Global pop icon Mariah Carey has been confirmed as the headline performer for the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, set to take place on February 6. Organisers announced the news on Monday, marking the first major international artist revealed for the highly anticipated ceremony.
The opening event will be staged at Milan’s iconic San Siro stadium, one of Europe’s most famous sporting venues. Carey’s appearance is expected to add star power and global appeal to the ceremony, which will officially launch the Winter Games in Italy.
Organisers described Mariah Carey as an artist whose music transcends generations and cultural boundaries. They said her presence reflects the emotion, unity, and celebratory spirit that the Olympic Games aim to represent. With decades of chart-topping hits and a career spanning multiple eras of pop music, Carey remains one of the most recognisable voices in the world.
As one of the best-selling music artists of all time, Mariah Carey has sold more than 200 million records globally. Her involvement underscores the scale and ambition of the Milan-Cortina Olympics, which aim to combine sport, culture, and entertainment on an international stage.
The Olympic torch relay is currently underway across Italy, symbolising the countdown to the Games. The flame is travelling through cities, towns, and historic landmarks, building excitement ahead of the official opening. The Winter Olympics will run from February 6 to February 22, with events hosted across a wide region of northern Italy, including Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and surrounding alpine venues.
Following the conclusion of the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Winter Games will take place from March 6 to March 15. These events will continue the celebration of winter sports while highlighting athletic excellence and inclusivity.
The choice of Mariah Carey reflects a broader trend of Olympic opening ceremonies blending world-class performances with cultural storytelling. Past ceremonies have often featured globally renowned artists to set the tone for the Games and attract audiences beyond traditional sports fans.
Hosting the opening ceremony at San Siro also carries symbolic significance. The stadium has long been associated with football history and major international events, making it a fitting backdrop for a global celebration like the Olympics.
With preparations intensifying and more performers expected to be announced in the coming weeks, anticipation for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics continues to grow. Mariah Carey’s performance is set to be one of the defining moments of the opening ceremony, bringing music, spectacle, and worldwide attention to the start of the Games.
