Mariah Carey turned heads at the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year pre-Grammy Awards event Honoring Mariah Carey at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026.
Mariah stunned in a sheer black mesh Prada dress over black lingerie underwear and 116 carats of diamonds on her neck and wrists.
Performers covering Mariah’s classic hits included Jennifer Hudson, Chanté Moore who duetted with rapper Busta Rhymes, John Legend, Billy Porter, Foo Fighters, Ella Mai, Kesha, Jermaine Dupri, and more.
Music legend Stevie Wonder made a surprise appearance.
Mariah and Stevie ? #MusiCares pic.twitter.com/O84qKsoQPO
— MCI (@MariahCareyITA) January 31, 2026
MusiCares, a subsidiary of the Recording Academy, raises money for MusiCares programs that help music professionals with health care, financial assistance, and recovery services.
The nonprofit charity has raised more than $135 million for musicians and music-industry workers in need since 1989 and last year provided more than $15 million to several thousand victims of the 2025 wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles County.
“Oh my God! It’s overwhelming in the best possible way,” Mariah told the well-heeled audience.
“When I was a little girl scribbling lyrics in my notebook late at night, I could only dream of someone hearing those words and relating to them. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be here with all these magnificent artists singing my songs back to me, infusing them with their own artistry and giving them all new life. This has given me life.”
“But tonight is not only about me,” Mariah said. “It’s about this incredible organization, MusiCares, whether it’s providing health care, financial support or simply offering a shoulder to lean on, MusiCares reminds us that behind all the glitz and glamour, there are real people who need care and community.”
