Mariah Carey opens 2026 Winter Olympics with ‘Volare’ in Milan

Mariah Carey Dazzles at 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in Milan

The San Siro Stadium erupted in applause as Mariah Carey took the stage at the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony on Friday evening, delivering a stunning performance that captivated an estimated 60,000 attendees and set the tone for the Milano Cortina Games.vanityfair

The five-time Grammy winner performed “Volare” (Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu), the beloved 1958 Italian classic, singing entirely in Italian before transitioning into “Nothing Is Impossible,” a ballad from her 2025 album Here for It All. The performance included one of her signature whistle notes, drawing enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.billboard

A Vision in Diamonds and Couture

Carey’s appearance was as striking as her vocals. The 56-year-old singer wore a custom white-and-silver Roberto Cavalli gown designed by the brand’s creative director Fausto Puglisi, featuring a satin bustier embroidered with hundreds of Swarovski crystal embellishments. The gown drew inspiration from the Italian fashion house’s archival “Ray of Gold” collection from spring/summer 2007. A floor-length white ostrich feather stole completed the ensemble, adding dramatic flair as it trailed behind her on stage.thezoereport

The jewelry proved equally spectacular. Carey adorned herself with pieces from Belgian high jewelry label Levuma, totaling 306 carats of natural emerald-cut diamonds set in platinum and valued at $15 million, according to Page Six. The collection included a 185-carat double-strand necklace with a 20-carat pendant, a 55-carat bracelet, and 66-carat drop earrings.people

“Seeing Mariah wear our work on such a historic stage is deeply meaningful,” Levuma founder and creative director Ali Khalil said in a statement.allmariah

Star-Studded Ceremony

The ceremony, themed “Armonia” (Harmony), featured an impressive roster of performers. Italian singer Laura Pausini performed the national anthem, while Andrea Bocelli and pianist Lang Lang also graced the stage. Actress Sabrina Impacciatore of The White Lotus made an appearance alongside Italian actor Pierfrancesco Favino.timeout

Taylor Swift delivered a video message to athletes before the ceremony began. “I am incredibly thankful for everything you’ve accomplished to reach this stage in your life,” Swift said, with an instrumental version of her new single “Opalite” playing in the background.billboard

Creative director Marco Balich had previewed Carey’s performance in January, noting that she would present “a beautiful song in Italian.” Her mother, Patricia, had a background in opera, lending personal resonance to the Italian-language performance.nypost