Mariah Carey is about to get the royal treatment from some of music’s biggest names. MusiCares has unveiled a star-studded lineup of performers for its 2026 Person of the Year tribute to Carey, with rockers Foo Fighters, powerhouse vocalists Jennifer Hudson and John Legend, rising jazz-pop star Laufey, and glam rocker Adam Lambert all set to take the stage – and that’s just for starters. The benefit gala, taking place Jan. 30 in Los Angeles, will feature additional artists (still to be announced) celebrating Carey’s decades of hits and philanthropy.
The annual MusiCares Person of the Year event is traditionally held two nights before the Grammy Awards, and this year’s edition promises a genre-spanning concert in Carey’s honor. Attendees can expect everything from rock anthems to soulful ballads as the diverse lineup puts its spin on the five-time Grammy winner’s songbook. The evening will even open with a special DJ set by Jermaine Dupri – Carey’s longtime hit-making collaborator – setting the tone for a night of musical celebration. Proceeds from the starry tribute will benefit MusiCares’ programs supporting musicians in times of need.
Mariah herself is feeling the love. “I’m deeply honored to have these extraordinary artists come together for this evening,” Carey said in a statement about the tribute, noting that the performers’ support “means more to me than I can express.” She added, “I’ve always believed that music heals, and it’s meant to be shared!” For the pop icon behind countless chart-topping hits, having her peers pay homage at Person of the Year makes for a meaningful start to Grammy weekend.
