Some of the biggest names in rock music came together at the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year gala to honor one of their own. The event, which took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, celebrated the achievements of singer-songwriter Mariah Carey and her impact on the alternative rock genre.
Carey, who rose to fame in the early 1990s with her powerful vocals and impressive songwriting skills, released her fifth studio album “Daydream” in 1995. The album not only became one of her biggest commercial successes, but it also marked a shift in her sound as she explored the alternative rock genre for the first time. 26 years later, her fellow rockers paid tribute to this iconic album by performing covers of some of its most beloved tracks.
The star-studded event was hosted by comedian and talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres, who kicked off the night with a heartfelt speech about Carey’s impact on the music industry. DeGeneres praised the singer for breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be a female artist in a male-dominated genre.
The first performance of the night was by Foo Fighters, who rocked the stage with their energetic rendition of “One Sweet Day”, Carey’s iconic duet with Boyz II Men. The Grammy-winning band, led by frontman Dave Grohl, brought their signature high-energy performance to the song, giving it a whole new rock twist.
Next up was alternative rock band Paramore, who took on the challenge of covering Carey’s hit “Fantasy”. The band’s lead singer Hayley Williams delivered a powerhouse performance, showcasing her impressive vocal range and adding her own unique touch to the song. The audience was on their feet, singing and dancing along to the infectious rock version of the 90s classic.
The highlight of the night was a surprise appearance by Pearl Jam’s lead singer Eddie Vedder, who joined the stage with Carey to perform a special duet of “Always Be My Baby”. The two powerhouse vocalists complemented each other perfectly, creating a magical moment that left the audience in awe.
Other notable covers of the night included Green Day’s energetic take on “Emotions” and The Strokes’ stripped-down version of “Underneath the Stars”. Each performance paid tribute to Carey’s raw talent and the impact she has had on the alternative rock genre.
The night also featured emotional speeches from fellow musicians, who shared their personal experiences of working with Carey and the influence she has had on their own music. Singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette, who collaborated with Carey on the song “Can’t Take That Away”, praised her for being an inspiration to female artists and pushing the boundaries of what is considered mainstream.
As the night came to a close, Carey took the stage to accept her MusiCares Person of the Year award, expressing her gratitude and appreciation for the love and support from her fellow rockers. She also took the opportunity to thank her fans for their unwavering support throughout her career.
The 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year gala was not only a celebration of Carey’s achievements, but it also showcased the camaraderie and mutual admiration among the rock community. The event proved that music has the power to unite people and break down barriers, and Carey’s impact on the alternative rock genre is a testament to that.
In a world where genres and labels often divide artists, it was heartwarming to see rockers from different bands and backgrounds come together to honor one of their own. The 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year gala was a night to remember, not just for the covers of Carey’s iconic album, but for the spirit of unity and celebration of great music.
