The Grammy-winning singer performed the Italian classic “Volare” and a song from her latest album while appearing in a glittering gown at San Siro Stadium.
WASHINGTON — The 2026 Winter Olympics officially kicked off in Milan with one of the biggest voices in pop music.
Mariah Carey took the stage at San Siro Stadium as part of the Milan Cortina Opening Ceremony, appearing under the spotlight to roaring cheers. Dressed in a glittering white gown and fluffy cape, the Grammy-winning artist delivered a performance billed by organizers as combining “Italian spirit, innovation (and) emotion.”
What did Mariah Carey sing at the Olympics opening ceremony?
Carey performed two songs.
The first was an unexpected classic, Domenico Modugno’s “Nel blu, dipinto di blu,” better known around the world as “Volare.” She sang in Italian.
“Volare,” which means “fly” in Italian, is one of the most iconic songs in the country’s modern music history. Originally recorded and released in 1958, it represented Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest and went on to become Billboard’s Song of the Year. Modugno’s recording also made Grammy history, becoming the first-ever winner of both record of the year and song of the year at the first Annual Grammy Awards.
The song has been covered by artists including Dean Martin, David Bowie, Frank Sinatra, Barry White and the Gipsy Kings.
She then segued into singing “Nothing is Impossible,” track from her latest album, “Here for it All.” She sang in English.
Carey was the first performer announced for the opening ceremony back in December 2025, with the Olympics describing her career as reflecting the ceremony’s theme of “harmony.”
Other performers expected at the ceremony included Andrea Bocelli, Pierfrancesco Favino, Laura Pausini and Sabrina Impacciatore.