Mariah Carey will be celebrated as the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year during the organisation’s annual benefit gala on January 30 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, just two days before the 68th Grammy Awards.
The honour recognises Carey’s extraordinary influence as a musical icon and her enduring philanthropic contributions.
At 56, Carey becomes the youngest woman to receive the award since Gloria Estefan in 1994, and the youngest overall since Sting in 2004.
“We are honoured to recognise Mariah Carey… a true creative force and once-in-a-generation talent,” said Recording Academy and MusiCares CEO Harvey Mason jr. “Her artistry and her voice have helped shape the sound of our times.”
This year marks MusiCares’ 35th gala. Since its inception in 1991, the event has raised millions to support musicians through health services, disaster relief, addiction recovery, and other forms of emergency aid.
Carey, who won her first Grammys at the 1991 ceremony, now joins a distinguished group of past honorees including Joni Mitchell, Jon Bon Jovi, and Grateful Dead.
Her charitable work includes founding Camp Mariah to support underserved youth, and offering aid during crises like Hurricane Katrina and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Mariah Carey’s influence extends far beyond her remarkable artistry,” said MusiCares executive director Theresa Wolters. “She has used her platform consistently to provide tangible support to communities.”
With 19 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and six chart-topping albums, Carey remains one of the best-selling solo artists of all time. Her current album, Here For It All, debuted in the top 10 this month.
