In a glittering tribute that blended nostalgia with heartfelt admiration, Mariah Carey was honoured as the MusiCares Person of the Year on Friday night, just days before the Grammy Awards. The event, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, showcased the breadth of Carey’s influence in music and her philanthropic efforts, culminating in unexpected performances that took attendees on a journey through her storied career.
A Night of Musical Tributes
As the night unfolded, the atmosphere was electric with excitement. The Foo Fighters took to the stage, delivering a raucous rendition of “Someone’s Ugly Daughter,” featuring Taylor Momsen on vocals. In a surprising twist, this track is part of a previously undisclosed grunge album Carey recorded in the 1990s under the alias Chick, a revelation that only emerged in her 2020 memoir. The crowd witnessed Carey’s delight as she clapped along, clearly reveling in the throwback.
The honour bestowed upon Carey is one of significant prestige, awarded by MusiCares, an organisation committed to supporting musicians in need. Babyface, a long-time collaborator, praised her as “one of one,” highlighting her status as an iconic figure in songwriting and music production. “You strike a lot of gold,” he said, encapsulating the profound impact Carey has had on the music industry.
Surprises and Stellar Performances
The line-up of artists paying homage to Carey was nothing short of remarkable. Teddy Swims tackled the emotional “Without You,” a song that propelled Carey to the top of the charts in 1994. Following him, British girl group Flo harmonised on “Dream Lover,” while Billy Porter infused “Always Be My Baby” with his unique flair. The night also saw Jennifer Hudson open with “I Don’t Wanna Cry,” transitioning into “Vision of Love,” a true celebration of Carey’s legacy.
Amidst the performances, surprise guest Busta Rhymes joined Chanté Moore and Spliff Star for “I Know What You Want,” injecting energy into the evening. John Legend, seated at the piano, performed “Hero,” while Kesha, adorned in sunglasses, delivered “Obsessed” with palpable passion. The event was beautifully themed, with tables adorned with lavender roses and metallic butterflies, a nod to Carey’s iconic 1997 album, “Butterfly.”
A Touching Acknowledgment
Though Carey performed sparingly, she was visibly moved by the outpouring of love and respect from her peers. As the night drew to a close, Jon Batiste led the performers in “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” inviting Carey to join in for a brief yet poignant moment, embodying the spirit of unity and celebration.
In a moment of vulnerability, Carey expressed her gratitude to the audience. “Tonight has been sublime,” she said, reflecting on her journey as a songwriter. “It’s surreal to hear my songs reimagined by some of the world’s greatest artists.” Her heartfelt words resonated throughout the venue, marking the occasion as one of the most significant in her career.
Why it Matters
Mariah Carey’s recognition as MusiCares Person of the Year highlights not only her immense contributions to music but also her philanthropic impact. As she stands alongside legends like Bruce Springsteen and Dolly Parton, this celebration serves as a reminder of the power of music to connect and inspire, especially in times of adversity. Carey’s legacy continues to shape the industry, and her story remains a beacon of hope for aspiring artists navigating the challenges of the music world.
