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 at the 35th annual Person of the Year benefit gala held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Friday, January 30, 2026 — two nights before the 2026 Grammy Awards, which is held at Crypto.com Arena.
The recognition comes shortly after the release of Carey’s latest studio album, “Here for It All,” which marked her first new full-length project in seven years.
MusiCares, the non-profit organization established in 1989 and incorporated in 1993 by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, is dedicated to supporting music professionals in need of financial, medical, or personal assistance. Carey is being honored for her extensive philanthropic work and commitment to uplifting underrepresented communities. Carey has provided aid to those affected by crises such as Hurricane Katrina and the COVID-19 pandemic, and she founded Camp Mariah to empower underserved youth while promoting education, health, and social advancement.
Theresa Wolters, MusiCares’ executive director, praised Carey’s impact, saying, “Mariah Carey’s influence extends far beyond her remarkable artistry. 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.”
Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy and MusiCares, echoed that sentiment, calling Carey “a true creative force and once-in-a-generation talent.” 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.”
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 MusiCares honorees, including the Grateful Dead, Jon Bon Jovi, Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson, and Joni Mitchell.
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