SUMMARY
- Carey performed in Italian for the first time, symbolizing cultural harmony and global reach.
- Ceremony paid tribute to late fashion icon Giorgio Armani and emphasized Italy’s cultural heritage.
- US officials confirmed ICE agents will provide security for Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the event.
MILAN — Mariah Carey performed entirely in Italian Friday night at the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, bringing global pop star appeal to Milan’s historic San Siro Stadium.
The performance featured Domenico Modugno’s “Nel Blu, dipinto di Blu,” known internationally as “Volare,” followed by her 2025 hit single “Nothing is Impossible.”
The opening ceremony showcased Italy’s effort to intertwine sports, music, and national culture.
Carey’s Italian language rendition of “Volare” was a first in her career, highlighting the Games’ focus on local artistry while engaging an international audience.
“Volare,” performed at the 1958 Sanremo Festival by Domenico Modugno, became a global hit and won two Grammy Awards, an unprecedented achievement for Italian music at the time.
Milano-Cortina 2026 follows the 2024 Paris Olympics’ model of integrating fashion, culture, and sports into the opening spectacle.
“Carey’s performance signals a strategic use of cultural diplomacy,” said Dr. Alessandra Ricci, professor of international cultural policy at the University of Milan. “It positions Italy as both a global host and a custodian of its own heritage.”
Michael O’Donnell, senior analyst at the Center for Sports Economics in Washington, said, “The scale of broadcast coverage over 860 hours across multiple platforms reflects the increasing commercial stakes of global sporting events.”
“Seeing Mariah sing in Italian was a magical moment,” said attendee Lucia Romano, a Milan resident. “It truly celebrated our culture.”
Olympic organizing committee spokesperson Marco Giordani said, “This ceremony balances tradition, sport, and international engagement.”
Security measures for visiting US officials underscore geopolitical sensitivities surrounding the Games.
Broadcasters’ extensive coverage suggests continued global audience growth and heightened commercial interest.
Friday’s opening ceremony demonstrated Italy’s ability to merge national culture with international spectacle.
Carey’s Italian performance and the homage to Armani reinforced Milano-Cortina 2026 as both a celebration of sport and a showcase of cultural diplomacy.
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