LOS ANGELES — MusiCares, the charitable foundation of the Recording Academy, has announced that legendary singer and songwriter Mariah Carey will be recognized as its 2026 Person of the Year. The prestigious award celebrates artists whose creative achievements and dedication to philanthropy embody the organization’s mission to support the music community.
The five-time Grammy winner, known for her phenomenal five-octave vocal range and record-breaking 19 number-one Billboard Hot 100 singles, will be honored at the 35th annual Person of the Year benefit gala. The event is scheduled for January 30, 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, just two nights before the annual Grammy Awards ceremony.
Celebrating a Generational Talent
The MusiCares Person of the Year award is presented annually to commend both artistic excellence in the music industry and a sustained commitment to humanitarian efforts. Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy and MusiCares, praised Carey as “a true creative force and once-in-a-generation talent,” whose voice has profoundly shaped the sound of modern music.
Carey joins a distinguished list of past honorees, including Joni Mitchell, Jon Bon Jovi, and the Grateful Dead, and is one of the younger recipients in the award’s history. The gala, featuring an all-star tribute concert with performances from various artists, serves as MusiCares’ primary fundraiser to provide a critical safety net of health and wellness services for music professionals in need.
A Platform for Purpose
Beyond her more than 30 years of musical success and over 220 million records sold worldwide, the award recognizes Carey’s extensive philanthropic work. Theresa Wolters, Executive Director of MusiCares, emphasized that Carey’s influence extends well beyond her artistry, highlighting how she has consistently used her platform to provide tangible support to communities.
Carey’s charitable efforts are particularly recognized for her work with underserved youth, including the founding of Camp Mariah in partnership with the Fresh Air Fund, a retreat designed to provide inner-city children with career development and educational opportunities. Furthermore, she has championed various health, education, and social welfare initiatives, and provided essential disaster relief for communities impacted by crises such as Hurricane Katrina and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wolters stated that Carey’s 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,” making her a perfect choice for the 2026 distinction.
With additional report: mb.com.ph
