Mariah Carey’s appearance at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony instantly became one of the most discussed moments of the night. Performing before a packed San Siro Stadium and a global television audience, the pop icon took on the Italian standard “Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu,” better known as “Volare,” singing entirely in Italian.
Inside the stadium, the reaction was unmistakably positive. As the crowd realized Carey was performing in the local language, applause swelled, and her soaring high notes drew cheers. Organizers later described the performance as a defining emotional moment in a ceremony designed to blend Italian tradition with international star power.
Online, however, the conversation took a more complicated turn. While many praised Carey’s vocals and stage presence, critics questioned why an Italian singer had not been given the honor of performing such a beloved national song. Attention also focused on a large teleprompter visible in the venue, which displayed phonetic spellings of the Italian lyrics to guide pronunciation.
Speculation about lip-syncing followed, fueled by the scale and technical complexity of the broadcast. Ceremony director Maria Laura Iascone addressed the issue indirectly, explaining that performances are routinely recorded in advance for major international events to avoid technical risks. She stopped short of confirming whether Carey sang live but emphasized that the production team and organizers were satisfied with the result.
Carey herself framed the moment as deeply personal, later describing the performance as a dream fulfilled and noting that “Volare” has long been one of her favorite songs. Her set also included one of her own tracks, further energizing the audience and reinforcing her global appeal.
The ceremony ultimately showcased a blend of international and Italian talent, with performances from Andrea Bocelli, Laura Pausini, and Cecilia Bartoli alongside Carey. Whether viewed as inspired casting or a controversial choice, Carey’s performance succeeded in doing what Olympic opening ceremonies aim to do best: spark conversation well beyond the stadium walls.