Did you know Mariah Carey made a secret grunge album?
As a lifelong fan of the superstar, it’s a detail I first learned in her 2020 memoir — and then promptly forgot — until Friday night, when Carey was honored as MusiCares Person of the Year. Somewhere between the gowns, the standing ovations and a room full of music royalty singing her songs back to her, Carey reminded everyone (myself included) that her legacy has always been a little stranger — and more fun — than it gets credit for.
The annual gala, held two days before the Grammy Awards, celebrates an artist not just for their musical achievements, but for their philanthropy and impact. This year’s tribute performances came from the expected heavy-hitters — Jennifer Hudson! John Legend! Teddy Swims! — and played like a two-hour love letter to Carey’s catalog. Hit after hit, era after era.
And yet, one moment cut through the spectacle.
Early in the night, Taylor Momsen (frontwoman of the Pretty Reckless and former Gossip Girl star) joined the Foo Fighters onstage to perform songs from Carey’s long-rumored, rarely-heard ’90s grunge album. Yes, that one.
Dave Grohl and Rami Jaffee of Foo Fighters and Taylor Momsen perform songs from Mariah Carey’s secret grunge album at the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year gala. (Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
(Matt Winkelmeyer via Getty Images)
Carey was absolutely tickled.
While she sang along from her seat throughout the night — mouthing lyrics, swaying, soaking it all in — this was different. When Momsen and Dave Grohl tore into “Hermit” and “Love Is a Scam,” Carey lit up. She clapped. She sang. She was fully out of her seat by the end.
The backstory makes the moment even sweeter. Carey recorded the album Somebody’s Ugly in 1995 under the band name Chick, entirely in secret, during sessions for Daydream.
“I was just rebelling,” Carey later recalled. “I always regretted not putting it out.”
On Friday night, that regret was replaced by joy, validation and the rare pleasure of watching a global icon get surprised by her own history. In a room built to honor Carey’s greatest hits, it was the forgotten deep cut — distorted guitars and all — that felt most alive.
And while the grunge reveal was the night’s most unexpected high, it was far from the only memorable moment. Hudson opened the evening with a showstopping medley of “I Don’t Wanna Cry,” “My All,” “Vision of Love” and “Make It Happen.” Kesha jumped onstage to perform “Obsessed.” Legend tackled “Hero,” with his wife, Chrissy Teigen, beaming from the audience. (For what it’s worth, Busta Rhymes performing “I Know What You Want” was my personal favorite.)
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend attend the pre-Grammys gala honoring Mariah Carey. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
(Kevin Mazur via Getty Images)
The MusiCares gala is the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year, fueling its year-round work — from emergency disaster relief to ongoing support for music professionals when they need it most. Last year, the event unfolded in the shadow of L.A.’s devastating wildfires. This year, it felt impossible not to notice a more subdued energy at times, shaped by fresh political tensions. In the bathroom, I overheard one woman ask another, “Are we ridiculous to be dressed up in sparkles while the country is falling apart?”
Stevie Wonder, one of the night’s surprise guests, took the stage alongside Gayle King to honor his longtime friend — and was the only speaker who gently brushed up against the moment we’re living in.
“When you speak, it’s for free. When you talk, it’s for free. When you sing, it’s for free,” he said. “I say to all of you, not just here but throughout the world, never let anyone think they can take your freedom away.”
Stevie Wonder and Gayle King pay homage to Mariah Carey at MusiCares gala. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
(Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
The line resonated with the crowd.
When Carey accepted her award after the tribute concert, she called the evening “one of the most profound moments of my life and career.”
“Tonight has been sublime,” she told the crowd. “To hear my songs reimagined by some of the world’s greatest artists — it’s 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. This has given me life, and I appreciate you so much.”
To close out the night, Jon Batiste led the crowd through a rendition of “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” before the Queen of Christmas herself jumped onstage, bringing the room to its feet one last time.
In a room full of uncertainty, the music did what it always does best: brought people together.