Mariah Carey's Olympic Opening Performance in Milan Receives Mixed Reactions
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony at San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy, began with a spectacular display of Italian culture and artistry, featuring a headline performance by global music icon Mariah Carey that has since generated considerable discussion among audiences and critics alike.
A Spectacular Start with Italian Flair
The ceremony commenced with a vibrant parade of performers adorned in brightly colored costumes, symbolizing Italian imagination and creativity. The event showcased operatic grandeur and theatrical elements expected from an Italian-hosted Olympics, setting a majestic tone for the games ahead. Aerial actors performed alongside rings representing the city and mountains, while giant paint tubes and dancing performers added to the visual spectacle, creating a kaleidoscope of movement and color.
Carey's Dual Song Performance
Mariah Carey took center stage to deliver two memorable songs. She first performed the 1958 Italian classic Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu, commonly known as Volare, paying homage to the host nation's musical heritage. This was followed by her own hit single Nothing is Impossible from her 2025 album Here for It All. The performance featured her signature whistle tone, which delighted the roaring stadium crowd of thousands in attendance.
Mixed Reviews and Vocal Authenticity Questions
Despite the enthusiastic live audience response, online commentators have expressed mixed reviews regarding Carey's performance. Some observers noted her apparent stiffness during the set, while others questioned whether her singing was entirely live or partially pre-recorded. Critics pointed out that her patented whistle tone sounded exceptionally pristine, sparking debates about vocal authenticity in large-scale televised events.
Ceremony Highlights and Italian Pageantry
Beyond Carey's performance, the opening ceremony featured traditional Italian military precision with members of The Corazzieri, the Italian Corps of Cuirassiers, standing at attention. The event's flying start included aerial performances that literally took the spectacle to new heights, emphasizing the connection between Milan's urban environment and Cortina's mountain landscapes. The ceremony successfully blended contemporary entertainment with Italy's rich cultural heritage, though Carey's segment remains the most talked-about moment.
As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics continue, the discussion surrounding Mariah Carey's opening ceremony performance highlights the intense scrutiny that accompanies such high-profile events. While the debate about live versus pre-recorded elements may continue without immediate resolution, the ceremony undoubtedly delivered the grandeur and excitement expected from an Olympic opening, setting the stage for athletic competition to follow.
