Mariah Carey is set to bring her exceptional talent to the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, adding a touch of American pop-star flair to the event.
The prestigious announcement came on Monday from the local organizing committee, revealing that the 56-year-old superstar, renowned for her hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” will be the first international artist to perform at the ceremony. The event is scheduled for February 6 at the iconic San Siro soccer stadium in Milan.
“Mariah Carey embodies the emotional spirit that defines the lead-up to the Games,” stated the committee. “Her music, a universal language, resonates with diverse stories and sensibilities, perfectly aligning with the opening ceremony’s theme of harmony.”
The Winter Games will span various locations across northern Italy, with additional smaller opening ceremonies planned in three distinct mountain clusters to capture the essence of the event.
“Mariah Carey fully represents the emotional atmosphere that accompanies the run-up to the Games,” the committee said. “Music is a universal language that attracts different stories and sensibilities, and intertwines with the opening ceremony’s theme of harmony.”
The Games will be spread over northern Italy, and simultaneous but smaller opening ceremonies are to be held in three mountain clusters as well.
Internationally acclaimed ballet star Roberto Bolle will headline the closing ceremony, which is slated for Verona’s ancient Roman Arena on Feb. 22.
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AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics
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