Mariah Carey has been named as MusiCares 2026 Person of the Year.
The Fantasy hitmaker will be celebrated at the annual gala that takes place at the Los Angeles Convention Center on January 30 – two days prior to the Grammy Awards.
Mariah has been selected for the honour for her contributions to music as well as her philanthropic acts, such as providing help to those affected by Hurricane Katrina and the coronavirus pandemic.
The 56-year-old singer also founded Camp Mariah to help underserved youth in partnership with Fresh Air Fund, championing the advancement of health and education.
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy and MusiCares, said: “We are honoured to recognise Mariah Carey as this year’s MusiCares Person of the Year, a true creative force and once-in-a-generation talent.
“Her artistry and her voice have helped shape the sound of our times. We look forward to celebrating her remarkable career on this very special night.”
The All I Want for Christmas Is You singer joins an illustrious list of winners of MusiCares Person of the Year – including Jon Bon Jovi, Joni Mitchell and Dolly Parton.
Theresa Wolters, executive director of MusiCares, said: “Mariah Carey’s influence extends far beyond her remarkable artistry.
“She has used her platform consistently to provide tangible support to communities, whether through disaster relief, youth empowerment, or programmes that help those facing barriers to opportunity.
“Her work exemplifies the values at the heart of MusiCares: creating systems of care that lift people up and ensure music professionals and communities can thrive.
“Honouring her as Person of the Year celebrates both her incredible musical legacy and her dedication to making a meaningful defence in the lives of others.”
Mariah’s 1994 track All I Want for Christmas Is You is a staple of festive playlists but the star confessed that she was “freezing” during the making of the music video.
She told Allure: “I was so freezing (in my Santa suit.)
“It was definitely not chic and effortless.”
Despite her discomfort, the We Belong Together artist revealed she has a fond attachment to the outfit.
She added: “Someone asked me, ‘Do you still have that one?’ and I’m like, ‘Yeah, I use the same one every year.'”