‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’? Forget it if you’re not Mariah Carey

If we learned anything from Thursday night’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” edition of Carpool Karaoke — aside from the fact that the last high note is pretty hard to nail — it’s that Mariah Carey remains the definitive performer of that holiday standard.

Carey joined host James Corden in a spirited sing-along for the popular “Late Late Show” segment, but Corden had another yuletide treat for viewers: He assembled a who’s who of previous guests to belt the song with him.

Adele, Elton John, Lady Gaga, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Gwen Stefani, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas, and even the Red Hot Chili Peppers (check out Flea’s goofy grin in the backseat) romped their way through it.

But by the end, you couldn’t shake the feeling that Miss Mariah owns “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Need further proof? We scanned YouTube in search of the good, the bad, and the ugly cover versions. (We’ll let you discover the Saigon Dance Company’s belly-dancing performance on your own. Merry Christmas!)

Marquette Dental School: Open wide and say “cheese”

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Fifth Harmony: A little melisma goes a long way (or: Christina Aguilera, come get your children)

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My Chemical Romance: Even punks like the song

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Lady Antebellum: Coming soon to an elevator near you

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Leo Moracchioli: Heavy metal for the holidaze (earplugs optional)

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SNSD: Listen up, “The Voice,” this is how you do it

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Chase Holfelder: A not-so-merry Christmas

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Oli y Rodri: Something got lost in translation

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Garou: Live from Caesar’s Palace...

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Shannon and the Clams: From an album aptly titled “Shannon and the Clams Ruin Christmas”

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See? Mariah still reigns supreme on “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” especially with Jimmy Fallon and the Roots by her side.

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james.reed@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter @jreedwrites.