Mariah Carey’s Secret Grunge Album Honored at MusiCares/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Mariah Carey’s hidden 1990s grunge album took center stage during her MusiCares Person of the Year tribute. Foo Fighters led the charge, while stars like Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, and John Legend reimagined her greatest hits. Carey called the evening “sublime” and “surreal.”
Mariah Carey’s MusiCares Tribute: Quick Looks
- Carey honored as 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year
- Foo Fighters performed from her secret grunge album Someone’s Ugly Daughter
- Carey clapped and sang along from the front table
- Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, and John Legend paid musical tribute
- Performers included Kesha, Billy Porter, Busta Rhymes, Flo, and Maggie Rogers
- Decorations nodded to Carey’s Butterfly era with lavender tones and butterfly motifs
- Carey emotionally thanked artists and called the night “profound”
- Event ran under two hours, ending with “All I Want for Christmas Is You”
Deep Look: Mariah Carey’s Hidden Grunge Roots Shine at MusiCares Celebration
Mariah Carey, long hailed for her genre-spanning hits, was honored Friday night as MusiCares Person of the Year, but it was her lesser-known 1990s grunge alter ego that unexpectedly stole the show.
Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the tribute unfolded two days ahead of the 2026 Grammy Awards and brought together musical legends and rising stars in celebration of Carey’s songwriting brilliance and charitable contributions.
A Grunge Revival from the Queen of Pop
In perhaps the night’s biggest surprise, the Foo Fighters, fronted by Taylor Momsen, delivered a gritty performance of “Someone’s Ugly Daughter” and “Love Is a Scam,” songs from Carey’s secret 1995 grunge album recorded under the pseudonym Chick. Carey was visibly delighted, clapping and singing along with full enthusiasm.
Though she only revealed her connection to the album in her 2020 memoir, the music—raw and angsty—reflected another side of the diva, who said she wanted to explore different sonic identities at a time when her label preferred polished ballads.
A Star-Studded Setlist
The event featured a parade of powerhouse performances from artists reimagining Carey’s chart-topping classics:
- Jennifer Hudson opened with a moving medley of “I Don’t Wanna Cry” and “Vision of Love”
- Teddy Swims tackled the emotional “Without You,” admitting it was “terrifying” to follow Carey’s vocals
- Billy Porter added flair to “Always Be My Baby”
- Charlie Puth performed “I Still Believe,” followed by John Legend’s soulful rendition of “Hero”
- Kesha sang “Obsessed” with signature edge, while Maggie Rogers took on “Honey”
- Flo, Adam Lambert, Laufey, and surprise guests Busta Rhymes, Chanté Moore, and Spliff Star rounded out the evening
Every performance brought a unique twist, showing the range and influence of Carey’s songwriting.
A Room Drenched in Lavender and Butterflies
The decor was unmistakably “Mariah”—lavender roses, butterfly-themed table accents, and even butter pats shaped like butterflies nodded to her iconic Butterfly album from 1997. Even Adam Lambert’s lavender jacket paid homage to the pop icon’s favorite hue.
Carey, decked out in diamonds and sheer black lace, sang more at her table than onstage—saving her famed five-octave vocal range for upcoming performances in Italy and Abu Dhabi, part of the Milan Cortina Olympics opening ceremony and her ongoing international tour.
A Humble, Grateful Icon
Though the MusiCares tribute typically ends with a performance by the honoree, this time Carey briefly joined the finale—singing along for just 90 seconds as Jon Batiste led the crowd in “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
When she finally took the podium—her gown’s train trailed by an assistant—Carey was heartfelt and genuine.
“Tonight has been sublime,” she said. “To hear my songs reimagined by some of the world’s greatest artists—it’s surreal.”
Reflecting on her journey from scribbling lyrics in notebooks to influencing generations, Carey told the crowd:
“This is one of the most profound moments of my life and career.”
It was a moment shared with a roomful of admirers and artists, all there to honor a woman whose influence spans genres, decades, and even secret identities.
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