Music Steals the Show at Olympics Opening Ceremony

Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli deliver memorable performances in Italy

Feb. 7, 2026 at 7:31am

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The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina officially kicked off with an opening ceremony that featured standout musical performances. American pop star Mariah Carey sang a medley that included an Italian section, while Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli delivered a stirring rendition of "Nessun Dorma." The ceremony also included eye-catching Italian fashion-inspired costumes that drew comparisons to "stovetop espresso makers." Elsewhere, Olympic news included Giannis Antetokounmpo becoming an investor in the prediction market service Kalshi, and the resignation of Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.

Why it matters

The Olympics opening ceremony is a major global event that sets the tone for the Games. The inclusion of high-profile musical acts like Carey and Bocelli helps drive interest and viewership, while the fashion and visual elements of the ceremony showcase the host country's culture and identity. Additionally, news around the Games, such as player investments and coaching changes, provide insight into the business and personnel dynamics surrounding the competition.

The details

Mariah Carey, who is not known for her Italian language skills, performed a medley that included a section from Domenico Modugno's "Nel Blu, dipinto di Blu." Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli also took the stage, singing "Nessun Dorma" - the second time he has performed at an Olympics in Italy, after doing so at the 2006 Torino Games. The ceremony also featured eye-catching costumes that drew comparisons to "stovetop espresso makers" from British media personality Scott Bryan.

  • The Milan Cortina competition began on Wednesday, February 5, 2026, several days before the opening ceremony.
  • The opening ceremony took place on Friday, February 7, 2026.

The players

Mariah Carey

An American pop star who performed a medley that included an Italian section during the Olympics opening ceremony.

Andrea Bocelli

An Italian tenor who sang "Nessun Dorma" during the Olympics opening ceremony, the second time he has performed at an Olympics in Italy.

Scott Bryan

A British media personality who correctly referred to the Italian fashion-inspired costumes at the opening ceremony as "stovetop espresso makers."

Jim Schwartz

The former defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns who resigned from his position after being passed over for the head coaching job.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

An NBA player who has joined Kalshi, a prediction market service, as an investor.

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What they’re saying

“They're grown-ass men.”

— Dan Hurley, UConn Men's Basketball Coach (The Athletic)

What’s next

The judge in the case involving former Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan Cortina showcased Italy's cultural heritage through memorable musical performances and eye-catching fashion, while also providing insight into the broader business and personnel dynamics surrounding the Games. The inclusion of high-profile artists like Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli helped drive interest and viewership, while news around player investments and coaching changes offered a glimpse into the off-field aspects of the competition.