Mariah Carey Hits High Notes And Controversy At Olympic Opener

Mariah Carey Steals the Show at Olympic Opening

Mariah Carey made a splash with her performance at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony, delivering a jaw-dropping rendition of "Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu," famously known as "Volare." Her appearance was a standout moment in the 3½-hour extravaganza that kicked off the Games, and fans couldn't stop talking about it.

The pop diva shared her excitement with her followers, posting on Instagram: "Such a dream come true to perform (in Italian!) at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony." Her vocals were widely praised, with many fans lauding her incredible range and powerful high notes, calling the performance breathtaking.

“Such a dream come true to perform (in Italian!) at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony,” she later wrote in an Instagram post.

Did She or Didn't She? The Lip-Syncing Allegations

However, not everyone was entirely convinced by Carey's performance. Some viewers questioned the choice of having an international artist rather than a local Italian performer for the event. Others were more concerned with the large teleprompter displaying phonetic spellings of the lyrics and speculated on whether Carey was actually singing live.

The Associated Press reported that this topic was hotly debated, with three journalists raising questions during a daily press briefing. They asked Olympic officials and local organizers to address the teleprompter and potential lip-syncing issues.

Official Responses and Carey's Magic Moment

Maria Laura Iascone, Milan Cortina’s director of ceremonies, was asked directly if Carey had lip-synced. While she didn't provide a definitive answer, she described Carey as "really extraordinary" and explained that performances for international broadcasts are often pre-recorded "to be on the safe side."

Despite the speculation, Iascone confirmed that Carey wasn't paid for her appearance, emphasizing the satisfaction with the performance's outcome. Carey, whose diverse heritage includes an Irish American opera singer mother and a Black Venezuelan father, was specifically invited to perform, and her participation was heavily promoted as a highlight of the ceremony.

In addition to Carey's show-stopping performance, the ceremony featured celebrated Italian artists like Andrea Bocelli, Laura Pausini, and Cecilia Bartoli. Although Carey doesn't have Italian roots, she later told Vogue that "Volare" has long been a personal favorite.

Fans and Critics React

Online, critics noted that Carey seemed a bit stiff while performing in Italian, but the atmosphere inside San Siro Stadium was electric. Fans erupted in cheers when they realized she was singing in their language, and she further impressed with her hit "Nothing is Impossible."

Carey's performance at the Winter Olympics may have sparked controversy, but it also created an unforgettable moment of magic that had fans and critics alike buzzing.