Mariah Carey announced as first performer for Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic opening ceremony

Singer Mariah Carey has been announced as the first major international performer for the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The ceremony will take place on February 6, 2026, at the San Siro Olympic Stadium in Milan.

Explaining the decision, the organisers said, “According to the organisers, there was no star better suited to highlight the themes than Carey.” The announcement was warmly received by the Olympic planning committee as well as fans across the world, many of whom took to social media to celebrate the news.

The opening ceremony is being produced by Balich Wonder Studio, known for delivering large-scale international events. Speaking about the creative vision behind the ceremony, the studio said, “Together, music and sport will give life to an Olympic Opening Ceremony where Harmony becomes an expression of collective energy, a symbolic space where communities come together, transcend boundaries and recognise themselves as part of the same vibrant momentum of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.”

Mariah Carey also shared her excitement on social media. She posted a video announcing her participation and simply declared, “It’s Time!” The post quickly went viral and drew massive attention, marking her return to a major global stage tied to a historic sporting event.

The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games will continue a long-standing tradition of featuring world-famous artists at their opening ceremonies. Over the years, performers have included Stevie Wonder, Kylie Minogue, Björk, Luciano Pavarotti and Lady Gaga, making music a key part of the Olympic experience.

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With Mariah Carey confirmed as the first performer, organisers have hinted that more international artists may be announced closer to the event. For now, the focus remains on creating an opening ceremony that blends Italian culture with global entertainment, setting the tone for what promises to be a memorable Winter Games.

About Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey, often called the ‘Songbird Supreme’, is best known for timeless hits like All I Want for Christmas Is You. With a career spanning decades, she brings enormous star power to the Olympic stage. She has sold more than 220 million albums worldwide, won five Grammy Awards, and has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Her involvement is being seen as a major highlight even before the Games officially begin.

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