LOS ANGELES – Renowned for her dynamic blend of pop, R&B, gospel, and hip-hop over five decades, Mariah Carey was recently thrilled by a surprising musical throwback. The superstar found herself clapping along to tracks from her clandestine 1990s grunge album.
During a riveting performance, Foo Fighters delivered a powerful rendition of “Someone’s Ugly Daughter,” featuring Taylor Momsen on vocals. The band then launched into “Love is a Scam,” prompting Carey to join in the singing from her front-row seat.
On Friday evening, Carey was celebrated as the MusiCares Person of the Year, acknowledging her outstanding musical contributions and philanthropic endeavors. This prestigious award, which precedes the Grammy Awards, is presented by MusiCares, an organization dedicated to supporting musicians in need.
“She is truly one of a kind,” remarked Babyface, a long-time collaborator. “Mariah, you are the dream of every songwriter and producer. You consistently find success, embodying the essence of a remarkable songwriter.”
In a secret project from 1995, Carey recorded and co-produced the grunge album “Someone’s Ugly Daughter” with her friend Clarissa Dane, under the pseudonym Chick. The truth about her involvement only came to light with the release of her 2020 memoir, where she disclosed her role as the background vocalist while Dane took the lead.
Among the various performances at the Los Angeles Convention Center, it was evident that Carey particularly relished the Foo Fighters’ nostalgic tribute to her hidden past.
Stevie Wonder didn’t perform, but he took the stage to tell Carey, “The greatest thing about you and I is we have respect and love for each other.”
Grammy nominee Teddy Swims tackled “Without You,” the Harry Nilsson power ballad that Carey took to No. 1 in 1994.
“That was really terrifying,” he said.
British girl group Flo harmonized on “Dream Lover,” Billy Porter lent his unique interpretation to “Always Be My Baby,” and Jennifer Hudson opened with “I Don’t Wanna Cry” before seguing into “Vision of Love.”
Surprise guest Busta Rhymes teamed with Chanté Moore and Spliff Star to perform “I Know What You Want.”
John Legend sat behind the piano for “Hero” after Charlie Puth sang “I Still Believe” in the round. Grammy nominee Laufey sang “It’s Like That,” and, in a nod to Carey’s favorite color, Adam Lambert wore a lavender jacket while performing “Can’t Let Go.” Kesha sang “Obsessed” behind sunglasses. Maggie Rogers performed “Honey,” and then told Carey, “You’re the coolest.”
Tables had metallic butterflies tucked in the lavender rose centerpieces, while pats of butter were in the shape of tiny butterflies. Carey’s sixth studio album “Butterfly” came out in 1997.
Dripping with diamonds on her necklace, earrings and bracelets, Carey did more singing at her table than she did onstage.
Traditionally, the honoree performs some of their biggest hits at the end of what is usually a three-hour concert. This year, the show wrapped in just under two hours, with Jon Batiste leading some of the performers in Carey’s holiday classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” The guest of honor was led on stage and sang along for about 90 seconds of the finale.
Perhaps Carey was saving her five-octave range for next Friday, when she’s set to perform as part of the Milan Cortina Olympics opening ceremony in Italy, followed by a show in Abu Dhabi the next day.
Befitting her diva status, Carey was guided to the podium trailed by a woman carrying the train of her sheer black lace dress.
“Ah, tonight has been sublime,” she said. “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.”
Carey seemed genuinely touched by the honor, which has previously been bestowed on such artists as Bruce Springsteen, Barbra Streisand, Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson, Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton and Tom Petty. She told the crowd it was “one of the most profound moments of my life and career.”
“Oh my gosh!” Carey said. “I got a chance to sit there and listen and feel very just blessed to be here. So much love, so much music. It’s overwhelming in the best possible way.”
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The 68th Grammy Awards will be held Sunday. The show will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+. For more coverage of this year’s Grammy Awards visit: www.apnews.com/hub/grammy-awards
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