LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 30: Harvey Mason jr., CEO, MusiCares & Recording Academy speaks onstage during 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year Honoring Mariah Carey on January 30, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Mariah Carey has been selected as the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year. The 35th annual benefit gala took place on January 30, 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center and remains one of the most anticipated highlights of GRAMMY Week.
Carey was recognized for her remarkable career and her enduring dedication to uplifting communities and supporting those in need.
The evening included a cocktail reception, dinner, and a star-studded tribute concert featuring performances from Grammy Award-winning and nominated artists, including Adam Lambert, Billy Porter, Busta Rhymes, Chanté Moore, Charlie Puth, FLO, Foo Fighters, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Jon Batiste, Kesha, Laufey, Maggie Rogers, and Teddy Swims, as well as record-breaking frontwoman Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless. The evening also included an opening DJ set by Jermaine Dupri.
View photos from the ceremony courtesy of The Recording Academy.
Mariah Carey Photo By: Ethan James GreenLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 30: Mariah Carey accepts award onstage at 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year Honoring Mariah Carey on January 30, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 30: Jermaine Dupri performs during 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year Honoring Mariah Carey on January 30, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 30: (L-R) Stella Quaresma, Renée Downer and Jorja Douglas of Flo attend 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year Honoring Mariah Carey on January 30, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 30: (L-R) John Legend, Babyface, and Richard Marx attend 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year Honoring Mariah Carey on January 30, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 30: SZA attends 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year Honoring Mariah Carey on January 30, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 30: (L-R) Rita Wilson and Gayle King attend 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year Honoring Mariah Carey on January 30, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 30: Jennifer Hudson performs onstage at 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year Honoring Mariah Carey on January 30, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 30: (L-R) Chanté Moore and Stephen Hill attend 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year Honoring Mariah Carey on January 30, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 30: Kesha attends 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year Honoring Mariah Carey on January 30, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 30: Billy Porter attends 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year Honoring Mariah Carey on January 30, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 30: Anderson .Paak attends 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year Honoring Mariah Carey on January 30, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 30: Miles Caton attends 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year Honoring Mariah Carey on January 30, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 30: (L-R) Lisa Harris and Jimmy Jam attend 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year Honoring Mariah Carey on January 30, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
