A Starry Night at the Grammys’ Annual MusiCares Gala

The annual MusiCares charity gala, a prelude to the Grammy Awards, dazzled as it honored the illustrious Mariah Carey as MusiCares Person of the Year. Held on January 30, 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the event was a celebrated gathering of renowned artists and music lovers.

According to a press release, the gala serves as MusiCares’ largest yearly fundraiser, enabling the organization to run programs throughout the year that offer vital services and disaster relief to musicians in need. Mariah Carey expressed her enthusiasm ahead of the event, sharing on social media on January 21: “So excited for next week’s gala @musicares and deeply honored by these incredible performers bringing their artistry to my music. What a dream, thank you all!! 🦋❤️🥳🎶”

The star-studded evening saw an array of incredible performances celebrating Carey’s impressive body of work. Among the highlights was the Foo Fighters’ performance, joined by Taylor Momsen as the lead vocalist for “Someone’s Ugly Daughter.” This song is part of Carey’s hidden 1995 grunge project, recorded under the pseudonym Chick. The show continued with “Love Is a Scam,” as Carey happily sang along from her seat.

Carey disclosed her connection to this grunge project in her 2020 memoir, where she revealed that she provided background vocals while her friend Clarissa Dane took on the lead singer’s role.

Mariah Carey addressed the attendees at the MusiCares Person of the Year gala, acknowledging the honor with heartfelt gratitude. The celebration continued with a lineup of esteemed artists. Jennifer Hudson opened with a soulful rendition of “I Don’t Wanna Cry,” transitioning smoothly into “Vision of Love.” Billy Porter wowed the audience with “Always Be My Baby,” while Teddy Swims delivered a powerful performance of “Without You,” a ballad that Carey famously brought to the top of the charts in 1994.

The night’s talent roster also included performances by Adam Lambert, Charlie Puth, Kesha, Maggie Rogers, Laufey, and Jermaine Dupri. The presence of notable figures such as SZA, Rita Wilson, Gayle King, and Richard Marx enhanced the glamour of the event.