Mariah Carey Explains Why She Doesn't Call Herself a 'Legend': 'I'm Just Still Working' Jack IrvinJanuary 30, 2026 at 4:03 AM 0 Mariah Carey in January 2026 Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Mariah Carey is on the latest cover of Billboard She'll be honored as MusiCares' 2026 Person of the Year on Jan. 30 Carey revealed why she doesn't call herself a "legend" Mariah Carey is a legend — even if she wouldn't say so herself.
- - Mariah Carey Explains Why She Doesn't Call Herself a 'Legend': 'I'm Just Still Working'
Jack IrvinJanuary 30, 2026 at 4:03 AM
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Mariah Carey in January 2026
Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty
Mariah Carey is on the latest cover of Billboard
She'll be honored as MusiCares' 2026 Person of the Year on Jan. 30
Carey revealed why she doesn't call herself a "legend"
Mariah Carey is a legend — even if she wouldn't say so herself.
In a new Billboard cover story interview, Carey spoke about her career, charitable efforts and upcoming honor as MusiCares' 2026 Person of the Year — as well as why she doesn't personally refer to herself as a legend despite having 19 No. 1 hits and five Grammys under her belt.
"Everybody has their own little meanings for what things they say," Carey told the outlet. "But I don't call myself a legend. I'm just still working, still trying hard."
Mariah Carey
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The Recording Academy's philanthropic organization MusiCares will honor the "Obsessed" singer as its 2026 Person of the Year in a ceremony on Jan. 30. She'll follow previous honorees the Grateful Dead, Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson, Joni Mitchell, Gloria Estefan, Billy Joel and Dolly Parton.
"Mariah Carey's influence extends far beyond her remarkable artistry," Theresa Wolters, executive director of MusiCares, previously said in a statement. "She has used her platform consistently to provide tangible support to communities, whether through disaster relief, youth empowerment or programs that help those facing barriers to opportunity."
Wolters added, "Her work exemplifies the values at the heart of MusiCares: creating systems of care that lift people up and ensure music professionals and communities can thrive."
Carey spoke to Billboard about why she feels philanthropy is important. The Songbird Supreme has championed various causes throughout her career from human rights to education and more.
In December 2025, her custom pink "Protect the Dolls" t-shirt (worn for a performance at a U.K. LGBTQ+ Pride festival) sold for over $5,000 in a GLAAD auction to support the transgender community.
Mariah Carey in January 2026
Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty
"All of us should do what we can to give back something," she said. "And it's also important to do more than that. I get caught up with my schedule sometimes, so it's not as much as it should be. But it's still an important part of my life."
The MusiCares 2026 Person of the Year ceremony honoring Carey will feature tribute performances from Adam Lambert, Billy Porter, Charlie Puth, Foo Fighters, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Kesha, Laufey, Maggie Rogers, Taylor Momsen and Teddy Swims. Jermaine Dupri will also deliver a DJ set.
on People
Source: "AOL Entertainment"
Source: Entertainment
Published: January 29, 2026 at 05:45PM on Source: PRIME TIME
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