Photo by Ethan James Green
The Queen of Christmas is adding a prestigious new honor to her long list of accolades. MusiCares®, the charitable arm of the Recording Academy®, has officially named five-time GRAMMY® winner Mariah Carey as the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year. Announced on October 21, 2025, this recognition celebrates not only her extraordinary and record-breaking career but also her deep, decades-long commitment to supporting communities and people in need across the globe.
Celebrating an Icon’s Legacy of Giving
The MusiCares Person of the Year honor is awarded to artists for both their creative achievements in the music industry and their dedication to philanthropy. Mariah Carey stands out for embodying both qualities fully. As Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy and MusiCares, noted, she is “a true creative force and once-in-a-generation talent,” whose voice has “helped shape the sound of our times.” Carey joins an esteemed list of past honorees, including Joni Mitchell, Jon Bon Jovi, and the Grateful Dead, who have also used their platform for good.
A Commitment to Community and Care
Beyond her global impact as a singer and songwriter, Carey has consistently leveraged her visibility to provide tangible support to communities. This includes offering relief to those impacted by devastating events like Hurricane Katrina and the COVID-19 pandemic. A cornerstone of her philanthropic efforts is Camp Mariah, which she founded in partnership with the Fresh Air Fund to empower and support underserved youth. Theresa Wolters, Executive Director of MusiCares, emphasized that Carey’s work “exemplifies the values at the heart of MusiCares: creating systems of care that lift people up.” The gala funds MusiCares’ mission to provide a safety net for music professionals through health and welfare services, addiction recovery, and emergency support.
Attending the Star-Studded GRAMMY Week Gala
The 35th annual Person of the Year benefit gala is scheduled to be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, just two nights before the 2026 GRAMMY Awards. The event is one of the most anticipated of GRAMMY Week, featuring a cocktail reception, dinner, and a star-studded tribute concert where renowned artists will perform to celebrate Carey’s musical and charitable achievements. If you want to take part in this special night and support the critical work MusiCares does for the music community, tables and tickets are currently available for purchase at personoftheyear.musicares.org.
Mariah Carey’s selection beautifully highlights the powerful link between artistry and advocacy. The upcoming gala is set to be an unforgettable evening celebrating a true music icon whose influence is felt both in our headphones and in our communities.
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