Five-time Grammy Award winner Mariah Carey was honored as the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year during a dazzling charity gala at the Los Angeles Convention Center during Grammy Week 2026.
Carey, who was also a 2024 Recording Academy Global Impact Award honoree, was recognized for her philanthropy and community-based charity over the decades. The Grammy-winning artist has long supported people in need, notably providing relief to victims of the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Katrina. Carey is also the co-founder of Camp Mariah, a summer camp program she created in partnership with the Fresh Air Fund in 1994 to support and empower underserved youth.
The evening celebrated the aptly nicknamed Songbird Supreme with a special concert paying tribute to her music, with various artists covering songs from her illustrious 30-plus-year career. The star-studded concert featured an assortment of Grammy-winning and Grammy-nominated artists such as Adam Lambert, Billy Porter, Busta Rhymes, Charlie Puth, Foo Fighters, Flo, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Kesha, Laufey, Maggie Rogers, and Teddy Swims. Other performers included Chanté Moore, Spliff Star, and The Pretty Reckless frontwoman Taylor Momsen. A special DJ set by Jermaine Dupri kicked off the tribute concert.
Relive seven highlights from MusiCares' 2026 Person Of The Year charity gala honoring Mariah Carey.
Carey's Genre-Blending Musical Diversity
Throughout the night, artists and industry professionals repeatedly underscored Carey's groundbreaking ability to blend genres and transcend musical limits. "She blends pop accessibility with R&B, gospel and hip-hop songwriting traditions in ways that open the door to genre-fluid pop, especially for female artists who follow," Jody Gerson, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), told the audience. But this chameleonic strength was most vividly demonstrated through artist performances, which showcased Carey's versatile catalog. Foo Fighters and Momsen celebrated Carey's secret grunge album, Someone's Ugly Daughter, while Dupri called attention to "the rapper side of Mariah," deejaying a mix of Carey's hip-hop singles like "Long Ago" and "Sweetheart."
A Pink & Lavender Floral Wonderland
When guests walked into the gala, they were immediately transported to a floral wonderland that embodied Carey's feminine style. Pink flowers gracefully decorated every table, while rosy, glittery fabrics adorned the bars and main hall. The exquisite pink-and-lavender color scheme made perfect sense for the celebration: CBS anchor Gayle King revealed that the decorations were designed to match Carey's favorite colors, adding that she chose to wear a pink ombre dress in honor of the megastar.
Special Guest Appearances, Praise & Jokes From The People Who Love Her Most
Stars like Stevie Wonder, Rita Wilson, SZA, Babyface, and Busta Rhymes joined the celebration to spread their personal affection for the Songbird Supreme. Wonder praised his friendship with Carey, speaking directly to her from the stage: "I'm very happy to know you as a friend." Busta Rhymes, meanwhile, opened up about the various ways Carey has been there for him, joking that he may have had a crush on her before they ever crossed paths. During Porter's rendition of "Always Be My Baby," the multitalented Broadway star turned to Carey during a musical break and jokingly asked the Grammy-winning songstress if she knew she was "serving stalker realness" when she first wrote the song, prompting Carey and the audience to laugh.
Carey's Philanthropy Emphasized By Incredible Auctions
Carey's long-standing philanthropy was the reason for celebration, and the Grammy-winning singer continued to show her charitable side at the gala with incredible donations for auction, raising further funds for MusiCares. Among the prized items was a bright pink 1971 Ford Thunderbird, which was used during the singer's Las Vegas residency; the stunning vehicle stood in the middle of the reception, with fans flocking to snap pictures. Carey also donated unique experience packages, including a paid trip to catch her concert in Abu Dhabi and a meet-and-greet, which included signed artwork and stage wardrobe worn by Carey herself.
Carey's Momentous Acceptance Speech & Her Advocacy For MusiCares
The moment that the iconic songstress finally hit the stage to accept the award proved so overpowering that the audience immediately rose to a thunderous standing ovation. "Receiving this honor is one of the most profound moments of my life and career, and that's kind of a big deal," Carey said to the audience. She was clearly touched by the shower of love, but she used the moment to advocate for MusiCares and remind everyone why they were there. "MusiCares has touched countless lives, including mine, and I'm so grateful for the work they do," she said. "But we have to remember that this organization thrives because of generosity."
Performances So Moving That Even Carey Gave Standing Ovations
Carey's appreciation of the stellar musical tributes was evident throughout the night, as she was seen joyously singing along to every song, mouthing her gratitude to every performer at the end of each set. While some performers strived to stick close to the source material, others honored the Songbird Supreme by giving their own creative twists to Carey's famous songs. Laufey, for example, sang a bossa nova take on "It's Like That," while Rogers performed a sultry ballad version of "Honey." And while each performer clearly made an impact, Carey joined the crowd in several standing ovations, including for Momsen and Foo Fighters' cover of "Love is a Scam" and Legend's hauntingly emotional performance of "Hero."
A Belated Christmas In January
For the gala's grand finale, the night's performing artists hit the stage to perform an ensemble rendition of Carey's iconic holiday single, "All I Want For Christmas Is You." The mood was festive as Jennifer Hudson, Kesha, Billy Porter, Flo, Laufey, and special guests such as Gayle King and Rita Wilson took the stage. The audience stood en masse to sing and dance along, and Carey herself stepped out onto the stage with a microphone in hand to join her peers, spreading holiday cheer and giving everyone a special Christmas gift by unexpectedly taking the stage and showcasing her extraordinary talent.