The 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year benefit gala will honor Mariah Carey with an all-star lineup celebrating her career and philanthropic impact. Performers include Billy Porter, Foo Fighters, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Laufey, Adam Lambert, Charlie Puth, Kesha, Maggie Rogers, Teddy Swims, and Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless. The evening will open with a curated DJ set from Jermaine Dupri. The event takes place January 30 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, with additional artists to be announced.
“I’m deeply honored to have these extraordinary artists come together for this evening,” Carey said. “Their generosity, their presence, and their commitment to this moment mean more to me than I can express.” She added that supporting MusiCares and the music community makes the night especially meaningful, noting, “I’ve always believed that music heals, and it’s meant to be shared.”
The 35th annual MusiCares Person of the Year gala is held two nights before the Grammy Awards and includes a cocktail reception, seated dinner, and tribute concert highlighting Carey’s musical achievements and long-standing commitment to giving back. The program centers both artistry and service, reflecting a career defined by vocal excellence, songwriting impact, and cultural reach that continues to shape popular music.
The evening also features a live auction benefitting MusiCares’ mission, with exclusive experiences donated in collaboration with Carey, including a VIP Floor Bistro table at the 2026 Grammy Awards. Since 1991, the event has raised millions to support MusiCares programs such as emergency financial assistance, addiction recovery, mental-health services, preventive care, and disaster relief for music professionals and their families.