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‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ Becomes First Song to Hit 2 Billion Spotify Streams

Mariah Carey’s timeless classic All I Want for Christmas Is You has become the first holiday song to surpass 2 billion streams on Spotify.
Dec 15 2024 Share

Mariah Carey’s timeless classic All I Want for Christmas Is You has become the first holiday song to surpass 2 billion streams on Spotify. Released in 1994, the festive favourite continues to dominate charts as the most-streamed holiday track globally and in the U.S.

“This is beyond incredible,” Carey shared in a statement, thanking fans for making the song a part of their holiday traditions. “I’m honoured to have All I Want for Christmas Is You be the first holiday track on Spotify to reach 2 billion streams.”

Spotify reports the song’s streams have increased by 860% globally and 1,100% in the U.S. since 1 November. Over the past five years, it has seen a 120% surge in popularity, consistently ranking as the #1 holiday track for the last four Christmases.

As Carey celebrates the song’s 30th anniversary, she is performing it during her Christmas Time tour, which wraps up on 17 December in Brooklyn. The festive hit will also feature during her opening performance at the NFL Christmas Day Game on Netflix.

Decades after its release, All I Want for Christmas Is You remains a fan favourite for all holiday soundtracks worldwide.

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Maltese Tourists To Encounter Higher London Tube Fares

Dec 14 2024 Share

Starting in March, Maltese tourists and visitors from around the world will face higher London Tube fares while in the British capital.

From March 2, Transport for London (TfL) will increase its daily caps by 40p-70p, depending on the zones traveled.

Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan explained that ministers had told him the fare hike was necessary to secure “funding for key transport projects.”

Meanwhile, fares for London buses and trams will remain unchanged at £1.75 for unlimited travel within an hour.

The underground and tube system, is a favourite for hundreds of Maltese tourists who love to visit London throughout the year, to get that British big city feeling.

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Andrew Vella Of The Travellers Welcomes Baby Adam!

Dec 14 2024 Share

Andrew Vella, a member of the Maltese band The Travellers, has just welcomed his first child, baby   Adam. The new father shared his joy on social media, expressing his  love for his newborn son, describing him as the “best thing that has ever happened” to him.  

He also took a moment to praise his partner, Christie, for her strength during labor, calling her a “superhero” and expressing deep gratitude for bringing their little one into the world. Andrew’s appreciation extended to his cousin, Steph, who served as the midwife. He thanked her for her guidance and support throughout the challenging moments. 

Andrew and Christie also acknowledged the continuous love and support from their families, who have been there every step of the way. The proud parents are excited for the future and look forward to watching Baby Adam grow into a wonderful person, promising to be the best parents they can be. 

The joy of welcoming Baby Adam marks a new chapter for Andrew Vella and his growing family. 

#MaltaDaily 

Colombian Man Charged With Chopping Up Body And Discarding Of It In Suitcase At Sea

Dec 14 2024 Share

A Colombian man, charged with dismembering a deceased body, placing the body parts in a suitcase, and discarding it at sea, pleaded not guilty to the charges on Saturday.

The accused, 43-year-old Andres Leonardo Gamboa Duran from Cucuta, Colombia, appeared before Magistrate Marse Ann Farrugia in court.

Earlier in the day, the police held a press conference revealing that Duran would not face murder charges for now, as evidence suggests the victim was already dead when the body was dismembered. However, investigations are ongoing.

Duran has been charged with aggravated drug possession and trafficking, profiting from illicit proceeds, money laundering, promoting a criminal organization, tampering with evidence, and attempting to conceal a body.

At the press conference, Police Superintendent and lead investigator Keith Arnaud provided an update on the case. “We believe the victim was already deceased when his hands and feet were severed, and there were no external signs of violence,” he stated.

Arnaud also mentioned that police tracked down Duran, identifying the shop where he bought the axe used in the crime and the suitcase for disposing of the body. Additionally, Duran was found with a Portuguese man who will face separate drug-related charges.

During the court case, Police Inspector Wayne Camilleri testified that two minors initially spotted the suitcase while on a paddle boat and brought it to shore. They notified two adults, who opened it and discovered the dismembered body.

The victim was completely naked except for an adult diaper, with his hands and feet severed and placed in plastic bags. An autopsy revealed that he had swallowed 101 cocaine capsules, suggesting he may have been a drug mule.

#MaltaDaily