Mariah Carey Honored at MusiCares Event with Surprise Grunge Album Tribute

The pop superstar was celebrated for her musical achievements and philanthropy ahead of the Grammy Awards.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 3:55am

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Mariah Carey was honored as the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year at a star-studded event in Los Angeles, two days before the Grammy Awards. The evening featured performances of Carey's hit songs by a diverse array of artists, including a surprise tribute to her secret 1990s grunge album "Someone's Ugly Daughter" by the Foo Fighters and Taylor Momsen. Carey seemed particularly delighted by the grunge performance, singing along from her table. The event celebrated Carey's five-decade career blending pop, R&B, gospel and hip-hop, as well as her philanthropic efforts.

Why it matters

Mariah Carey is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with her powerful vocals and songwriting skills transcending genres. The MusiCares Person of the Year award recognizes not only her musical achievements, but also her philanthropic work supporting musicians in need. The surprise tribute to her little-known grunge project also sheds light on Carey's versatility and willingness to experiment outside of her pop superstar persona.

The details

The MusiCares event featured a variety of artists performing Carey's hit songs, including Dave Grohl and Taylor Momsen of the Foo Fighters, who blasted through tracks from Carey's secret 1995 grunge album "Someone's Ugly Daughter." Carey seemed to enjoy the grunge tribute the most, singing along from her front-row table. Other performers included Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Kesha, and Busta Rhymes. The event was a two-hour celebration, shorter than the typical three-hour MusiCares gala, with Carey herself only briefly taking the stage at the end to sing along to her holiday classic "All I Want for Christmas Is You."

  • The MusiCares Person of the Year event honoring Mariah Carey took place on Friday, January 30, 2026, two days before the 68th Grammy Awards.
  • Carey is scheduled to perform at the Milan Cortina Olympics opening ceremony in Italy on the following Friday, February 6, 2026, followed by a show in Abu Dhabi the next day.

The players

Mariah Carey

A legendary pop, R&B, gospel and hip-hop singer-songwriter who was honored as the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year for her musical achievements and philanthropic efforts.

Foo Fighters

The rock band that performed a tribute to Carey's secret 1990s grunge album "Someone's Ugly Daughter," with Taylor Momsen on lead vocals.

Taylor Momsen

The lead vocalist who performed the Foo Fighters' tribute to Mariah Carey's grunge album "Someone's Ugly Daughter."

Stevie Wonder

The legendary musician who took the stage to express his respect and love for Mariah Carey.

Babyface

A longtime collaborator of Mariah Carey who praised her as "one of one" and "a blueprint of a great songwriter."

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What they’re saying

“She is one of one. Mariah, you are every songwriter and producer's dream. You strike a lot of gold. You are a blueprint of a great songwriter.”

— Babyface, Longtime Collaborator

“The greatest thing about you and I is we have respect and love for each other.”

— Stevie Wonder

“That was really terrifying.”

— Teddy Swims, Grammy Nominee

What’s next

Mariah Carey is scheduled to perform at the Milan Cortina Olympics opening ceremony in Italy on Friday, February 6, 2026, followed by a show in Abu Dhabi the next day.

The takeaway

Mariah Carey's MusiCares Person of the Year honor celebrates her remarkable five-decade career as a pop superstar and versatile artist, as well as her philanthropic efforts. The surprise tribute to her secret 1990s grunge album underscores Carey's willingness to experiment outside of her signature sound, showcasing her artistic range and authenticity.