Mariah Carey, the iconic singer-songwriter known for her five-octave vocal range and numerous chart-topping hits, has been selected as the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year. The honor recognizes not only her monumental impact on the music industry but also her extensive philanthropic work over several decades.
The 35th annual benefit gala will take place in Los Angeles on January 30, 2026, just two nights before the 68th Grammy Awards. The event serves as a major fundraiser for MusiCares, the charitable arm of the Recording Academy, which provides critical support to music professionals in times of need.
Key Takeaways
- Mariah Carey will be honored as the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year for her musical legacy and philanthropic efforts.
- The tribute gala is scheduled for January 30, 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, preceding the 68th Grammy Awards.
- At 56, Carey will be one of the youngest recipients of the award in recent history, following Sting who was honored at 52.
- The event will feature tribute performances of her songs and will raise funds for MusiCares' health and welfare programs for the music community.
A Career of Unprecedented Success
Mariah Carey's selection for this prestigious award is a testament to a career that has spanned over three decades and redefined popular music. Since her debut, she has achieved 19 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, more than any other solo artist in history. Her catalog includes timeless songs like “Vision of Love,” “Emotions,” and “Fantasy.”
Beyond her individual hits, Carey is also the creative force behind the perennial holiday classic, "All I Want for Christmas is You." The song has become a global cultural phenomenon, re-entering charts annually and solidifying her status as a music legend. Her influence is also marked by five Grammy Awards and a recent Recording Academy Global Impact Award in 2024.
By the Numbers: Mariah's Impact
- 19: Number of No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
- 5: Number of Grammy Awards won.
- 16: Number of studio albums released, including her latest, "Here for it All."
- 1994: The year she founded Camp Mariah to support underserved youth.
This honor from MusiCares follows other significant recognitions, including the MTV Video Vanguard Award, highlighting her lasting impact on music videos and visual artistry. Carey's ability to consistently innovate while maintaining commercial success has made her a role model for generations of artists.
More Than Music: A Legacy of Philanthropy
While her musical achievements are widely celebrated, the MusiCares honor specifically highlights Carey's long-standing commitment to charitable causes. Her philanthropic work is a significant, though sometimes less visible, part of her legacy. For decades, she has used her platform to support communities and individuals in need.
A cornerstone of her efforts is Camp Mariah, which she founded in 1994 in partnership with the Fresh Air Fund. The camp provides career awareness and educational opportunities for young people from low-income communities in New York City, helping to empower the next generation.
Her charitable work extends to disaster relief and public health crises. Carey has been an active supporter of efforts to aid communities affected by Hurricane Katrina and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. She has consistently lent her voice and resources to initiatives focused on health, education, and social welfare.
“Mariah Carey’s influence extends far beyond her remarkable artistry. 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.”
– Theresa Wolters, Executive Director of MusiCares
Wolters further noted that Carey's 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.” This recognition places Carey among a distinguished group of artists whose contributions transcend their musical output.
The Significance of the MusiCares Honor
The MusiCares Person of the Year award is one of the most respected honors bestowed during Grammy Week. It celebrates artists who have made outstanding creative contributions to the world of music and demonstrated a significant commitment to philanthropy. The annual gala is a major event that brings together the industry to celebrate the honoree and raise vital funds.
What is MusiCares?
MusiCares is the foundation arm of the Recording Academy, the organization that produces the Grammy Awards. Established in 1989, it provides a safety net for music professionals. The foundation offers a range of services, including emergency financial assistance for housing and medical bills, addiction recovery programs, and disaster relief for those impacted by natural disasters.
Since its inception in 1991, the Person of the Year gala has become a cornerstone of the foundation's fundraising efforts. The event features a tribute concert where contemporary artists perform songs from the honoree's catalog. The list of performers who will pay tribute to Mariah Carey in 2026 will be announced closer to the event date.
A Legacy of Honorees
By accepting this award, Mariah Carey joins an elite group of music icons. Recent recipients include:
- Jon Bon Jovi (2024)
- Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson (2023)
- Joni Mitchell (2022)
- The Grateful Dead (2025)
At 56, Carey will be the youngest person to receive the designation since Sting was honored in 2004 at the age of 52. This highlights the profound impact she has made on both music and philanthropy relatively early in her extensive career.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Gala
The 35th annual benefit gala honoring Mariah Carey is set to be a major highlight of the 2026 Grammy Week. The event will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, providing a large-scale venue for the tribute concert and fundraising activities.
Music industry professionals and fans can purchase tables and individual tickets for the event, with all proceeds directly supporting the vital programs of MusiCares. These programs are crucial for musicians, songwriters, producers, and other industry professionals who may face unexpected financial, medical, or personal crises.
The celebration of Mariah Carey's career and charity work will undoubtedly draw a star-studded lineup of performers, eager to interpret her iconic songs. The evening will serve as both a recognition of her past achievements and a powerful vehicle for supporting the future well-being of the music community she has long championed.