Foo Fighters, Jennifer Hudson, Busta Rhymes Pay Tribute to Mariah Carey at MusiCares’ Person of the Year Gala 2026

This past Friday at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the 35th annual MusiCares Person of the Year gala celebrated Mariah Carey, placing her in a lineage of honorees that includes Paul McCartney and Joni Mitchell. In contrast to the often-exhausting Grammy week schedule, this two-hour tribute was a focused and inventive affair. A diverse lineup of performers tackled Carey's extensive discography, offering everything from obscure album tracks to dramatically reworked versions of her classics.

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. commenced the program, emphasizing the dual nature of the evening: recognizing Carey's unparalleled musical impact and her charitable work. The event serves as a primary fundraiser for MusiCares, the Recording Academy's charity, which has provided more than $49 million in critical support for musicians facing hardship due to crises like the pandemic and wildfires. This philanthropic mission was woven into the night, with QR codes for donations and a live auction featuring prizes such as a trip to meet Carey in Abu Dhabi.

The musical performances began with Jennifer Hudson's commanding take on early-career anthems including "Vision of Love." A major surprise came from the Foo Fighters and singer Taylor Momsen, who performed two songs—"Love Is a Scam" and "Demented"—from Carey's shelved 1995 grunge project with her band Chick. This nod to a lesser-known chapter of her career visibly thrilled Carey, who sang along from her seat. Other artists offered creative rearrangements; Icelandic singer Laufey transformed "It's Like That" into a breezy bossa nova tune, while Maggie Rogers gave "Honey" a raw, blues-inflected treatment.

Several tributes leaned into powerful, straightforward interpretations. Charlie Puth delivered a haunting "I Still Believe," John Legend presented a solemn piano version of "Hero," and Adam Lambert brought theatrical energy to "Can't Let Go." A highlight was the unexpected reunion of rapper Busta Rhymes and singer Chanté Moore for their 2002 collaboration with Carey, "I Know What You Want." Rhymes reflected on Carey's enduring influence, noting his long-standing admiration for her artistry. Music historian Dr. Alisha Chen observes, "The choice to feature her unreleased grunge material alongside pop and R&B staples was a masterstroke, finally giving formal recognition to a pivotal, if commercially sidelined, moment of artistic risk in her career."

Clearly emotional, Carey accepted the award with a brief speech, stating she felt "overwhelmed" by the tribute. The celebration culminated in an all-star finale led by Jon Batiste, with the evening's performers joining Carey on stage for a festive performance of "All I Want for Christmas Is You." This closing moment provided a fittingly joyous end to a night that balanced heartfelt homage with musical surprise, all in support of MusiCares' vital mission.