Mariah Carey shrugs off legend status despite 19 no.1 hits

Mariah Carey may be hailed around the world as a music legend, but the superstar herself isn’t buying into the hype.

The 56-year-old actress, who boasts a staggering 19 US Number One singles, insists she doesn’t see herself as a “legend,” despite being named MusiCares’ 2026 Person of the Year.

Speaking candidly to Billboard, the diva brushed off the title and revealed she’s far from done.

“Everybody has their own little meanings for what things they say,” Mariah explained. 

“But I don’t call myself a legend. I’m just still working, still trying hard.”

All I Want For Christmas Is You hitmaker, known for her powerhouse vocals and glamorous persona says her success boils down to old-fashioned hard graft and staying true to herself.

“I’ve always worked really hard because I knew from the start that I wanted to be here for a long time,” the Queen of Pop said. 

“The one lesson I’ve learned is to just be true to yourself.”

While her journey hasn’t always been smooth, Mariah admits she’s grateful to still be standing. 

Away from the charts, the songstress has quietly supported causes close to her heart, including disaster relief, education initiatives, HIV/AIDS awareness and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

MusiCares executive director Theresa Wolters praised Emotions singer’s lasting impact, saying her influence stretches far beyond music.

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