Mariah Carey Honored at MusiCares Tribute Despite Past Dislike for Covers

The pop icon's reactions to artists covering her songs went viral, sparking mixed fan interpretations.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 1:15pm

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Mariah Carey, who has previously expressed dislike for others singing her songs, was honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year with a tribute concert featuring numerous artists performing covers of her hits. Clips of Carey's reactions during the event quickly spread online, with some fans interpreting her expressions as unimpressed or unamused, while others saw classic Mariah deadpan. Despite her past comments about not enjoying covers, Carey later thanked the performers and called the experience "sublime" and "surreal."

Why it matters

Carey's public stance on covers of her music has been well-documented, making the MusiCares tribute an intriguing moment. The event and the viral fan reactions highlight the complex relationship between artists and interpretations of their work, as well as the power of social media to shape narratives around celebrity behavior.

The details

The MusiCares tribute featured performances of Carey's songs by artists like Jennifer Hudson, Billy Porter, Teddy Swims, John Legend, Charlie Puth, and Maggie Rogers. One unexpected moment came when the Foo Fighters, joined by Taylor Momsen, covered songs from Carey's secret '90s grunge album "Someone's Ugly Daughter." Throughout the night, cameras captured Carey's reactions at her table, which quickly spread online and sparked debate about whether she seemed unimpressed or amused.

  • The MusiCares Person of the Year tribute honoring Mariah Carey took place on January 30, 2026.
  • In a September 2025 interview, Carey expressed that she does not "really" enjoy when others sing her songs.

The players

Mariah Carey

A five-time Grammy-winning pop icon who has been candid about not liking when other artists cover her songs, but publicly praised the MusiCares tribute as "sublime" and "surreal."

Jennifer Hudson

An artist who opened the MusiCares tribute with performances of Carey's songs "I Don't Wanna Cry" and "Vision of Love."

Foo Fighters

The rock band that surprised the audience by performing songs from Carey's secret '90s grunge album "Someone's Ugly Daughter," joined by vocalist Taylor Momsen.

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What they’re saying

“She asked me to do it. You thought I chose to get on TV and sing a Mariah Carey song? Nobody can sing Mariah's songs like Mariah. Nobody.”

— Muni Long, Artist (iHeartRadio Music Awards)

“Sublime. Surreal. Thank you all for this incredible honor and celebration of my work. I am so beyond grateful.”

— Mariah Carey (Instagram)

What’s next

Carey is expected to continue her Las Vegas residency in the coming months, where fans will be eager to see if she addresses the MusiCares tribute further.

The takeaway

Mariah Carey's complex relationship with covers of her music was on full display at the MusiCares tribute, highlighting the nuances of how artists navigate interpretations of their work and the power of social media to shape public narratives around celebrity behavior.