Mariah Carey Confirmed As Headline Performer For Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony
The road to the 2026 Winter Olympics just got significantly starrier. The Organizing Committee for the Milan-Cortina Winter Games officially confirmed today that global music superstar Mariah Carey will be a headline performer at the Opening Ceremony.
The five-time Grammy Award-winning artist, often hailed as the "Songbird Supreme," is set to take the stage on February 6, 2026, kicking off the XXV Olympic Winter Games. The ceremony will be held at the historic Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) in Milan, one of football’s most hallowed grounds, which will be transformed into a massive theatrical stage for the event.
The announcement marks a significant coup for the Milan-Cortina organizers, securing one of the best-selling music artists of all time to ensure maximum global viewership.
While Carey is known for her multi-octave vocal range and chart-topping pop and R&B hits, the choice is also being viewed as a thematic masterstroke. Unofficially dubbed the "Queen of Christmas" due to the enduring, record-breaking success of "All I Want for Christmas Is You," Carey carries an undeniable association with the winter season and festive spectacle.
“We set out to secure a performer who transcends borders, generations, and genres—someone who embodies the magic and grandeur that the Winter Games represent,” said Giovanni Malagò, President of the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, in a press statement. “Mariah Carey is a singular global phenomenon. Her voice is the soundtrack to the winter season for millions around the world. Having her open the Games in Milan guarantees an unforgettable start to our celebration of sport and culture.”
While specific details regarding the setlist and the creative direction of her performance remain under tight wraps, organizers hinted at a spectacular production that will blend Carey's musical prowess with Italian artistry and cutting-edge technology.
The local organising committee said the opening ceremony will centre on the theme of “Harmony,” with music intended to bridge cultures and underscore inclusion, respect and cultural exchange — qualities organisers said Carey “fully represents”. The production, led by Balich Wonder Studio, is expected to blend large‑scale theatrical elements with Italian cultural references and international performances to create a global spectacle
Mariah Carey, described by organisers as an artist whose work spans generations and cultures, is best known for her vocal range and a catalogue of international hits that include “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and numerous chart‑topping singles; she will be the first major music icon publicly confirmed for the opening night. Organisers highlighted her emotional resonance and global appeal as reasons for the booking, saying music is a universal language that complements the ceremony’s message.
In a statement released through her press team, Carey expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming performance.
“I am incredibly honored to be invited to perform at the Opening Ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Winter Games,” Carey said. “Italy holds a very special place in my heart, and the Olympics are a beautiful testament to global unity and human achievement. I cannot wait to celebrate these incredible athletes and share a magical moment with the world in Milan.”
The 2026 Games will be unique as the first Olympic event to officially feature two host cities’ names, embracing a wide geographical area across Northern Italy, from the metropolitan buzz of Milan to the stunning alpine backdrop of Cortina d'Ampezzo in the Dolomites.
The Opening Ceremony at San Siro is expected to host over 70,000 spectators and will be broadcast to billions worldwide. With Carey confirmed as the musical anchor, anticipation for the event has officially shifted into high gear.
