LOS ANGELES — Middle Tennessee State University students and faculty, visiting Southern California as part of the university’s 12th annual trip for the Grammy Awards, took a turn on the red carpet before working Friday, Jan. 30, at the MusiCares 2026 Person of the Year gala honoring artist Mariah Carey.

MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, along with Dean Beverly Keel and Recording Industry Chair Michelle Conceison of the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment, joined the six college students selected for this year’s team taking part in events before and during the 68th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday.

“We bring MTSU students to LA to experience the Grammy Awards and MusiCares, to network at events, and to visit inspiring places across the city to meet alumni and supporters,” Conceison said. “Working in music requires specialized knowledge, relationships, and adaptive ability to work in a variety of settings.”

All six of the students said the trip so far has been a thrill — and the best is yet to come.

“It has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl to attend the Grammys, and representing MTSU at this prestigious event is truly an honor,” said Emily Eastep, a music business senior from Swartz Creek, Michigan.

The trip, Eastep said, “helped me discover my passions, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue learning. Being able to immerse myself in the LA music scene for the first time is such a privilege and a huge step in my music journey.”

It’s the first trip to Los Angeles for Colman Connolly, an audio production and data science senior from Fairfield, Connecticut.

“It’s incredibly exciting to experience the city and industry that has shaped so much of the music I grew up loving,” he said. “Attending the Grammys is surreal, and being in that space feels like a tangible step toward a goal I’ve had for a long time.”

Like others, Chandler Furr, a graduate student in recording arts and technologies from Woodstock, Georgia, said it was an honor to represent MTSU at the Grammys.

“MTSU has provided critical support in the early stages of my career — studio access, mix feedback, and industry events I would never have access to otherwise — and I’m beyond thankful to have been chosen for such an amazing opportunity,” Furr said.

Gabriela Diaz, a senior majoring in audio production from Little Rock, Arkansas, said she transferred to MTSU with earning a spot on the annual Grammys trip as a goal.

“I knew I wanted to be a part of the Grammy week experience,” Diaz said. “I am excited to have opportunities to connect with leaders in the industry and explore all aspects of the business.”

Anna Shinholster, also from Woodstock, Georgia, and a recording industry senior in commercial songwriting, said the Grammys has long been a fascination.

“This trip will only further inspire me to continue on my path of being a performing artist and songwriter,” Shinholster said. “MTSU has always encouraged me in pursuing my passions and I am incredibly grateful to have this opportunity.”

Jenene Grover, a senior majoring in journalism from Murfreesboro, is covering the Grammys trip for Sidelines, MTSU’s student-run media source. The editor-in-chief’s job is “to chronicle our trip from a firsthand perspective.”

“I’ve always loved music and the behind-the-scenes aspects, and I’m so excited to be able to share that with readers who are like me,” Grover said.

Holly Allen, assistant director of MTSU’s Career Development Center, and Denise Shackelford, an associate professor in MTSU’s Department of Recording Industry, have been shepherding the students’ professional opportunities on the trip.

“This is an incredible learning experience for the students and an opportunity to make connections with professionals in the music industry that could potentially help with their career paths,” Allen said. “It’s an inspiring experience that introduces them to people at the top of their game.”

MusiCares, the charitable arm of the Grammys and Recording Academy, honored Carey, a five-time Grammy winner, “for her extraordinary career as well as her long-standing commitment to supporting communities and people in need.” The 35th annual Person of the Year gala was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment will hold its annual pre-Grammy celebration brunch on Saturday at the Godfrey Hotel in Hollywood. 

— Andrew Oppmann (andrew.oppmann@mtsu.edu)