„Never let anyone think they can take your freedom away,“ the legendary musician says at his fellow music icon’s 2026 Person of the Year event
Mariah Carey was honored as MusiCares’ Person of the Year for 2026 on Friday night, complete with a star-studded tribute concert from her A-List peers and a surprise appearance from fellow music icon, Stevie Wonder.
“The thing about you and I, is we have respect and love for each other,” Wonder told the crowd at the Los Angeles Convention Center. “I’m very happy to know you as a friend, with a never-ending love for you; appreciation for what you’ve done, your love for God, your love for people, your love for the commitment of using the gift that you have been given by the Most High — your voice. Such an incredible voice.”
“I’d like everyone to take a breath. Just take it. You know what, that breath is for free, right? When you speak, it’s for free. When you talk, it’s for free. When you sing, it’s for free. It’s been given to you, the gift of life, which is free,” he added. “And I say to all of you not just here but throughout the world, never let anyone think they can take your freedom away.”
The evening featured a live auction and full meal, as well as covers of Carey’s classic hits.
