Mariah Carey to Perform at Milan Cortina Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics will feature a surprise that has already captured the attention of fans around the world. The local organizing committee announced on Monday that 56‑year‑old Mariah Carey, the singer known for “All I Want for Christmas is You,” will be the first international star named to perform at the Feb. 6 ceremony held at Milan’s San Siro soccer stadium.

Mariah Carey’s Historic Invitation

Mariah Carey’s name appears on the official list of performers for the Games’ opening event, marking a milestone for the event’s musical lineup. The announcement comes as part of the committee’s effort to bring a global star to a venue that will host 60,000 spectators in person and millions more on television. Carey’s participation follows her historic moment when she sang the U.S. national anthem at the 2002 Super Bowl, though she has never performed at the game’s halftime show.

“Ci vediamo a Milano” — ‘See you in Milan’ — Carey said on Instagram.

The Artist’s Legacy

Carey has earned six Grammy awards, a record that underscores her standing in the music world. According to Billboard, she has recorded 19 No. 1 hits, placing her as the fourth‑greatest recording artist of all time. In that ranking, she trails only the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Elton John, a fact that highlights the breadth of her influence. These achievements give context to her selection for an event that celebrates unity and excellence.

The Opening Ceremony Details

The opening ceremony will take place on Feb. 6 at the San Siro stadium, a venue that is home to Inter Milan and AC Milan. The stadium is set to be torn down and replaced by a new stadium after the Games, a change that adds historic significance to the event. A crowd of 60,000 people is slated to attend, with the event expected to reach millions of viewers worldwide. The ceremony will also feature a tribute to the late fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who died at his home in Milan in September at the age of 91.

The Committee’s Message

In a statement released with the announcement, the committee said, “Mariah Carey fully represents the emotional atmosphere that accompanies the run‑up to the Games.” They added, “Music is a universal language that attracts different stories and sensibilities, and intertwines with the opening ceremony’s theme of harmony.” This message underscores the committee’s view that Carey’s performance will resonate with the Games’ spirit of unity and celebration.

Tribute to Giorgio Armani

The tribute to Giorgio Armani is the only other detail announced for the ceremony so far. Armani’s legacy in fashion and design is acknowledged by the committee, and the tribute will be integrated into the ceremony’s program. His passing at the age of 91 in September is a recent event that the committee has chosen to honor during the Games.

Olympic Venues and Scheduling

The Games will be spread across northern Italy, with simultaneous but smaller opening ceremonies held in three mountain clusters. The main ceremony’s focus on the San Siro stadium highlights the city’s role as a central hub for the Games. The schedule reflects the organizers’ plan to showcase different regions of Italy while maintaining a unified opening event.

Closing Ceremony Highlights

Internationally acclaimed ballet star Roberto Bolle will headline the closing ceremony, which is slated for Feb. 22 at Verona’s ancient Roman Arena. Bolle’s appearance brings a different artistic element to the Games, complementing Carey’s musical contribution at the opening. The closing ceremony will also feature a program of performances that reflect the cultural diversity of the participating nations.

Key Takeaways

• Mariah Carey will perform at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony on Feb. 6 at San Siro.
• The event will host 60,000 in‑person spectators and millions more on television.
• The ceremony includes a tribute to late fashion designer Giorgio Armani and will feature Roberto Bolle at the closing ceremony.

The announcement of Mariah Carey’s participation adds a high‑profile musical element to the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, promising a memorable start to the Games that will be watched by audiences worldwide.