Mariah Carey’s Winter Olympics 2026 Performance Sparks Global Debate as Italian Song Act Divides Viewers at Milano Cortina Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics delivered spectacle, music and cultural celebration, but it also sparked an unexpected debate after Mariah Carey’s performance drew mixed reactions worldwide. The American pop icon performed the Italian classic “Nel blu, dipinto di blu (Volare)” along with her 2025 song “Nothing Is Impossible,” aligning with the ceremony’s theme of harmony. 

While many in the stadium welcomed the performance with cheers, social media reactions quickly turned divided, with criticism over alleged lip-syncing and questions about her selection alongside praise for her global appeal and stage presence.

Key Highlights of Mariah Carey’s Milano Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremony Performance and Public Reaction

• Mariah Carey performed during the opening ceremony at San Siro Stadium in Milan as part of the Winter Olympics launch.
• She sang the Italian classic “Volare” followed by her song “Nothing Is Impossible,” reflecting the Olympic message of perseverance.
• The performance received mixed reactions, with some viewers praising the moment and others criticizing what they believed was lip-syncing.
• Social media discussion intensified during the live broadcast, turning the performance into one of the most talked-about moments of the ceremony.
• Olympic organizers had selected Carey to represent the emotional and universal nature of music within the theme “Armonia” (Harmony).
• The ceremony itself marked a historic moment, being held across multiple cities and featuring two Olympic cauldrons lit simultaneously.

A Star Performance at the Heart of a Global Ceremony

All we want for the Winter Olympics is…Mariah! 🎶

Mariah Carey takes centre stage at the #MilanoCortina2026 #OpeningCeremony. 💃 pic.twitter.com/t7jsitzHBv

— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) February 6, 2026

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics officially began with a grand opening ceremony celebrating Italian culture, art and history. Held primarily at Milan’s historic San Siro Stadium and connected with events in Cortina d’Ampezzo and other Alpine venues, the ceremony reflected the theme of “Armonia,” symbolizing unity between nations, people and landscapes.

Mariah Carey appeared early in the program wearing a white and silver gown designed by Italian designer Fausto Puglisi. She opened her performance with Domenico Modugno’s 1958 classic “Nel blu, dipinto di blu,” widely known as “Volare,” before transitioning into her own 2025 track “Nothing Is Impossible.” The song’s message of overcoming obstacles aligned with the Olympic spirit and the journeys of competing athletes.

Reports from the stadium described loud cheers from sections of the audience, with many fans singing along during the Italian chorus. The performance was intended as a cultural bridge between Italian tradition and international musical influence.

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Social Media Backlash and Lip-Syncing Debate

Despite the celebratory atmosphere inside the venue, the online response quickly became divided. Viewers watching the broadcast and sharing clips on social media questioned whether Carey was singing live. Several posts pointed to moments where her lip movements appeared slightly out of sync with the audio, prompting accusations of lip-syncing.

Criticism ranged from disappointment about the perceived lack of live vocals to questions about why an American singer was chosen for a ceremony centered on Italian culture. Some users described the performance as lacking energy, while others expressed that such a major global stage should feature fully live singing.

At the same time, many fans defended Carey, noting her long career and vocal legacy, and emphasizing that large-scale opening ceremonies often involve complex technical arrangements. As of the latest reports, Carey and Olympic organizers have not publicly addressed the criticism.

Why Mariah Carey Was Selected for the Opening Ceremony

Olympic organizers explained that Carey was chosen because of her global recognition and emotional connection with audiences worldwide. According to official statements, music was viewed as a universal language capable of bringing together different cultures and sensibilities, reinforcing the ceremony’s central theme of harmony.

Carey’s performance also reflected her musical background. Although she is not Italian, she has long been exposed to Italian music through her mother, Patricia Carey, a Juilliard-trained opera singer who performed Italian arias. This influence contributed to her comfort performing in Italian during the ceremony.

The singer’s participation also followed a long history of appearances at major sporting events, including performances at the Super Bowl and international tennis finals.

A Ceremony Celebrating Italian Culture and Olympic Unity

Beyond the controversy, the opening ceremony itself was widely noted for its scale and symbolism. For the first time in Winter Olympics history, the ceremony took place across multiple locations, linking Milan with Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno and Predazzo. Around 2,900 athletes participated in parades across the different venues.

Italian Olympic legends Alberto Tomba, Deborah Compagnoni and Sofia Goggia lit the Olympic cauldrons in Milan and Cortina, marking another historic first with twin flames burning throughout the Games. Performances by Andrea Bocelli, Laura Pausini, Cecilia Bartoli and pianist Lang Lang highlighted Italy’s musical heritage.

The event also included tributes to Italian art, opera and fashion, including a tribute to late designer Giorgio Armani, reinforcing Milan’s identity as a global fashion capital.

Political Undertones and Global Attention

While the ceremony emphasized unity and cultural celebration, political tensions also surfaced in crowd reactions and public discussions surrounding international participation and security arrangements. Organizers and Olympic officials reiterated the Games’ broader message of peace and shared humanity, stressing the importance of sport as a unifying force during a period of global uncertainty.

With an estimated global audience of billions, the opening ceremony underscored how the Olympics continue to function not only as a sporting event but also as a major cultural and entertainment platform watched across the world.

A Performance That Defined the Opening Night Conversation

Mariah Carey’s appearance ultimately became one of the defining talking points of the Milano Cortina 2026 opening ceremony. While opinions remain divided, the performance succeeded in drawing global attention and sparking conversation about authenticity, artistic choice and the evolving nature of large-scale Olympic productions. As the Games move forward, the ceremony will likely be remembered both for its celebration of Italian culture and for the debate that followed one of its most high-profile performances.

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