LOS ANGELES (AP) – Mariah Carey, a renowned figure known for her fusion of pop, R&B, gospel, and hip-hop, was recently honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year. This celebration took place on Friday night, just two days before the Grammy Awards, recognizing her significant contributions to music and her philanthropic endeavors. The event was hosted at the Los Angeles Convention Center and featured heartfelt performances from multiple artists, including a nostalgia-filled segment featuring cuts from Carey’s secret 1990s grunge album, “Someone’s Ugly Daughter.” Notably, the Foo Fighters performed “Someone's Ugly Daughter” with Taylor Momsen on vocals, leading to a joyous reaction from Carey, who sang along from her front table.
Carey’s long-time collaborator, Babyface, praised her during the event, calling her “every songwriter and producer’s dream” and a “blueprint of a great songwriter.” The grunge album, recorded in 1995 under the alias “Chick,” was a revelation to many after Carey disclosed her involvement in her 2020 memoir. Despite not performing extensively during the event, Carey was visibly engaged and appeared to most enjoy the Foo Fighters’ tribute to her past.
Although he did not perform, iconic musician Stevie Wonder offered kind words to Carey, emphasizing the mutual respect they share. The performances throughout the evening showcased a wide array of Carey’s hits, reinterpreted by various artists. For instance, Grammy nominee Teddy Swims tackled “Without You,” a song that reached number one in 1994. Additionally, the British girl group Flo harmonized on “Dream Lover,” while Billy Porter offered a unique version of “Always Be My Baby.” Jennifer Hudson opened the performances with “I Don’t Wanna Cry,” smoothly transitioning into “Vision of Love.”
Surprise guest Busta Rhymes also took the stage, teaming up with Chanté Moore and Spliff Star for a rendition of “I Know What You Want.” Other notable performers included John Legend, who played “Hero,” Charlie Puth who sang “I Still Believe,” and Laufey performing “It’s Like That.” Adam Lambert donned a lavender jacket in homage to Carey’s sixth studio album, “Butterfly,” while Kesha, behind sunglasses, delivered “Obsessed.” Maggie Rogers expressed admiration for Carey by stating, “You’re the coolest.”
The decor for the event reflected Carey’s signature style, featuring tables adorned with metallic butterflies and lavender rose centerpieces. Carey shone in a black lace dress accentuated with diamonds in her jewelry. Traditionally, MusiCares guests perform some of the honoree’s biggest hits at the event’s closure, but this year’s show concluded in a tighter timeframe of under two hours. Jon Batiste led a finale where performers gathered to honor Carey with her holiday classic, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Carey joined briefly on stage, singing approximately 90 seconds of the beloved holiday tune.
In commenting on the evening, Carey reflected on the surreal experience of hearing her songs reimagined by esteemed artists, expressing gratitude and feeling “overwhelmed in the best possible way.” The honor of being named MusiCares Person of the Year is significant, previously awarded to legends such as Bruce Springsteen, Barbra Streisand, and Dolly Parton. Carey shared that the night stood as one of the most profound moments of her life, illustrating the deep connection she has fostered through her work in music.
As she prepares for upcoming performances, including a segment at the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina Olympics and a show in Abu Dhabi, Carey recognized the importance of the evening. It not only celebrated her illustrious career but also the enduring power of music and its ability to resonate through generations.
