Mariah Named ’26 MusiCares Person Of The Year
• MusiCares® has named five-time GRAMMY® winner and 2024 Recording Academy® Global Impact Award honoree Mariah Carey as the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year. Carey will be honored for her extraordinary career as well as her long-standing commitment to supporting communities and people in need. The 35th annual Person of the Year benefit gala will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, two nights before the 2026 GRAMMY Awards® at Crypto. com Arena.
“Mariah Carey’s influence extends far beyond her remarkable artistry,” said Theresa Wolters, Executive Director of MusiCares. “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, commented, “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.”
The MusiCares Person of the Year ceremony is one of the most anticipated events of GRAMMY Week. The evening features a cocktail reception, dinner and a tribute concert with performances by renowned artists celebrating Carey’s musical achievements and philanthropic contributions. Since 1991, the Person of the Year gala has raised funds to support MusiCares’ programs, including health and wellness services, addiction recovery, preventive care, disaster relief, and emergency support for music professionals. Carey joins a distinguished list of recent MusiCares honorees, including The Grateful Dead, Jon Bon Jovi, Berry Gordy & Smokey Robinson, and Joni Mitchell, to name a few.
Tables and tickets are available for purchase HERE. For more info about the event or sponsorship opportunities, please visit musicares.org or email personoftheyear@musicares.org. [Mariah Carey Photo by Ethan James Green]
