Mariah Carey captivated the world with a stirring performance of Volare at the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony

6 February 2026

Mariah Carey brings the sartorial drama at 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Credit : Elsa/Getty

At the grand opening of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, legendary singer Mariah Carey took the stage and delivered a powerful and memorable performance that captivated the international audience and set the tone for one of the most anticipated global sporting events of the year. Held at Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium, the ceremony drew millions of viewers around the world and featured an eclectic mix of artistic performances and cultural tributes, but Carey’s moment became one of the most talked-about highlights as she sang the beloved Italian classic Nel blu, dipinto di blu, better known by its popular title Volare, alongside one of her own songs, Nothing Is Impossible.

Draped in a dazzling white gown adorned with glittering jewels and a soft feathered cape, Carey brought her unmistakable vocal elegance to the Olympic stage, singing in Italian and showcasing her versatility as a performer. Her presence at the ceremony underscored her status as one of the most influential voices in modern music, and her selection to open the Olympics reflected both her global appeal and her ability to bridge cultural and musical traditions in a single performance.

Volare itself is a song with a storied history that dates back to the 1958 Eurovision Song Contest, where its original version by Domenico Modugno finished in third place but went on to achieve international success, topping charts and earning recognition around the world. It has since been covered by numerous artists and featured in countless films and television shows, including a memorable cover by Vitamin C in The Lizzie McGuire Movie, which introduced the tune to a new generation and helped cement its place in popular culture.

Despite not being part of Carey’s own catalog, Volare has become deeply woven into the fabric of global music history, and Carey’s choice to perform it at an event of such international significance highlighted the song’s enduring appeal while honoring Italian musical heritage. The Olympic organizers’ decision to feature her singing in the host country’s language added an extra layer of resonance to the moment, emphasizing both unity and cultural celebration on a stage watched by athletes, dignitaries and music lovers alike.

In addition to Volare, Carey also sang Nothing Is Impossible, one of her newer compositions from her 2025 album Here for It All, reminding viewers of her ongoing creative vitality and her ability to connect with audiences across different eras of her career. The combination of classic and contemporary material showcased her range as an artist and offered a fitting musical metaphor for the spirit of the Olympics, a blend of tradition and forward momentum.

Carey’s performance came amid a star-studded opening ceremony that featured a range of artistic voices celebrating global culture and harmony. Legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli also took to the stage, and performers such as Laura Pausini, pianist Lang Lang and actress-singer Sabrina Impacciatore contributed to the diverse musical landscape of the event. Together, these artists crafted an experience that highlighted the rich artistic traditions of Italy while also embracing the universal language of music that unites people across borders.

The choice of Carey for such a prominent role in the ceremony also reflected her enduring influence in music and entertainment. With a career spanning multiple decades, she has earned accolades, chart-topping hits and a reputation as one of the most powerful vocalists in contemporary pop and R&B. Known for her remarkable range, emotional delivery and lasting impact on the industry, Carey’s Olympic performance was a testament to her continued relevance and ability to rise to grand occasions with grace and artistry.

While the performance was widely praised for its beauty and emotional resonance, some viewers also sparked discussion online about whether her vocals were live or pre-recorded, demonstrating how high public expectations are for live performances at major global events. Despite the debate, Carey’s presence and artistic contribution remained a focal point of the ceremony and drew admiration from fans who celebrated her commitment to delivering a memorable opener for the Games.

Beyond the music itself, the performance underscored the power of cultural exchange and artistic expression at moments of international unity. The Olympics have long been a platform not just for athletic achievement but for cross-cultural celebration, and Carey’s singing in Italian combined with her own repertoire offered a powerful example of how music can transcend language and connect diverse audiences.

In a year that also saw Carey honored with prestigious industry accolades and recognized for her influence and generosity, her Olympics appearance further solidified her status as a beloved global artist whose voice continues to resonate across generations and continents.