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Mariah Carey is MusiCare’s 2026 Person of the YearThe singer was honored for her philanthropic work at the Jan. 30 gala, where numerous music icons have accepted the honorCarey and KAYTRANADA’s song “Don’t Forget About Us” is nominated at the 2026 Grammy Awards for Best Remixed Recording

Mariah Carey is high-noting her way to Grammys season.

Before music’s biggest night kicks off on Sunday, Feb. 1, Carey was honored by MusiCare as their Person of the Year.

The annual gala, taking place at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Friday, Jan. 30, was hit with supersized glamour courtesy of the singer’s red carpet look alone.

Carey, 56, bared skin in a totally sheer floral dress with a corseted bodice and long train. She paired the gown with a diamond collar necklace, layered diamond bracelets and dangling diamond earrings.

Mariah Carey is MusiCares 2026 Persons of the Year.

John Salangsang/Shutterstock

During remarks made at the MusiCares event, Carey said, “Standing here tonight surrounded by so many friendly and familiar faces — people I’ve worked with, people I’ve long admired, and even people I thought I’d never see again — [there’s] so much love, so much music, it’s overwhelming in the best possible way. It really is unbelievable.”

“Receiving this honor is one of the most profound moments of my life and career, and that’s kind of a big deal,” she continued. “When you look at the list of artists who have been named Person of the Year before me: legends, icons, my own heroes. To be included in that list is just beyond.”

Past Person of the Year recipients include Dolly Parton, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Aretha Franklin and Fleetwood Mac, as well as The Grateful Dead, who were honored in 2025.

Carey was celebrated with performances of some of her most iconic songs, including “Hero” by John Legend, “Obsessed” by Kesha and “Always Be My Baby” by Billy Porter, to name a few.

Numerous performers joined Carey for a performance of her holiday hit, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” as well.

According to a statement, Carey was celebrated by MusiCares for her “extraordinary creative achievements and dedication to philanthropic causes, while raising vital funds to support the health and well-being of the music community.”

The Songbird Supreme has championed various causes throughout her career, from human rights to education and more.

MusiCares raises money for musicians in need. During the auction portion of the evening honoring Carey, Legend, 47, was outbid as he tried to score a Carey-signed art piece and one of her past outfits.

In a cover story with Billboard, Carey shared why she doesn’t personally refer to herself as a legend.

“Everybody has their own little meanings for what things they say,” she told the outlet. “But I don’t call myself a legend. I’m just still working, still trying hard.”

Carey recently performed on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, nine years after dealing with a technical difficulty on the same show.

Staying true to her signature sparkle, Carey shined as bright as the ball drop in a sparkly pink and purple ombré minidress. She later rang in the new year in a plunging silver figure-hugging dress and gold pajamas, as seen on her Instagram.

Mariah Carey at the 2006 Grammys.

Kevin Winter/Getty

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With the Grammys right around the corner, fans might expect to see Carey on the red carpet on Feb. 1, as her and KAYTRANADA’s song, “Don’t Forget About Us,” is nominated for Best Remixed Recording.

Carey has won five Grammys since she was first nominated in 1991. Her accolades include Best New Artist and Best Contemporary R&B Album for The Emancipation of Mimi.