Kesha stuns with Mariah Carey’s ‘Obsessed’ at MusiCares Galazz

Kesha delivered a surprise cover of Mariah Carey’s ‘Obsessed’ at the MusiCares gala, wowing the audience with her take

Pop star Kesha turned heads and brought the house to its feet at the 2026 MusiCares Gala with an unexpected and electrifying cover of Mariah Carey’s hit single ‘Obsessed’. The performance, a salute to Carey’s influence on modern pop, quickly became one of the night’s most talked-about moments, drawing praise from fans and critics alike online and across social platforms.

Taking the stage in an elegant but edgy ensemble that blended sparkle with street-style flair, Kesha launched into the sultry opening of Obsessed, originally released by Carey in 2009. Her powerful vocals and fresh interpretation infused the song with both reverence and personal flair, showcasing her vocal range while paying homage to a song that has become iconic in the pop canon.

 

 

 

 

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The MusiCares gala, known for celebrating artists’ contributions to music and charity work, provided a fitting backdrop for the tribute. Attendees, including industry heavyweights and fellow performers, responded with enthusiastic applause as Kesha brought her own emotional intensity to the performance. Clips from the moment quickly spread on TikTok and X, with many fans lauding the cover as “a masterclass in reinvention” and “the highlight of the gala.”

In an interview after her set, Kesha spoke about the significance of performing Obsessed, pointing to Carey’s influence on her own career and on generations of vocalists. “Mariah’s voice and songwriting have shaped so much of pop music,” Kesha said. “Covering Obsessed felt like a way to honour her brilliance and remind everyone why she’s a legend.”

Mariah Carey herself reacted on social media, sharing a clip of Kesha’s performance with a heart emoji and the caption “so honoured,” which set off a wave of joyful reactions from fans of both artists. On platforms like Instagram and X, users praised the exchange as a perfect example of mutual respect and admiration between artists across eras.

Music critics also weighed in, with several outlets noting that Kesha’s cover not only paid tribute to Carey but introduced the song to a new audience with a contemporary twist. Some commented that Kesha’s emotional delivery brought out new layers of the lyrics, turning what was already a bold anthem into a richer, more introspective moment.