Mariah Carey will receive MusiCares’ 2026 Person of the Year award at a benefit gala taking place on January 30, 2026.
The event will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, two days before the 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony at Crypto.com Arena. It will feature performances from other artists paying tribute to Mariah Carey and will host a fundraiser for MusiCares’ support programs for music industry workers.
Carey’s award recognizes the five-time Grammy winner’s music career and philanthropic contributions spanning more than 30 years.
Theresa Wolters, Executive Director of MusiCares, said: “Mariah Carey’s influence extends far beyond her remarkable artistry.”
The singer-songwriter and record producer has sold 220 million records globally and had 19 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Known for her five-octave vocal range and songwriting, she was ranked as the fifth-greatest singer of all time by Rolling Stones in 2023.
“Mariah Carey’s influence extends far beyond her remarkable artistry. She has used her platform consistently to provide tangible support to communities.”
Theresa Wolters, MusiCares
Beyond her music career, Carey has supported relief efforts for communities affected by Hurricane Katrina and the COVID-19 pandemic. She set up Camp Mariah with the Fresh Air Fund, a New York City-based nonprofit that provides summer camp experiences for underserved communities. Carey has also supported health care, education and social services initiatives.
Wolters said: “She has used her platform consistently to provide tangible support to communities, whether through disaster relief, youth empowerment, or programs that help those facing barriers to opportunity.
“Her work exemplifies the values at the heart of MusiCares: creating systems of care that lift people up and ensure music professionals and communities can thrive.
“Honoring her as Person of the Year celebrates both her incredible musical legacy and her dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy and MusiCares, said, “We are honored to recognize Mariah Carey as this year’s MusiCares Person of the Year, a true creative force and once-in-a-generation talent.”
“Her artistry and her voice have helped shape the sound of our times. We look forward to celebrating her remarkable career on this very special night.”
Harvey Mason jr., Recording Academy
He added: “Her artistry and her voice have helped shape the sound of our times. We look forward to celebrating her remarkable career on this very special night.”
The MusiCares gala has raised funds to support the organization’s programs since 1991. MusiCares provides organization’s programs. Previous honorees include the Grateful Dead, Jon Bon Jovi, Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson, and Joni Mitchell.
The January event will be produced by live event broadcast outfit Lewis & Clark, led by Joe Lewis and R.A. Clark. AEG and the Wasserman Foundation are sponsoring the event.
Last month, Carey released her 16th studio album, Here for It All, through her imprint Mariah and Gamma, a media and music company founded by former Apple Music executive Larry Jackson.
Carey is currently touring Asia for the sixth leg of her The Celebration of Mimi concert series, with three dates set for Japan from October 28 to November 2.
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