The Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics 2026 began with a grand opening ceremony on February 6 at the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan. One of the biggest talking points of the night was the performance by global pop star Maria Carey, whose appearance drew both praise and controversy.
Carey opened the show with a special medley of the Italian classic “Nel blu, dipinto di blu” (Volare) and later performed her new song “Nothing Is Impossible.” The performance matched the ceremony’s theme of Harmony, symbolizing unity between Milan and Cortina.
Several other Italian artists also performed, including Andrea Bocelli and Laura Pausini, adding a strong local cultural touch to the ceremony.
Why Maria Carey Was Chosen
Organizers selected Maria Carey for multiple reasons. Her global popularity and long-standing reputation as one of the world’s top vocalists made her a strong international face for the event. Her connection to classical music through her mother, who was an opera singer, also added a cultural link to the ceremony’s musical theme.
Carey has previously performed at major global events, including the Super Bowl, which further strengthened her selection for such a high-profile stage.
Does Maria Carey Have Italian Roots?
Despite performing an Italian song, Maria Carey does not have Italian heritage.
Her background includes:
- Mother: Irish descent and trained opera singer
- Father: African-American and Afro-Venezuelan descent
- Family surname history linked to Venezuelan ancestry
Carey has described herself as having a mixed heritage. Her connection to Italian music comes mainly from her childhood exposure to opera through her mother, rather than any Italian lineage.
Lip-Sync Controversy Explained
Soon after the ceremony, social media users began debating whether Maria Carey’s performance was live. Some viewers pointed out moments where her lip movements appeared slightly out of sync with the audio, especially during high notes.
However, pre-recorded or partially pre-recorded vocals are common at large-scale events like Olympic ceremonies. This practice helps avoid technical issues, weather risks, and sound delays in stadium environments.
While some critics called the performance underwhelming, many fans defended Carey, noting that such production methods are standard for major live broadcasts.
Winter Olympics 2026
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Cities | Milan & Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy |
| Dates | February 6 – February 22, 2026 |
| Participating Countries | 93 |
| Total Athletes | Approx. 2,900 – 3,500 |
| Sports | 16 disciplines |
| Total Medal Events | 195 |
| Largest Team | USA (232 athletes) |
The United States is sending its largest Winter Olympic team in history, followed by Canada and host nation Italy.
Where to Watch the Olympics
| Region | Broadcast / Streaming |
|---|---|
| United States | NBC, Peacock, NBCOlympics.com |
| India | Selected coverage via JioCinema/SonyLIV (availability varies) |
| Global Highlights | Official Olympic and NBC Sports YouTube channels |
The opening ceremony lasted around three hours, with a prime-time replay available for viewers in multiple regions.
Maria Carey’s performance helped deliver a memorable start to the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. While the lip-sync debate generated mixed reactions online, the show successfully set the tone for the Games with a blend of global star power and Italian culture.
With over 90 nations competing and nearly three weeks of competition ahead, the focus now shifts from the stage to the snow and ice as athletes begin their quest for Olympic glory.
