Global music icon Mariah Carey has been announced as the first headline performer for the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, set to take place on February 6 at the San Siro Stadium in Milan.
The Grammy-winning singer revealed the news through a short video message addressed to fans worldwide, inviting them to join her in Milan for the highly anticipated Olympic opening ceremony.
Organisers of the Games officially confirmed Carey’s participation, describing her as a perfect fit for the emotional build-up to the Winter Olympics. According to the local organising committee, her music reflects the spirit of unity and harmony that will define the opening ceremony.
“Mariah Carey fully embodies the emotional energy surrounding the Games,” the committee said. “Music is a universal language that connects cultures, stories and sensibilities, aligning seamlessly with the ceremony’s theme of harmony.”
Carey’s appearance adds star power to the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, marking a major moment for the event’s cultural programme. Widely regarded as one of the best-selling music artists of all time, the singer has enjoyed decades of chart success and global influence.
Despite her iconic status, Carey has previously spoken about the contrast between her public image and her private self. In past interviews, she has acknowledged that her glamorous persona is, in part, a performance rather than a full reflection of who she is offstage.
With the Winter Olympics just over a year away, Carey’s confirmation sets the tone for what organisers promise will be a memorable and emotionally charged opening ceremony in Milan.