Mariah Carey took to the stage during the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, held at the iconic San Siro stadium in Milan. The event, which drew significant attention for its musical lineup, featured a blend of pop and classical performances, with Carey as a headline act.
A Ceremony Shrouded in Mystery
Prior to the event, details about the opening ceremony were kept under wraps, with limited advance publicity. Creative lead Marco Balich hinted that the show would avoid "high tech and bling," focusing instead on artistic expression. Reports suggested concerns from the International Olympic Committee about potential booing of Team America, though IOC president Thomas Bach emphasised the importance of respect during the ceremony.
Musical Highlights and Surprises
The ceremony kicked off with references to Roman mythology and 18th-century opera, quickly transitioning to a lively segment featuring giant-headed effigies of composers Verdi, Puccini, and Rossini dancing to the 1980s Italo disco hit Vamos a La Playa by Righiera. This playful mix of classical and pop elements set the tone for the evening.
Mariah Carey, dressed in sequins, delivered a subdued rendition of Volare in Italian, followed by a stunning whistle note that segued into her recent single Nothing is Impossible. Despite her star power, Carey's performance was relatively early in the proceedings, leaving room for other acts to shine.
Classical and Pop Fusion
Andrea Bocelli captivated the audience with a powerful performance of Nessun Dorma, while Lang Lang accompanied Cecilia Bartoli in a classical duet. The ceremony also included a dance history of the Olympic Games, soundtracked by Adriano Celantano's 1973 hit Prisencolinensinainciusol, later famous in the UK for an EasyJet advert.
Italian rapper Ghali made a brief appearance, though his subdued performance left many curious about his potential. The event concluded with a return of the giant-headed composer effigies, dancing to upbeat pop-dance music, highlighting Italy's rich cultural heritage.
Audience Reception and Commentary
The BBC's commentary team provided lively insights throughout the ceremony, from noting the beauty of Italian culture to advising Mariah Carey's fans not to miss her performance. Team America received a mixed reception during the athletes' parade, reflecting the complex global political climate.
Overall, the opening ceremony emphasised themes of harmony and connection, showcasing Italy's artistic diversity. With a focus on classical music and Italo disco, the event offered a unique blend of tradition and modernity, setting the stage for the Winter Games ahead.
