It’s actually kinda wild if you think about it. For decades, the world was stuck in a sort of holiday musical loop where Mariah Carey’s "All I Want for Christmas Is You" was the only modern song allowed into the "Classic" VIP lounge. Everything else felt like a cheap knockoff or a flash in the pan. But then, back in 2013, Kelly Clarkson dropped Underneath the Tree, and the atmosphere changed. Slowly. Very slowly.
Honestly, at first, people just liked it. It was catchy. It had bells. It had that big, booming voice we all fell in love with during American Idol. But "liking" a song and making it a permanent part of your DNA are two different things. Yet, here we are in 2026, and the data is pretty undeniable: this track has officially transcended being just a "radio hit" to become a legitimate global staple.
The 12-Year Climb to the Top 10
Most pop songs have a shelf life of about three months. Underneath the Tree apparently preferred the "slow burn" approach. When it first launched as the lead single for the Wrapped in Red album, it did okay. It peaked at #78 on the Billboard Hot 100. Respectable? Sure. Legendary? Not yet.
But then something weird started happening every December. The song didn't just come back; it got bigger.
- 2018: It hit #44.
- 2020: It broke into the top 30.
- 2024: It finally cracked the Top 10, hitting #9.
- 2025: Just this past season, it soared to #7 in the US and #5 in the UK.
Why did it take over a decade? Basically, it’s the "streaming snowball effect." In the old days, radio programmers decided what you heard. Now, our collective Spotify and Apple Music playlists dictate the charts. Every time you add this song to your "Holiday Vibes" playlist, you're voting for it to become a classic. By 2021, ASCAP officially named it the most popular Christmas song released in the 21st century.
That "Wall of Sound" Magic
You’ve probably noticed the song sounds... thick? Not heavy, but full. Like there’s a hundred people playing at once. That’s because Kelly and her producer, Greg Kurstin, went for a very specific vibe: the Phil Spector "Wall of Sound" treatment.
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Think back to the 1960s—The Ronettes, Darlene Love, that big, echoey, joyous noise. Greg Kurstin actually played almost every instrument himself to get it right. We're talking keyboards, guitars, bass, and even a Mellotron. He even taped the recordings from a distance to simulate that vintage, cavernous reverb.
And then there’s the choir. Except, there is no choir.
Kelly Clarkson is the choir. She recorded every single layer of the background vocals herself. She once joked that she’d never had to be her own "backup singers" to that extent before. It’s why the harmonies feel so locked in—it’s literally her voice blending with three other versions of herself.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Lyrics
Usually, Christmas songs fall into two camps: "I'm so happy" or "I'm so lonely."
Underneath the Tree manages to be both. It starts from a place of gratitude for not being alone anymore. Lines like "Alone on Christmas Day... it just wasn't the same" acknowledge the seasonal depression that actually hits a lot of people.
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It’s a song about relief.
The core message isn't just "I love Christmas"; it's "Thank god I don't have to do this solo this year." That resonance is probably why it sticks. It feels human, not just like a corporate attempt at "festive cheer."
The Rockefeller Factor and the "Duchess of Christmas"
If Mariah is the Queen, Kelly has comfortably settled into the role of the Duchess of Christmas. Her 2023 and 2024 stints hosting Christmas in Rockefeller Center basically cemented this. When she stands in front of that 70-foot Norway spruce in New York, singing this song live, it’s a "moment."
Actually, the NFL even tapped her to perform it during the 2025 Christmas Gameday. When you’re the soundtrack for both a tree lighting in Manhattan and a Cowboys-Commanders game, you’ve officially made it into the cultural bedrock.
Is it Better Than Mariah?
Look, that’s the "Coke vs. Pepsi" of the holiday world. Some people find Mariah’s high notes a bit much after the 500th listen. Others find Kelly’s track a bit too frantic.
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But here is the nuance: Mariah’s song is about wanting something. Kelly’s song is about having it.
Musically, Kelly's track is arguably more complex. The bridge—where the saxophone kicks in and she goes into that runs-heavy "You're all I need"—is a masterclass in vocal control. It’s harder to sing at karaoke, that’s for sure.
How to Actually Use This Song (Actionable Holiday Insights)
If you're a content creator, a playlist curator, or just someone trying to win the office party aux cord, here is the "Beneath the Tree" strategy:
- The Tempo Pivot: This song is roughly 160 BPM. It is incredibly fast. Use it as the "energy spike" in a playlist when people are starting to get sleepy after dinner.
- The Karaoke Warning: Unless you have a three-octave range and lungs of steel, do not attempt this as your first song. It requires massive breath support for that final chorus.
- The "New Classic" Mix: If you’re tired of the same old 1950s tracks, pair this with Ariana Grande’s "Santa Tell Me" and Taylor Swift’s "Christmas Tree Farm." These three are the modern "Big Three" of holiday pop.
The reality is that Underneath the Tree isn't going anywhere. It’s outlasted the "Idol" era, survived a divorce, and thrived through the total upheaval of the music industry. It turns out that a great voice and a bunch of sleigh bells are still the best way to get a world to agree on something.
To see why the song is still growing, go back and watch the live version from her Cautionary Christmas Music Tale special. You’ll see a performer who isn't just "doing a gig"—she's genuinely having the time of her life. That’s the kind of energy you can’t fake, and it’s exactly why we’ll still be listening to this song in 2036.
Next Steps for Your Holiday Playlist:
- Check the 2025 Remixes: Look for the Cutmore extended mix if you're hosting a larger party; it stretches the intro to make it better for dancing.
- A/B Test the Vocals: Listen to the studio track vs. the Rockefeller live performance. Notice how she changes the runs in the bridge—it’s a great way to appreciate her technical skill.
- Update Your Metadata: If you're a DJ or curator, categorize this as "Modern Standard" rather than "Holiday Pop" to ensure it gets the high-rotation slot it now deserves.