MusiCares has announced the performer lineup for the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year benefit gala honoring Mariah Carey: Grammy Award-winning artists Billy Porter, Foo Fighters, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, and Laufey; Grammy-nominated artists Adam Lambert, Charlie Puth, Kesha, Maggie Rogers, and Teddy Swims; and record-breaking frontwoman Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless are confirmed to perform. The evening will open with a special curated DJ set by Grammy Award winner Jermaine Dupri. Additional artists will be announced leading up to the event.
The 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year benefit gala takes place Friday, Jan. 30, at the Los Angeles Convention Center during Grammy Week 2026, days ahead of the 2026 Grammys. The event will celebrate Mariah Carey — a music icon, five-time Grammy Award winner, and recipient of the Recording Academy Global Impact Award in 2024 — and her storied career and philanthropic impact.
Tables and tickets for the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year benefit gala are available for purchase.
"Mariah Carey's music has touched the hearts of millions and inspired countless artists," MusiCares Executive Director Theresa Wolters said. "It will be thrilling to hear these performers bring their own voices to her landmark songs, offering fresh interpretations that celebrate her artistry in new ways — a reminder of the power of music to connect us all. Person of the Year is more than a tribute: It's a moment for our community to come together and give back to the humans behind the music. The support raised through this gala allows us to stand with music professionals in ways that truly matter, caring for their mental and physical health, addressing unexpected challenges, and helping them build the foundation for sustainable, fulfilling careers."
"I'm deeply honored to have these extraordinary artists come together for this evening," Carey said. "Their generosity, their presence, and their commitment to this moment mean more to me than I can express. Being part of this celebration in benefit of MusiCares and the support they provide to those in the music community makes this night even more special. I've always believed that music heals, and it's meant to be shared!"
The 35th annual MusiCares Person of the Year gala will be held two nights before the 2026 Grammys. The gala will open with a cocktail reception, followed by a seated dinner and the star-studded tribute concert featuring performances celebrating Carey's musical achievements and her philanthropic contributions.
The evening will also feature a live auction benefitting MusiCares' mission. The auction will offer a limited number of exclusive experiences, including once-in-a-lifetime opportunities generously donated in collaboration with Carey. Auction items will be available for bidding during the gala and will include a VIP Floor Bistro table at the 2026 Grammy Awards, a rare experience offering unparalleled access to the Grammy ceremony. Winners must be present at the event, and certain experiences may also require availability for international travel.
Since 1991, the MusiCares Person of the Year benefit gala has raised millions to fund MusiCares' life-saving programs, including emergency financial assistance, addiction recovery, mental-health services, preventive clinics, and disaster relief for music professionals and their families. Through this event, MusiCares continues to honor the humans behind the music, ensuring they have the resources to flourish both personally and professionally.
Live event broadcast outfit Lewis & Clark, made up of Joe Lewis and R.A. Clark, will produce the event again. Daniel Moore II will join the special evening as musical director.
The event would not be possible without support from our sponsors AEG, City National Bank, Klipsch Reference Premiere powered by Panasonic Automotive, Meta, PATRÓN tequila, SiriusXM, StageWater, Starbucks, and the Wasserman Foundation.
Learn more about the MusiCares Person of the Year benefit gala or email personoftheyear@musicares.org for more information.