Pop icon Mariah Carey captivated audiences during her performance at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony on March 6, 2026. She delivered a rendition of the Italian classic Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu, popularly known as Volare, which was a highlight of the three-and-a-half-hour event. Following the performance, Carey expressed her joy on Instagram, stating, “Such a dream come true to perform (in Italian!) at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony.”
Despite her acclaim, Carey’s performance sparked debate, particularly concerning the decision to feature her instead of an Italian artist. Social media users raised questions over the presence of a large teleprompter displaying phonetic lyrics, suggesting that Carey might have been lip-syncing. Three reporters addressed these concerns during a news conference on March 7, seeking clarification from the International Olympic Committee and local organisers.
Carey, born in New York to an Irish American mother and a father of Venezuelan descent, was invited by the local organising committee, who had promoted her participation as a significant addition to the ceremony. Maria Laura Iascone, director of ceremonies for Milan Cortina, praised Carey, stating, “We believe that Mariah Carey’s performance was exceptional. She was capable of creating a magic moment.”
While it remains unclear whether Carey personally selected to perform Volare, she described the song as a long-time favorite in an interview with Vogue after the ceremony. The event also featured renowned Italian artists, including tenor Andrea Bocelli, singer-songwriter Laura Pausini, and mezzosoprano Cecilia Bartoli, who contributed to the evening’s artistic depth.
Audience reactions varied, with some critics noting that Carey appeared somewhat stiff, particularly while singing in Italian. Nevertheless, the crowd at the San Siro stadium responded with enthusiastic cheers upon recognising her performance in the local language. Carey later surprised attendees with her own song, Nothing is Impossible.
When asked about the possibility of lip-syncing, Iascone refrained from providing a direct answer, instead highlighting Carey’s extraordinary talent. She mentioned that for safety during international broadcasts, performances are often pre-recorded. “We were all satisfied with the result we had,” she concluded.
The teleprompter’s presence was evident within the stadium, displaying phonetic translations for the lyrics. For instance, it read “Voh-lah-reh” for Volare and “Nell blue Dee-peen-toe D blue” for Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu. Iascone confirmed that the use of a teleprompter was standard practice, especially for artists singing in a language that is not their native tongue. “This is part of the show. It is a way to support the talents on the stage,” she explained.
As the Winter Olympics continue, Carey’s performance remains a topic of discussion, blending admiration with inquiries about the nuances of live musical presentations in high-profile events.
