Mariah Carey’s Triumphant Return to New Year’s Rockin’ Eve

On December 31, 2025, Mariah Carey made a highly anticipated return to Dick Clark's New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, performing live from Las Vegas. This performance marked a significant moment for Carey, as it came nine years after her infamous technical difficulties during the 2016 broadcast, which had left her visibly frustrated and led to her walking off stage mid-performance.

Express TribunePeople MagazineMariah Carey Thrills with ‘In Your Feelings’ & ‘It’s Like That’ at Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2026Mariah Carey returns to New Year’s Rockin’ Eve nine years after on-stage upsetPitchforkDaily Mail

During the 2026 event, Carey performed a medley that included her classic hit "Obsessed," her recent release "In Your Feelings," and "It’s Like That." The show featured a star-studded lineup, with performances from artists such as Chappell Roan, Post Malone, Demi Lovato, and 50 Cent, among others. The event was hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora from Times Square, New York City.

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Carey’s 2016 performance was marred by audio issues that caused her to struggle with the backing tracks during her set. The incident became a notable moment in pop culture, with Carey later expressing her embarrassment and frustration. She stated, “It just don’t get any better,” as she walked off stage, and later described the experience as mortifying. Following the mishap, she vowed that it would not deter her from performing live in the future.

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In the years following the 2016 incident, both Carey and Dick Clark Productions acknowledged the mishap. Carey noted that the technical failure was due to faulty earpiece equipment, while the production team denied any wrongdoing. In a joint statement in 2017, they expressed their commitment to providing a successful event moving forward.

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Despite the celebratory nature of the 2026 performance, some critics have pointed out that the 2016 incident continues to overshadow Carey’s career. The scrutiny surrounding her past performance has led to discussions about the pressures artists face during live broadcasts, particularly in high-stakes environments like New Year’s Eve celebrations.

People Magazine

• “It just don’t get any better.” — Mariah Carey, reflecting on her 2016 performance.

Mariah Carey returns to New Year’s Rockin’ Eve nine years after on-stage upset

• “All I can say is Dick Clark was an incredible person, and I was lucky enough to work with him when I first started in the music business.” — Mariah Carey, on her feelings after the 2016 incident.

People Magazine

Looking ahead, Carey is set to perform at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, on February 6, 2026. She announced her participation in a video, expressing excitement for the event and her upcoming projects, including a 90s grunge album.

Daily Mail

Carey’s successful return to the New Year’s Rockin’ Eve stage not only highlights her resilience but also reaffirms her status as a prominent figure in the music industry, capable of overcoming past challenges to deliver memorable performances.

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