Mariah Carey Set to Take the Stage at the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in Milan
By Website Content Manager
The artist shared the announcement through a video in which she spoke Italian.
Mariah Carey is taking her talents international for a very special occasion — the 2026 Winter Olympics.
On Monday, Dec. 15, the Grammy-winning singer was revealed as the first major artist scheduled to perform at the Games’ opening ceremony on Feb. 6 at Milan’s San Siro Olympic Stadium.
The 56-year-old shared the news in an Instagram video, looking stunning in a red dress paired with a diamond necklace.
“Ciao. Get ready for Milano Cortina 2026. See you at the Stadium San Siro on the 6th of February for the Olympic opening ceremony. Ci vediamo a Milano,” she said, including a translation of “See you in Milan.”
In a statement to NBC, the local Olympic organizing committee praised Carey, saying she “perfectly embodies the emotional spirit leading up to the Games.”
They added, “Music is a universal language that carries diverse stories and emotions, aligning with the opening ceremony’s theme of harmony.”
Under the direction of creative director Marco Balich, the opening ceremony will highlight “Italian spirit, innovation, and emotion” and feature performances from world-renowned artists, according to the organizers.
Ballet star Roberto Bolle is set to headline the closing ceremony on Feb. 22 at Verona’s Roman arena.
Celebrities have long been a part of Olympic ceremonies. For example, Lady Gaga and Céline Dion performed at the 2024 Summer Olympics opening in Paris.
Carey has stayed busy in recent months. She released her 16th studio album, Here for It All, in September — her first album in eight years — and performed 10 shows of her Christmas Time residency at Dolby Live in Las Vegas throughout November and December.
“Thank you to everyone who made Christmastime in Vegas so special ❤️ I loved it! 🦋❄️🎄,” she wrote in an Instagram post celebrating the residency on Dec. 14.