The opening ceremony of the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics brought together global stars, including pop diva Mariah Carey and legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli. While organizers confirmed that both artists performed free of charge, Carey’s appearance quickly became the subject of intense debate on social media.

At the ceremony held at San Siro Stadium, Mariah Carey dazzled audiences in a silver-white, crystal-embellished gown, earning comparisons to a “winter queen.” She performed two songs — the Italian classic Nel blu, dipinto di blu and her signature anthem Nothing Is Impossible. Her performance had been heavily promoted in advance as one of the highlights of the more than three-and-a-half-hour spectacle.

However, shortly after the broadcast, online viewers began questioning whether Carey had lip-synced, noting that her vocals sounded “too perfect” for a live outdoor performance and suggesting she may have relied on pre-recorded tracks.

In response, Maria Laura Lascone, a representative of the organizing committee, said the entire opening ceremony used technical audio support — a common practice at large international events. She described Carey’s performance as “outstanding,” emphasized that the singer was unpaid, and said organizers felt “honored and fully satisfied” with her appearance.

Lascone also confirmed the use of teleprompters to assist performers singing in languages other than their own. IOC spokesperson Mark Adams added that artists performing in foreign languages “deserve respect.”

By contrast, Andrea Bocelli’s rendition of the opera classic Nessun Dorma was widely praised and hailed as a “historic Olympic moment.” The ceremony also included a tribute to legendary fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who contributed to the design of this year’s flag procession uniforms.

The event concluded with a surprise appearance by Charlize Theron, who attended in her role as a United Nations Messenger of Peace, calling on the Olympic movement to promote peace and coexistence among nations.

The Winter Olympics, held every four years under the International Olympic Committee (IOC), feature snow and ice sports. The 2026 Games span multiple locations across northern Italy — including Livigno, Bormio, and Verona — and utilize around 90% existing infrastructure to reduce costs and environmental impact. Milan and Cortina are serving as joint host cities, with organizers highlighting climate-adaptive measures such as energy-efficient artificial snow systems. The Games are expected to welcome approximately 2,900 athletes from 90 countries.

Born in 1969, Mariah Carey is one of the most successful female artists in pop history, renowned for her five-octave vocal range and whistle register. She rose to fame with five consecutive No. 1 singles early in her career, won two Grammy Awards in 1991, and has sold over 200 million records worldwide. Her holiday classic All I Want for Christmas Is You continues to generate millions in annual royalties, cementing her enduring global influence.