Legendary singer Darlene Love, 83, is setting the record straight about her relationship with Mariah Carey in the realm of holiday music, dismissing any notion of rivalry between the two artists.
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Love explained that most of the perceived tension over the "Queen of Christmas" title was primarily driven by fans rather than the artists themselves. "I ain't never thought about being the Queen of Christmas. I think everybody is a Queen of Christmas," Love stated.
The discussion gained attention in 2022 when Carey attempted to trademark the "Queen of Christmas" title, prompting Love to question the move on Facebook. However, the situation took a positive turn when Carey publicly acknowledged Love's influence, expressing how she grew up listening to Love's classic "Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)."
Love warmly received Carey's recognition, leading to a mutual appreciation between the two artists. "When all of that was going on with Mariah Carey, she wrote, 'As far as I'm concerned, Darlene Love is the Christmas Queen,'" Love revealed.
Now, Love hints at exciting possibilities ahead, including a potential collaboration with Carey. Following her recent successful duet with Cher, Love playfully suggested, "Well, I guess Mariah Carey is coming next." She remains optimistic about future opportunities, adding that "good things can come around — any day, any time now."
The veteran singer's openness to collaboration and her dismissal of any competition demonstrates how holiday music can bring artists together rather than divide them, suggesting there's room for multiple queens in the Christmas music kingdom.