From Mariah Carey to Ghali: Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony Shines
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony captivated audiences with a blend of Italian artistry, musical performances by Mariah Carey, Laura Pausini, Andrea Bocelli, and a message of global unity.
The Winter Olympics of Milano Cortina 2026 represent a pivotal moment for Milan, building upon the momentum gained since Expo 2015. This event serves as a strategic opportunity for Italy on the international stage, highlighting its ability to manage significant symbolic events amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.
On Friday night, all eyes were on the Opening Ceremony of Milano Cortina 2026. The event unfolded across various venues, including Cortina d’Ampezzo, Predazzo, and Livigno, but centered at Milan’s San Siro Stadium. Balich Wonder Studio, known for its expertise in major event creative direction, produced the three-and-a-half-hour spectacle.
The show's core concept revolved around harmony and Italian identity.
Before the event, Marco Balich emphasized, “The Opening Ceremony is not just an exercise in technology or spectacle. It is, above all, a story told through people and emotions. In a complex world, we want to convey a message of harmony, beauty, and peace that can speak to everyone.”
Musical performances were a highlight, with appearances by Mariah Carey, Laura Pausini, and Andrea Bocelli. Over 500 musicians contributed to the original soundtracks for the evening.
The day commenced at the iconic Teatro Alla Scala, hosting the official Red Carpet. Notable figures from past Olympics, such as American snowboarder Shaun White and Dutch figure skating champion Irene Schouten, were present, alongside icons from cinema and fashion, including Jeff Goldblum, Donatella Versace, Stanley Tucci, and Marisa Tomei.
Sunghoon of ENHYPEN, who previously distinguished himself as a torchbearer, attended the Scala Theatre, dressed in an elegant black suit and white shirt.
“Both athletes and K-Pop artists have the goal to make the fans happy and enjoy the event,” he said, drawing from his decade of competitive figure skating experience. “When I was an athlete, my dream was to participate in the Olympics. Being here as an artist feels different but I’m also very honored.”
Usher made a notable appearance, discussing the relationship between music and sport. “Music and sports go hand in hand. Music, for example, is very important in figure skating. But for the most part, it ultimately gives the athletes a soundtrack that helps to compel and push through,” he noted.
The Opening Ceremony began promptly at 8 p.m. with choreographic performances. Seventy dancers from the Academy of Teatro Alla Scala reinterpreted the myth of Cupid and Psyche. The costumes, reminiscent of neoclassical sculptor Antonio Canova’s art, transitioned from white shades to an explosion of color, accompanied by music from Italian classical composers Giuseppe Verdi, Giacomo Puccini, and Gioachino Rossini.
Following a tribute to Italian creativity, Mariah Carey took center stage, performing a rearranged cover of Domenico Modugno’s classic “Nel Blu, Dipinto di Blu” (also known as “Volare”), showcasing her signature high notes. She followed this with her hit song, “Nothing Is Impossible.”
President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, and President of the International Olympic Committee, Kirsty Coventry, were seated in the grandstand. A tribute to Giorgio Armani, who passed away last September, followed, with models showcasing his creations in the colors of the Italian flag.
Laura Pausini then sang the national anthem under the Italian flag. The parade of athletes, lasting over an hour, commenced with Greece and concluded with Italy. The crowd responded with mixed reactions as flags passed, booing the Israeli flag and applauding the Ukrainian team.
Institutional speeches followed, beginning with Giovanni Malagò, President of the Milano Cortina Foundation.
“I love my country, I love sports. I’ve never been as proud to be Italian as I am tonight,” he stated. “To the athletes I say: this is your time. Your years of dedication, the courage to dream, the determination to push the boundaries… These Games belong to you. During a time in which the world is so divided by conflicts, your very presence demonstrates that another world is possible. Unity, respect, harmony.”
Kirsty Coventry addressed the athletes, saying, “Through you, we see the very best of ourselves. You remind us that we can be brave, that we can be kind. When we see an athlete stumble and find the strength to rise, we’re all reminded that we can do the same. When we see athletes embrace at the finish line, we’re reminded that we can choose respect. No matter where we come from, we all know this spirit.”
Actress Charlize Theron, Messenger of Peace of the United Nations, recited a monologue inspired by Nelson Mandela. “Peace is not just the absence of conflict,” she said. “Peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, class, caste or any other social markers of difference.”
The arrival of the Olympic flame was accompanied by Andrea Bocelli’s performance of “Nessun dorma” from Puccini’s opera “Turandot.”
Rapper Ghali, a controversial figure due to his pro-Palestine stance, followed. Despite claims of being restricted from singing the national anthem and speaking in Arabic, his performance was a poignant moment. He recited Gianni Rodari’s poem “Promemoria” in Italian, French, and English, delivering a powerful message against conflict: “There are things you should never do/ Neither by day nor by night/ Neither by sea nor by land/ For example, war.”
Following the athletes’ oaths, the Olympic Braziers were lit in Milan and Cortina, officially marking the beginning of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
This article originally appeared on Billboard Italy.
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