The Winter Olympics 2026 opening ceremony in Milan’s San Siro stadium was a blend of opera, kitsch, and pop, with Mariah Carey making a brief appearance. The event, produced by Marco Balich, aimed to avoid “hi-tech and bling” in favour of cultural references ranging from Roman mythology to 18th-century opera and Giorgio Armani.
Carey, the biggest pop draw, performed a subdued version of 'Volare' in Italian, hitting a whistle note before segueing into her single 'Nothing Is Impossible'. However, she was overshadowed by classical stars Andrea Bocelli and Lang Lang, as well as a segment featuring giant-headed effigies of Verdi, Puccini, and Rossini dancing to Italo disco.
The ceremony included performances by Laura Pausini, who sang the Italian national anthem, and Italian rapper Ghali, though his subdued set failed to impress. A dance history of the Olympics featured Adriano Celentano's 'Prisencolinensinainciusol', while the athletes' parade saw a mixed reception for the US team, amid concerns over political tensions.
Overall, the ceremony was a quirky mix of highbrow and lowbrow, leaving some viewers wondering what the 2028 Los Angeles Games might offer under a potential Trump presidency.
