Foo Fighters, Jennifer Hudson & Teddy Swims Among Performers For The 2026 MusiCares Person Of The Year Gala Honoring Mariah Carey 

Grammy Award-winning artists Billy Porter, Foo Fighters, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, and Laufey will take the stage later this month to perform in honor of Mariah Carey as the 2026 MusiCares Person Of The Year. The event will also include performances from Grammy-nominated artists Adam Lambert, Charlie Puth, Kesha, Maggie Rogers, and Teddy Swims, as well as frontwoman Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless.

The 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year benefit gala will be held Jan. 30 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, with today’s announcement noting that the evening will celebrate Carey’s “storied career and philanthropic impact.” The music icon is a five-time Grammy Award winner and a recipient of the Recording Academy Global Impact Award in 2024.

“Mariah Carey’s music has touched the hearts of millions and inspired countless artists,” Theresa Wolters, Executive Director of MusiCares, said in a statement. “It will be thrilling to hear these performers bring their own voices to her landmark songs, offering fresh interpretations that celebrate her artistry in new ways — a reminder of the power of music to connect us all. Person of the Year is more than a tribute: it’s a moment for our community to come together and give back to the humans behind the music. The support raised through this gala allows us to stand with music professionals in ways that truly matter, caring for their mental and physical health, addressing unexpected challenges, and helping them build the foundation for sustainable, fulfilling careers.”

Carey added, “I’m deeply honored to have these extraordinary artists come together for this evening. Their generosity, their presence, and their commitment to this moment mean more to me than I can express. Being part of this celebration in benefit of MusiCares and the support they provide to those in the music community makes this night even more special. I’ve always believed that music heals, and it’s meant to be shared!”

Additional artists will be announced leading up to the 35th annual event, which will open with a special curated DJ set by Grammy Award winner Jermaine Dupri.

The MusiCares Person of the Year gala takes place two nights before the 2026 Grammy Awards. Along with the star-studded tribute concert, the evening includes a cocktail reception, a seated dinner and a live auction benefitting MusiCares’ mission. The auction will feature a limited number of exclusive experiences, including once-in-a-lifetime opportunities donated in collaboration with Carey.

Since launching the initial gala in 1991, MusiCares has raised millions via the event to fund the organization’s life-saving programs, “including emergency financial assistance, addiction recovery, mental-health services, preventive clinics, and disaster relief for music professionals and their families.” Tuesday’s announcement adds that “through this event, MusiCares continues to honor the humans behind the music, ensuring they have the resources to flourish both personally and professionally.” MusiCares was founded by the Recording Academy in 1989 as a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charity. Visit www.musicares.org for more information.

Tables and tickets for the MusiCares Person of the Year gala are available for purchase at http://personoftheyear.musicares.org/.