Mariah Carey's performance at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics has sparked online debate, with viewers questioning whether the global pop star was singing live during her appearance at San Siro Stadium in Milan.
Carey opened her segment by performing the Italian classic "Nel Blu, Dipinto di Blu," commonly known as "Volare," marking a rare moment in which she delivered an entire song in Italian. She later followed with her own track, "Nothing Is Impossible," concluding the performance with a subtle gesture to the crowd. While the performance was visually polished, reactions appeared divided as the ceremony progressed.
Shortly after the broadcast, social media users and international media outlets began pointing out moments where Carey's lip movements appeared out of sync with the audio. Others noted her apparent use of a teleprompter, fueling speculation that parts of the performance may have relied on pre-recorded vocals. Some fans criticized the performance, while others defended the singer, citing the technical challenges of large-scale outdoor ceremonies.
Neither Carey nor Olympic organizers have issued an official statement addressing the speculation. Industry observers have noted that major televised events, including Olympic opening ceremonies, often involve backing tracks or pre-recorded elements to ensure consistent sound quality in expansive stadium environments.
In contrast, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli received widespread praise for his live performance of "Nessun Dorma," which accompanied a symbolic torch relay sequence inside the stadium. His appearance was widely described as one of the most emotionally resonant moments of the ceremony.
While Carey is a secular artist, the discussion surrounding her performance has raised broader conversations about authenticity, excellence, and transparency-values that resonate beyond entertainment and into faith-based reflection. As the 2026 Winter Olympics continue, her performance remains one of the most talked-about moments from the opening night.
