Global pop icon Mariah Carey has been announced as the first major international star to perform at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony . The 56-year-old singer, famous for hits like “All I Want for Christmas is You,” will bring American pop-star pedigree to the event.
The local organizing committee confirmed the news on Monday, stating that Carey is set to take the stage at Milan’s San Siro soccer stadium on February 6, 2026 . Organizers emphasize that Carey “fully represents the emotional atmosphere that accompanies the run-up to the Games” and aligns with the ceremony’s central theme of Harmony (Armonia).
The Games will be spread across northern Italy, and the opening celebrations reflect this wide reach:
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The main ceremony will be held at the San Siro in Milan, with a capacity of 60,000 spectators.
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Simultaneous, smaller opening ceremonies are planned to be held in three mountain clusters: Cortina , Predazzo , and Livigno , ensuring all athletes can participate in the Parade of Nations regardless of their competition location.
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For the first time, the Olympic flame will burn in two locations: at the Arco della Pace in central Milan and in Cortina’s main Piazza Dibona .
In other ceremony news, internationally acclaimed ballet star Roberto Bolle will headline the Closing Ceremony , which is scheduled for Verona’s ancient Roman Arena on February 22, 2026 .