On a quiet Monday, the local organizing committee for the 2026 Winter Olympics announced a headline‑making addition to the February 6 opening ceremony in Milan: Mariah Carey, the 56‑year‑old American pop icon known worldwide for “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” will perform at San Siro soccer stadium. The decision marks the first time an international star has been named to appear in the opening ceremony of the Games, a move that has already sparked excitement among fans across the globe.
The opening ceremony, scheduled for February 6, will take place in Milan’s iconic San Siro stadium, a venue that has hosted major sporting events for decades. Carey’s performance will be a central feature of the program, adding a high‑profile musical element to the traditional Olympic spectacle. The event will showcase the cultural diversity of the Games, with a blend of athletic displays and artistic performances designed to set the tone for the weeks of competition to follow.
The committee stated, “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.” These remarks highlight the committee’s intention to use music as a unifying force that reflects the Games’ overarching theme of harmony and shared experience.
Mariah Carey, who is 56 years old, has built a career that spans decades and includes numerous chart‑topping hits. Her signature song, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” has become a holiday staple worldwide. The announcement that she will perform at the opening ceremony underscores the committee’s desire to feature a performer with broad international appeal and a legacy that resonates with diverse audiences.
The Games themselves will be spread across northern Italy, with the main events taking place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. This geographic distribution allows the Olympics to showcase multiple regions of the country, providing a variety of venues and landscapes for athletes and spectators alike. The decision to host events in several locations reflects the Olympic tradition of celebrating national diversity.
Simultaneous but smaller opening ceremonies are slated for three mountain clusters, providing a localized celebration that complements the central event in Milan. These auxiliary ceremonies will allow communities in the mountain regions to participate in the Olympic festivities, creating a more inclusive atmosphere that reaches beyond the primary host city.
Looking ahead to the closing, the organizing committee has announced that the internationally acclaimed ballet star Roberto Bolle will headline the ceremony on February 22. The closing ceremony will take place in Verona’s ancient Roman Arena, a historic venue that adds a dramatic backdrop to the final moments of the Games.
Roberto Bolle, an internationally acclaimed ballet star, will bring his artistic expertise to the closing ceremony. His participation signals the committee’s commitment to incorporating high‑caliber performing arts into the Olympic program. The choice of Bolle reflects the Games’ emphasis on cultural enrichment alongside athletic competition.
Alongside these announcements, organizers unveiled the Olympic and Paralympic medal designs, offering a visual symbol of the Games’ values and heritage. The new designs were presented as part of the broader effort to refresh the Olympic aesthetic and celebrate the unique character of the Milan‑Cortina Games.
With the opening ceremony set for February 6 and the closing on February 22, fans worldwide can anticipate a blend of athletic excellence, artistic performance, and cultural celebration that will define the 2026 Winter Olympics. The inclusion of Mariah Carey and Roberto Bolle, along with the unveiling of new medal designs, signals a Games that honors tradition while embracing contemporary global culture.
