A familiar voice from the world of pop music will echo through the historic San Siro stadium on February 6, as the Milan‑Cortina Winter Games open with a star‑studded ceremony.
The 2026 Winter Olympics, hosted jointly by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, will be staged across northern Italy, with the opening and closing events anchored in iconic venues.
The local organizing committee announced that 56‑year‑old Mariah Carey, the singer of “All I Want for Christmas is You,” will be the first international star named to perform in the Games’ opening ceremony.
Carey’s set will take place at Milan’s San Siro soccer stadium, a venue that can accommodate a massive audience and has already hosted major sporting events.
Her inclusion marks a historic moment, as no foreign performer has been featured in the opening ceremony of a Winter Games before.
The committee said, “Mariah Carey fully represents the emotional atmosphere that accompanies the run‑up to the Games,” highlighting her role in setting the tone.
They added, “Music is a universal language that attracts different stories and sensibilities, and intertwines with the Opening Ceremony’s theme of harmony.”
The emphasis on harmony reflects the Games’ broader message of unity and cooperation among participating nations.
In addition to the main ceremony, the Games will feature simultaneous opening events in three mountain clusters, ensuring that athletes and spectators across the region can celebrate the start of the competition.
These smaller ceremonies will take place in less prominent venues, allowing local communities to experience the Olympic spirit in a more intimate setting.
Looking ahead, the closing ceremony is slated for February 22 at Verona’s ancient Roman Arena, where internationally acclaimed ballet star Roberto Bolle will headline the event.
Organizers also unveiled the Olympic and Paralympic medal designs, a visual element that will be awarded to the athletes who achieve podium finishes.
The new medal designs incorporate traditional Italian motifs, symbolizing the host country’s cultural heritage while honoring the athletes’ accomplishments.
Key Takeaways
- Mariah Carey will perform at the Feb. 6 opening ceremony at San Siro.
- She is the first international star to be featured in a Winter Games opening.
- Closing ceremony on Feb. 22 in Verona will be headlined by Roberto Bolle.
- Olympic and Paralympic medal designs have been released.
With Carey’s performance set to add a pop‑star flair to the Games, the Milan‑Cortina Winter Olympics promise a blend of athletic excellence and cultural celebration.
The event, scheduled to begin 100 days from now, is poised to leave a lasting mark on Olympic history.
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