Mariah Carey Named Youngest MusiCares Person of Year 2026

Mariah Carey has been named the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year, an honor recognizing her exceptional music career and philanthropic efforts. The 35th annual gala and tribute concert will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on January 30, two nights before the 2026 Grammy Awards, where artists will perform her songs in tribute. Carey, celebrated for her multi-octave voice and numerous hits including "All I Want for Christmas is You," is also recognized for her philanthropy, notably her work supporting underserved youth through Camp Mariah, disaster relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina and COVID-19, and advocacy for health, education, and social welfare. At 56, she is the youngest honoree since Sting in 2004 and the youngest woman since Gloria Estefan in 1994. MusiCares Executive Director Theresa Wolters and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. praised her for using her platform to provide tangible community support and shaping the sound of contemporary music. The event is a major part of Grammy Week and raises funds for MusiCares’ programs that aid music professionals and communities in need.