Few of us have power over words like superstar singer Mariah Carey. Carey recently took to social media with a string of tweets where she only used two to entice her fans.
Carey's musical prowess is a staple for many over the holiday season. Knowing full well the excitement for the holidays' approach, she posted several clips to remind viewers that it's almost time.
That is, it's almost time for Christmas and it's almost time for fans to bust out their Mariah Carey Christmas playlist—but "not yet."
It’s almost time… pic.twitter.com/z12sJvo8vW
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) October 16, 2022
but… pic.twitter.com/NjtHl5AaMY
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) October 16, 2022
not yet. pic.twitter.com/yRITzNoauf
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) October 16, 2022
The "not yet" game seems to have become a tradition for Carey as a signal for the start of the holiday season.
Last year's video came directly after Halloween.
Ready? Let’s go! 🎃➡️🎄#MariahSZN pic.twitter.com/cEaFrRBHwJ
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) November 1, 2021
Having gained international fame for composing the popular Christmas song "All I Want for Christmas is You", it seems fitting for Carey's brand to pave the way for the holiday season.
Carey initially delved into holiday music with her 1994 album Merry Christmas which featured her hit song along with renditions of popular Christmas hits such as "Joy to the World" and "Silent Night". The album went on to experience widespread success and has sold over 15 million copies worldwide.
Inventor of Christmas Mariah Carey singing “Joy To The World” intro on opening night at @BeaconTheatre. pic.twitter.com/YOi3gk8VhP
— Ryan Schocket (@RyanSchocket) December 3, 2017
Carey has since looked to take her Christmas passion to the next level. She's recently set up a trademark for the title "Queen of Christmas."
As an ambassador for Christmas spirit, fans seem to be taking on to her yearly trend.
\u201c@MariahCarey QUEEN OF CHRISTMAS BACK!\u201d— Mariah Carey (@Mariah Carey) 1665932138
The official Mariah Carey ‘not yet’ countdown to Christmas has begun https://t.co/7YQudzVNmW
— Tyler Hales (@TylerHales) September 2, 2022
mariah carey: Not yet!!!!
doja cat: happy halloween 🥀🎃👻
charlie puth: Friday!!! pic.twitter.com/heHD2Vyyhc
— muda (@mudamu_da) September 7, 2022
The only time I say "I don't know her" to Mariah Carey is when she says "not yet". MIMI, CHRISTMAS IS EVERYDAY FOR ME. 🎄😍
It's always time to be festive, to celebrate the Savior and The Innocence of Christmas!!! I know, dahling, I know. 😂🎁#MariahCarey pic.twitter.com/YmNKP2P1NU
— 🍭🧁Notsweet🍯🍩 (@koritsaki93) September 11, 2022
Mariah Carey talking about not yet 🙄 girl gon. IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME GIRL
— ✨️Little Seal Girl🦭💗 (@Queen_Martiian) October 16, 2022
It’s almost time for Mariah Carey to start posting her “not yet” videos🤧
— Ty (@curlyintuition) September 17, 2022
\u201c@MariahCarey We\u2019re ready.\u201d— Mariah Carey (@Mariah Carey) 1665932138
However, it seems not everyone is happy with Carey's takeover of the Christmas season.
In response to her trademark effort, two other divas have hit back claiming they deserve the honor.
Darlene Love who sang the 1963 hit "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" states that popular talk show host David Letterman has already dubbed her with the same title. Love is well known to have frequented Letterman's show to perform her Christmas feature.
"David Letterman officially declared me the Queen of Christmas 29 years ago, a year before she released 'All I Want For Christmas Is You'."
"At 81 years of age I'm not changing anything."
"I've been in the business for 52 years, have earned it and can still hit those notes! If Mariah has a problem call David or my lawyer!"
It's a Christmas Eve tradition like no other: Darlene Love singing "Baby Please Come Home" on Letterman. Enjoy! pic.twitter.com/oIYWRVTzwK
— Mike Sisak #RingTheBell⚾ (@mikesisak) December 24, 2021
Additionally, Elizabeth Chan, who focuses solely on producing Christmas music, claims that she has been using the same title for years. Chan has since gone on to formally file a declaration of opposition to Carey's trademark.
"I feel very strongly that no one person should hold onto anything around Christmas or monopolize it in the way that Mariah seeks to in perpetuity."
"That's just not the right thing to do. Christmas is for everyone. It's meant to be shared; it's not meant to be owned."
For now, Carey's trademark is still processing. Yet, it will almost assuredly help her to strengthen her brand as she continues to find new ways draw her fans in over the holiday season.
But, not yet.