Mariah Carey kicked off the 2026 Winter Olympics with a moment that felt equal parts glamorous, unexpected, and totally on brand: singing in Italian.
The global pop icon delivered a show-stopping performance during the opening ceremony for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, taking the stage in Milan and instantly commanding the world’s attention. Known for her signature whistle notes and chart-dominating hits, Carey leaned fully into the Italian setting, surprising audiences with a multilingual performance that celebrated both Olympic spirit and Italian culture.
And yes — the crowd ate it up.
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A Glamorous Italian Tribute
Carey opened with a stunning rendition of the beloved Italian classic “Nel blu, dipinto di blu,” better known globally as “Volare.” Singing entirely in Italian, the five-time Grammy winner honored the host country while showing off her vocal range in a way fans rarely hear.
Originally performed by Domenico Modugno in 1958, “Volare” is one of Italy’s most recognizable songs and has long been a cultural export. Carey’s decision to perform the classic in Italian paid homage to that legacy while grounding the ceremony firmly in its Italian roots.
She then transitioned into one of her own uplifting tracks, creating a medley that blended Italian tradition with her signature pop sound. The performance felt tailor-made for an event centered on perseverance, ambition, and global unity — core themes that define the Olympic Games.
The seamless fusion of classic Italian music and Carey’s pop legacy quickly became one of the ceremony’s most talked-about moments, lighting up social media and drawing praise from viewers around the world.
Diamonds, Drama, and Signature Whistle Notes
Because it wouldn’t be a Mariah moment without a little extra sparkle.
Carey took the stage in a dazzling gown adorned with shimmering embellishments and dripping in diamonds, instantly delivering the level of glam expected from one of pop music’s most enduring superstars. Her look was pure diva spectacle — elegant, dramatic, and unapologetically luxurious.
Her performance also included the sky-high whistle notes that helped make her a legend, reminding audiences why she remains one of the most recognizable voices in music decades into her career.
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Olympic organizers leaned into the emotional resonance of the moment, with Carey’s performance serving as a bridge between Italy’s rich musical heritage and the modern global pop landscape. It was a celebration not just of sport, but of culture and artistry on a worldwide stage.
A Star-Studded Opening Ceremony
Carey wasn’t the only major name bringing star power to the Olympic kickoff.
The opening ceremony featured an impressive lineup of international performers and cultural figures, all tasked with ushering in the Milano-Cortina Games in grand fashion. Still, Carey’s performance stood out as one of the most memorable moments of the night, blending pop spectacle with cultural tribute in a way only she could deliver.
The ceremony itself reflected the dual-host nature of the Games, highlighting both Milan’s modern cosmopolitan energy and Cortina d’Ampezzo’s alpine elegance. Through music, fashion, and elaborate staging, the event celebrated Italy’s past, present, and future while welcoming athletes and audiences from across the globe.
A Full-Circle Global Moment
For Carey, performing at the Olympics — and in Italian — marked a unique milestone in an already iconic career.
Few artists can claim the kind of longevity and global impact she has achieved, and this performance reinforced her status as a true international superstar. Taking the stage at one of the world’s biggest sporting events, she delivered a moment that felt both deeply personal and universally celebratory.
The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics officially opened with a blend of sport, spectacle, and star power, but it was Carey’s unforgettable performance that set the tone.
If opening night proved anything, it’s that when Mariah Carey steps onto a global stage, she doesn’t just perform — she creates a moment.
