Milan, Italy – – The 2026 Winter Olympics officially commenced with a spectacular opening ceremony at San Siro Stadium, featuring a performance by global music icon Mariah Carey. The five-time Grammy winner delivered a medley of two distinct yet captivating pieces: Domenico Modugno’s timeless Italian standard “Nel Blu, Dipinto di Blu” – more widely known as “Volare” – and her own 2025 single, “Nothing Is Impossible,” from the album Here for It All.
Carey’s appearance at the Games marks a significant moment in her already illustrious career, adding another high-profile performance to her repertoire. She performed “Volare” entirely in Italian, a gesture that resonated deeply with the local audience and underscored the Games’ location in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The transition into “Nothing Is Impossible” highlighted the unifying theme of the Olympics – the pursuit of seemingly unattainable goals.
The performance was visually striking, with Carey appearing in a stunning white-and-silver gown complemented by a dramatic, feathery overcoat. Footage of the performance quickly circulated online, appearing on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, demonstrating the global reach of the event and Carey’s enduring appeal.
Carey wasn’t the only musical heavyweight to grace the stage. Renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli also performed, captivating the audience with his rendition of the iconic aria “Nessun Dorma.” The inclusion of both Carey and Bocelli signaled a deliberate emphasis on classical and internationally recognized music during the ceremony.
This Olympic appearance arrives at a particularly celebratory juncture for Carey. , she received the prestigious Video Vanguard Award at the 2025 MTV VMAs, a testament to her decades-long influence on music and visual media. Further solidifying her legacy, she was also honored as MusiCares’ Person of the Year at the Grammys, recognizing both her artistic achievements and her philanthropic contributions to the music community.
Perhaps most notably, Carey’s enduring holiday hit, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” achieved a historic milestone in , becoming the longest-running No. 1 song in U.S. Chart history. This accomplishment underscores the song’s continued cultural relevance and its status as a modern Christmas staple.
The opening ceremony also included a special message from Taylor Swift, expressing her support for the Olympic athletes. Swift’s appearance, alongside performances from established artists like Carey and Bocelli, demonstrates the Games’ ability to attract a diverse range of talent and appeal to a broad global audience.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, running from to , are expected to draw significant international attention. The opening ceremony, with its blend of musical performances and symbolic gestures, set the stage for what promises to be a compelling two weeks of athletic competition and international camaraderie. Carey’s performance, in particular, served as a powerful reminder of the unifying power of music and the spirit of the Olympic Games.
The choice of “Volare,” a song deeply ingrained in Italian culture, was a particularly astute one. Originally recorded by Domenico Modugno in 1958, the song has become a symbol of Italian optimism and resilience, resonating with generations of listeners. Its inclusion in the ceremony served as a warm welcome to athletes and visitors from around the world.
Carey’s performance of “Nothing Is Impossible,” a track from her 2025 album Here for It All, provided a thematic link between the celebratory atmosphere of the opening ceremony and the challenges that athletes face in their pursuit of Olympic glory. The song’s message of perseverance and determination aligned perfectly with the Olympic ideals.
The opening ceremony also featured an appearance by Emmy Award-nominated actress Sabrina Impacciatore, adding another layer of cultural significance to the event. The combination of musical performances, celebrity appearances, and symbolic gestures created a memorable and inspiring start to the 2026 Winter Olympics.
