Inside Mariah Carey’s 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year gala
Mariah Carey was recently honored as MusiCares Person of the Year at a gala held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The event, meant to recognize an artist’s contributions to music and philanthropy, featured a surprising element: a live auction offering a meet-and-greet with Carey in Abu Dhabi.
A Night of Recognition and Surprises
Carey, seated prominently near the stage, appeared genuinely surprised when the auctioneer described the opportunity to meet her during a future engagement. Despite the unexpected auction, the evening largely focused on celebrating Carey’s extensive career through performances by fellow artists. While Carey herself only sang for approximately a minute, her reaction to the tributes proved to be a highlight of the gala.
A Stellar Lineup of Performances
The tribute included performances of Carey’s hits and lesser-known songs by a diverse group of musicians. Jennifer Hudson delivered a powerful rendition of “Vision of Love,” while Busta Rhymes performed their collaboration, “I Know What You Want.” Teddy Swims took on the challenge of Carey’s ballad “Without You,” and Foo Fighters and Taylor Momsen performed songs from a previously unreleased album Carey recorded in the mid-1990s under the pseudonym Chick.
Other performers included Adam Lambert, who offered a slower interpretation of “Can’t Let Go,” the British girl group Flo, who performed “Dreamlover,” and Laufey, who relied on a teleprompter while singing “It’s Like That.” Billy Porter’s rendition of “Always Be My Baby” was notably energetic, featuring elaborate vocal runs.
A Grand Finale
Carey expressed her gratitude to the many familiar faces in attendance, including colleagues and those she hadn’t expected to see. The evening culminated in an all-star performance of “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” led by Jon Batiste, and included artists such as Charlie Puth, Gayle King, and Rita Wilson. Carey appeared pleased, though reserved, as she watched the finale unfold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the MusiCares event?
The event was held to honour Mariah Carey’s contributions to music and philanthropy.
Who were some of the artists that performed at the tribute?
Jennifer Hudson, Busta Rhymes, Teddy Swims, Foo Fighters, Taylor Momsen, Adam Lambert, Flo, Laufey, and Billy Porter all performed at the event.
Was there an auction during the event?
Yes, a live auction was held, offering a meet-and-greet with Mariah Carey in Abu Dhabi to the highest bidder.
Will the surprise auction and diverse performances inspire similar tributes for other artists in the future?