Mariah Carey Named MusiCares Person of the Year 2026, Honoring Musical Legacy and Philanthropy

Global superstar Mariah Carey, a five-time Grammy Award winner and the recipient of the 2024 Global Impact Award, has been officially designated the MusiCares Person of the Year for 2026. This prestigious accolade serves as a dual celebration, recognizing not only her extraordinary and enduring contributions to the landscape of global music but also her profound, decades-long commitment to philanthropic endeavors and humanitarian causes.

The highly anticipated 35th annual gala dedicated to honoring Carey is scheduled to take place on Friday, January 30, 2026. The celebration will be held in Los Angeles, California, at the expansive Los Angeles Convention Center. This event holds particular significance as it is strategically positioned just two days prior to the main 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony, effectively kicking off the industry’s most important weekend with a focus on charity and community.

MusiCares leadership was quick to underscore that Carey’s sphere of influence extends well beyond her status as a recording artist and performer. Teresa Walters, the Executive Director, specifically noted that the iconic singer consistently utilizes her powerful global platform to deliver tangible, meaningful assistance to various communities navigating periods of severe crisis and hardship. Walters praised Carey's dedication to ensuring her success translates into real-world impact.

Carey’s extensive humanitarian portfolio includes mobilizing support and resources for those affected by major disasters, such as the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Katrina. Her efforts also provided crucial relief during the unprecedented challenges presented by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond immediate crisis response, she maintains a deep commitment to supporting the next generation through youth programs.

A prime example of her dedication to youth is Camp Mariah, which she co-founded in partnership with The Fresh Air Fund. This initiative offers essential support, mentorship, and opportunities to teenagers from socio-economically vulnerable backgrounds, helping them achieve their full potential.

Harvey Mason Jr., who serves as the CEO of both the Recording Academy and MusiCares, offered effusive praise, hailing Carey as a "generational talent and creative force." He emphasized that her distinctive artistry, coupled with her unparalleled vocal range and songwriting, has been fundamental in defining and shaping the contemporary soundscape of pop music worldwide. Mason Jr. further highlighted that her remarkable career trajectory stands as a powerful source of inspiration and a vital blueprint for aspiring women creators across the globe.

Established in 1991, the MusiCares Person of the Year award is reserved for artists who have achieved monumental success in their musical careers while simultaneously demonstrating an unwavering commitment to philanthropy and humanitarian service. Crucially, the substantial funds raised during the annual black-tie dinner directly fuel MusiCares’ core mission.

This mission involves providing a safety net of essential health and welfare services for music professionals across the industry. The support includes offering emergency financial assistance, critical resources for addiction recovery, mental health services, and various other forms of aid designed to ensure the well-being of those who create the music we love. By accepting this distinguished honor, Mariah Carey secures her place among an elite group of previous recipients, a list that features legendary names such as Dolly Parton, Joni Mitchell, and Fleetwood Mac. Her enduring legacy, marked equally by unparalleled creative output and profound generosity, is now firmly cemented within the annals of MusiCares history and the broader global music narrative.