\u00ab\u00a0Never let anyone think they can take your freedom away,\u00a0\u00bb the legendary musician says at his fellow music icon’s 2026 Person of the Year event<\/b>
\nMariah Carey was honored as MusiCares\u2019 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.
\u201cThe thing about you and I, is we have respect and love for each other,\u201d Wonder told the crowd at the Los Angeles Convention Center. \u201cI\u2019m very happy to know you as a friend, with a never-ending love for you; appreciation for what you\u2019ve 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 \u2014 your voice. Such an incredible voice.\u201d
\u201cI\u2019d like everyone to take a breath. Just take it. You know what, that breath is for free, right? When you speak, it\u2019s for free. When you talk, it\u2019s for free. When you sing, it\u2019s for free. It\u2019s been given to you, the gift of life, which is free,\u201d he added. \u201cAnd I say to all of you not just here but throughout the world, never let anyone think they can take your freedom away.\u201d
The evening featured a live auction and full meal, as well as covers of Carey\u2019s classic hits. Performers included Busta Rhymes, Jennifer Hudson, Foo Fighters, John Legend, Charlie Puth, Adam Lambert, Taylor Momsen, Flo, Chant\u00e9 Moore, Jon Batiste, Maggie Rogers, Teddy Swims, Laufey, Billy Porter and Kesha.
\u201cPerson of the Year is a celebration of someone who is iconic in this industry, but also someone who is iconic in the philanthropic world \u2014 and Mariah meets both of those,\u201d MusiCares executive director Theresa Wolters told TheWrap on the red carpet. \u201cShe is, of course, a legendary singer and songwriter, but she has done so much for children\u2019s causes, for the music industry; she constantly lends her name and her voice and her energy to charity, so it felt pretty obvious to celebrate her.\u201d
She further noted, \u201cAt this moment in time, we need to find the things that unite us more than divide us, and that is music.\u201d
To close out the night, the \u201cFantasy\u201d singer joined all of the prior performers onstage for a group version of \u201cAll I Want for Christmas Is You\u201d \u2014 but not before accepting her Person of the Year award with a moving message.
\u201cStanding here tonight surrounded by so many friendly and familiar face, people I\u2019ve worked with, people I\u2019ve long admired, even people I thought I\u2019d never see again\u2026 so much love, so much music. It\u2019s overwhelming in the best possible way,\u201d Carey said atop her acceptance speech. \u201cReceiving this honor is one of the most profound moments of my life and career \u2014 and that\u2019s kind of a big deal. It\u2019s real. When you look at the list of artists who have been named Person of the Year before me, legends, icons, my own heroes. To be included in that list is just beyond.\u201d
\u201cBut tonight is not only about me, it\u2019s about this incredible organization, MusiCares,\u201d she continued. \u201cWhether it\u2019s providing healthcare, financial support or simply offering a shoulder to lean on, MusiCares reminds us that behind all the glitz and glamour, there are real people who need care and community. MusiCares has touched countless lives, including mine, and I am so grateful for the work they do.\u201d
\u201cTonight has been sublime. To hear my songs reimagined by some of the world\u2019s greatest artists is surreal. When I was a little girl scribbling lyrics in my notebook late at night, I could only dream of someone hearing those words and relating to them. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I\u2019d be here with all these magnificent artists singing my songs back to me, infusing them with their own artistry and giving them all new life,\u201d Carey concluded. \u201cThis has given me life and I appreciate you so much.\u201d<\/p>\n