Music legend Mariah Carey has been announced as MusiCares’ Person of the Year for 2026, joining an illustrious lineup of past honourees including Jon Bon Jovi, Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton, and Fleetwood Mac.
The honour, presented by MusiCares — a nonprofit organisation supporting musicians facing financial, health, or personal crises — will be celebrated at a benefit gala on 30 January 2026, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The event takes place two nights before the 2026 Grammy Awards.
Reacting to the announcement, Mariah Carey expressed her gratitude in a post shared on Instagram.
“I’m so honored to be named the 2026 MusiCares’ Person of the Year,” she wrote. “Grateful to be celebrated through this special GRAMMY Week event, raising vital funds to support the music community year-round.”
The gala will pay tribute to Mariah’s extraordinary career and her longstanding commitment to philanthropy, including her contributions to Hurricane Katrina and Covid-19 relief efforts, as well as her founding of Camp Mariah, a program created in partnership with the Fresh Air Fund to support underserved youth.
Praising the five-time Grammy winner, Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy and MusiCares, said:
“We are honoured to recognise 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.”
Mariah Carey’s recognition underscores her enduring impact as one of the best-selling and most influential artists in music history — and her ongoing dedication to using her platform for good.
