Mariah Carey Returns to New Year’s Rockin’ Eve — and Nails It 9 Years After Her Infamous Mishap

Nearly a decade after one of live TV’s most talked-about moments, Mariah Carey returned to Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve to ring in 2026 — and this time, everything went right. The Grammy-winning superstar took the stage on December 31 from Las Vegas, delivering a confident, polished set that reminded viewers why she remains one of pop music’s most enduring voices. The performance came nine years after Carey’s now-infamous 2016 appearance, which was derailed by technical difficulties and quickly became a viral pop culture moment.

A Confident Comeback Performance

Carey, 56, performed three songs during the 2026 broadcast: fan favorites “Obsessed” and “It’s Like That,” along with her recent release “In Your Feelings.” From the opening notes, it was clear the night would unfold very differently than her troubled set nearly a decade earlier. With clear audio, seamless backing tracks, and a receptive crowd, Carey appeared relaxed and fully in control. Social media reactions praised her vocals and stage presence, with many viewers calling the performance a long-overdue redemption moment.

Remembering the 2016 Technical Breakdown

Carey’s original Rockin’ Eve appearance in 2016 is still remembered as one of the most awkward live TV moments of the decade. During her Times Square set, she struggled to hear her backing track while performing “Emotions,” then faced a misaligned audio track during “We Belong Together.” Unable to sync with the music, Carey eventually walked offstage, later acknowledging the mishap with humor on social media. Days afterward, she admitted she was “mortified,” adding that legendary host Dick Clark would never have allowed such a situation had he been alive.

Redemption, Revisited — Again

Carey didn’t wait long to reclaim the moment. In 2017, she returned to the New Year’s Eve stage and delivered a flawless medley of “Vision of Love” and “Hero,” putting lingering doubts to rest. Her 2026 performance felt like the final punctuation mark on that long arc — not just a do-over, but a reminder of her resilience and longevity in an industry that rarely offers second chances.

A Star-Studded Night Across Multiple Cities

While Carey performed from Las Vegas, Diana Ross headlined the Times Square celebration in New York City. The night also featured appearances by 50 Cent, Demi Lovato, Post Malone, and Chappell Roan, among others. Together, the performances capped off a night designed to celebrate both pop history and new beginnings.

Closing the Loop on a Pop Culture Moment

Carey’s successful return wasn’t just about hitting the right notes. It was about reclaiming a narrative that once overshadowed her legacy. Nine years later, she didn’t just survive the moment — she owned it. As 2026 began, Mariah Carey proved once again that comebacks, when done right, can be just as powerful as first impressions.