, which suspended Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger following the successful military takeovers there. These three nations then formed their own confederate alliance known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Many in the AES states welcomed the initial announcement by the Beninese coup leaders on Sunday.
Analysts believe that a successful coup in Benin could have led the country, which is also battling armed groups, to join the AES, further isolating ECOWAS.
The government maintains that the coup was homegrown, but suggests the scope of the investigation is broad.
“But if investigations allow us to trace it back to a foreign country or foreign forces that contributed to it, we will also, within the framework of international cooperation, express our disapproval and condemnation to those actors,” said Wilfried Leandre Houngbedji, spokesman for the Benin government.
People walk at the Dantokpa market, two days after the country’s armed forces thwarted the attempted coup against the government, in Cotonou [Charles Placide Tossou/Reuters]
The coup’s shock isn’t limited to Benin politics. The small West African country is an important maritime hub. Many countries in the region, especially the landlocked nation of Niger, relied heavily on the port of Cotonou for imports and exports.
That relation took a hit after the military takeover in Niamey in 2023. Benin’s implementation of ECOWAS sanctions in the aftermath of the coup damaged relations between the two neighbours. Niger now relies on supplies from Togolese ports that are rerouted through Mali and Burkina Faso, forcing up the cost of goods because of the additional logistics.
The instability is not limited to Benin. ECOWAS also recently suspended Guinea-Bissau after the military seized power there following a contested presidential election.
Across the region, many people are disgruntled by the attitude of politicians. It’s little surprise that coups in the region, whether failed or successful, receive at least some support from the individuals who see politicians as nothing more than an elite group mostly concerned about their own interests.
Benin officials, however, said the country isn’t where it is supposed to be, but remarkable progress has been made in various sectors, like infrastructure development and investments, in apparent reaction to a string of accusations levelled against the president and his government.
The future of Benin’s democracy
President Talon, who survived the attempt, is set to complete his second term, backed by ECOWAS, whose forces have been deployed to help secure the country’s 34-year-old democracy.
The attempted coup, however, has fundamentally shaken the nation’s confidence that its democratic stability was permanent.
Presidential elections are scheduled for next April. Although Talon is not running, some critics perceive his influence in the weakening of the opposition, potentially smoothing the path for the governing party’s candidate.
It remains unclear how long Nigerian fighter jets and ECOWAS troops will be deployed to deter future attempts by disgruntled soldiers.
Meanwhile, for people in the region, the failed coup is a stark reminder that stability can be fragile. And many fear that the recent surge in successful and failed coups across the continent means West Africa risks reclaiming its notoriety as a region prone to military takeovers.
Military armoured vehicles take position in front of the headquarters of Benin’s radio and television station, a day after the country’s armed forces thwarted an attempted coup against the government of Benin’s President Patrice Talon [Charles Placide Tossou/Reuters]
