Kelly Clarkson’s “Underneath the Tree,” released in 2013, consistently ranks among the most-streamed Christmas songs each year, rivaling even Mariah Carey’s perennial favorite, “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”
A Modern Christmas Classic is Born
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The enduring appeal of Kelly Clarkson’s holiday hit stems from a deliberate effort to create a new Christmas standard, backed by a hitmaking producer.
- Released in 2013, “Underneath the Tree” quickly became a Christmas staple.
- The song shares a producer, Gregory Allen “Greg” Kurstin, with Clarkson’s earlier hit, “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).”
- Both “Underneath the Tree” and “All I Want For Christmas Is You” generate an estimated 3 to 4 million euros in revenue annually from streams alone.
- Clarkson will headline the 2025 ‘NFL Xmas Gameday’ performance, taking over from Beyoncé.
The ‘Stronger’ Connection
“Underneath the Tree” arrived just two years after the smash success of “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).” Clarkson and her team strategically sought to capitalize on the momentum of “Stronger,” and tapped producer Gregory Allen “Greg” Kurstin – known for his work with artists like Q!nk and Adele – to craft a new Christmas song for her 2013 album, Wrapped in Red. Clarkson has often spoken about the special significance of this album.
It’s one of my favorite albums, I’ve always wanted to do it.
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Wrapped in Red features 14 tracks, including 5 original songs penned specifically to evoke the feeling of a timeless Christmas classic. Kurstin’s production, combined with Clarkson’s personal investment, proved magical. The album consistently tops holiday charts in both the United Kingdom and the United States, and frequently appears in viral social media posts each December.
A Christmas Queen and NFL Spotlight
Clarkson’s status as a “Christmas queen” is often debated alongside Mariah Carey, with many considering “Underneath the Tree” and “All I Want For Christmas Is You” to be the defining modern Christmas songs. Both artists earn approximately 3 to 4 million euros annually from streaming revenue alone during the holiday season – excluding earnings from events, sponsorships, and advertising.
Looking ahead to 2025, Clarkson will take center stage at the ‘NFL Xmas Gameday.’ The American Football League revived the tradition of a Christmas Day game, and, as with all major NFL events, a musical performance is planned. Clarkson will follow in the footsteps of Beyoncé, who performed at the 2024 game in Houston, Texas.
Who reigns supreme in the world of modern Christmas music – Mariah Carey or Kelly Clarkson? The debate continues, and both artists remain perennial favorites on holiday playlists.
