MusiCares 2026: Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert & More Honor Mariah Carey

Grammy-winning artists Billy Porter, Foo Fighters, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend and Laufey; Grammy-nominated artists Adam Lambert, Charlie Puth, Kesha, Maggie Rogers and Teddy Swims; and Taylor Momsen, frontwoman of The Pretty Reckless, are set to perform at the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year benefit gala honoring Mariah Carey. Additional artists will be announced leading up to the event, which will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Friday, Jan. 30, two nights before the 68th annual Grammy Awards. “I’m deeply honored to have these extraordinary artists come together for this evening,” Carey said in a statement. “Their generosity, their presence and their commitment to this moment mean more to me than I can express. Being part of this celebration in benefit of MusiCares and the support they provide to those in the music community makes this night even more special. I’ve always believed that music heals, and it’s meant to be shared!” More from Billboard Mariah Carey Named 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year: ‘Her Voice Has Shaped the Sound of Our Times’ Harvey Mason jr. on 2026 Grammys: The Curious Snub of Jack Antonoff, Morgan Wallen’s Decision to Not Submit & More As Grammy Voting Closes, Here Are 12 Races We’re Watching The event will open with a special curated DJ set by Grammy winner Jermaine Dupri. Daniel Moore II will serve as musical director. The event will again be produced by live event broadcast outfit Lewis & Clark, headed by Joe Lewis and R.A. Clark. Hudson presented the Icon Award to Carey onstage during the 2019 Billboard Music Awards. The 35th annual MusiCares Person of the Year gala will open with a cocktail reception, followed by a seated dinner and the all-star tribute concert. The event will also feature a live auction benefiting MusiCares’ mission, offering a limited number of exclusive experiences. Auction items will be available for bidding during the gala and will include a VIP Floor Bistro table at the 2026 Grammy Awards. Winners must be present at the event. Certain experiences may also require availability for international travel. Since 1991, the event has raised millions to fund MusiCares programs, including emergency financial assistance, addiction recovery, mental-health services, preventive clinics and disaster relief for music professionals and their families. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart