Busta Rhymes, Laufey, Maggie Rogers, Teddy Swims and Charlie Puth also performed the star's songs at this MusiCares 2026 gala honoring Mariah Carey as Person of the Year.
A decoration of butterflies and touches of lavender — the color of Mariah Carey — took over the Los Angeles Convention Center as the Christmas Queen and R&B legend was celebrated on her big night. The tribute for the benefit of MusiCaresstudded with stars, brought together artists from all backgrounds — Laufey, Kesha, John Legend, Maggie Rogersamong others — who honored Carey's incomparable voice and inimitable songwriting by reimagining her songs in their own styles. Throughout the evening, Carey seemed joyful, lip-syncing to her own classics.
“ Tonight it was sublime to hear my songs revisited by some of the greatest artists in the world said Carey as she accepted her Person of the Year award at the end of the evening. “ When I was a little girl scribbling lyrics in my notebook late at night, I could only dream of someone hearing those words and singing them. »
She continued: “ Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be here with all these magnificent artists singing my songs to me, imbuing them with their own artistry and giving them a whole new life. It gave me life. »
The concert part of the evening began with a mini DJ set by Jermaine Dupri covering Carey classics (and several unexpected B-sides), before the cascade of performances began. Jennifer Hudson opened the show with a powerful vocal rendition of I Don't Wanna Crybefore continuing on My Alland add even more soul to Vision of LoveCarey's first single released in 1990.
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After Hudson, Taylor Momsen joined Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters to take the vibe from R&B heaven to pure grunge by playing songs from his secret 1995 album, Someone's Ugly Daughternotably Love Is a Scam And Demented. Carey was all smiles as she sang along with them for what was by far the highlight of the night.
Laufey's participation was just as much, she who skillfully reimagined It's Like That into a bossa nova jazzy song totally in his style. Kesha also delivered pure pop star energy as she sang on Obsessedand Maggie Rogers offered an unexpected interpretation of Honey.
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Accompanied by Gayle King, Stevie Wonder took the stage at one point to talk about the importance of freedom, and how Carey was able to honor the ” gift (that she) received from the very highest »: his voice. “ Never let anyone think they can take away your freedom “Wonder said. Besides Wonder's special appearance, Babyface called Carey ” one of a kind » (1 of 1), Richard Marx sang a cappella on Can't Let Goand SZA thanked Carey for being a “ model » (blueprint).
R&B trio FLO delivered delicious harmonies on DreamloverTeddy Swims' voice shone on the ballad Without You, Charlie Puth and John Legend married their piano falsettos with respective renditions of I Still Believe And heroand Adam Lambert played Can't Let Go from a secondary scene.
Before performing a version of the classic “music to make babies” I Know What You Want with Chanté Moore, Busta Rhymes made a surprise appearance and celebrated the “ royal empress », thanking her for their long friendship.
Billy Porter also performed Always Be My Baby with lots of shouting and exclamations, bringing a playful and captivating energy that shifted the focus from homage to Carey's classic to full ownership of the track.
The evening was a fitting celebration of Carey's career, but also a reminder of the work MusiCares has done over the past year, dedicating $15 million in aid to support more than 3,000 musicians affected by the devastating fires that have deeply affected the music community. The crowd of wealthy celebrities bid on a trip to Abu Dhabi to see Carey in concert, tickets to the Grammys and a glittery stage outfit worn by the star — all in the name of charity.
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To close out the evening, and after Carey's acceptance speech, Jon Batiste served as the final surprise guest, leading a collective sing-along with some of the evening's performers — and even Gayle King — on All I Want for Christmas Is You. As they all sang along, someone on stage (apparently Porter) got the lyrics wrong, with some performers stopping and looking at each other, confused as to which verse they were singing.
That's when Mariah appeared from backstage to save the song, adding her vocals and closing the event by greeting everyone on stage. If the Christmas Queen says it's Christmas in January… it's Christmas in January.
