The Winter Olympics 2026 officially kicked off yesterday in Milan Cortina, Italy, but the conversation online isn’t just about the sports. It’s about the “Songbird Supreme,” Mariah Carey, and a performance that has divided the internet.
If you are searching for Mariah Carey Olympics or asking “Did Mariah Carey lip sync?”, you are likely seeing the viral clips flooding TikTok and X (Twitter).
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Olympics opening ceremony, the truth about Mariah’s “Italian heritage,” and the details on where to watch the Olympics if you missed the live broadcast.
🇮🇹 The Opening Ceremony: A Tale of Two Cities
For the first time in history, the Opening Ceremony was held simultaneously in two locations: the San Siro Stadium in Milan and the snowy peaks of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
- The Theme: “Armonia” (Harmony).
- The Vibe: A tribute to Italian art, fashion (featuring Giorgio Armani), and resilience.
- The Key Moments:
- IOC President Kirsty Coventry delivered a powerful speech on “Ubuntu” (“I am because we are”), urging unity in a divided world.
- Italian President Sergio Mattarella officially declared the Games open.
- The Olympic Flame: Lit simultaneously in both cities, symbolizing the connection between the urban center (Milan) and the mountains (Cortina).
🎶 The Controversy: Mariah Carey vs. Andrea Bocelli
The night featured two vocal titans, but the reactions could not have been more different.
Mariah Carey’s “Volare” & Lip-Sync Accusations
Mariah Carey took the stage in a dazzling white gown to perform the Italian classic “Volare” (Nel blu, dipinto di blu) and her new hit “Nothing Is Impossible.”
- The Good: She looked stunning, and her pronunciation of the Italian lyrics was praised by some fans.
- The Bad: Social media exploded with accusations of lip syncing. Viral videos appear to show a delay between her lip movements and the audio track. Users on Reddit and X are asking, “Did Mariah Carey lip sync the Olympics?” while critics noted she seemed “stiff” compared to the live energy of the stadium.
- The Verdict: While representatives haven’t confirmed it, prerecorded vocals are common in freezing outdoor ceremonies to protect a singer’s cords. However, the obvious mismatch has made “Mariah Carey lip sync Olympics” a top trending search today.
Andrea Bocelli’s “Nessun Dorma”
In stark contrast, the legendary Andrea Bocelli brought the house down. As the Olympic rings were displayed, he sang a spine-tingling live rendition of “Nessun Dorma” (from the opera Turandot).
- Fan Reaction: Social media users hailed him as the “savior” of the night, with many commenting that his raw, powerful vocals highlighted the difference between a live performance and a tracked one.
🕵️ Fact Check: Is Mariah Carey Italian?
A massive spike in searches for “Is Mariah Carey part Italian” and “Mariah Carey Italian roots” happened immediately after she sang “Volare.”
- The Truth: No, Mariah Carey is not Italian.
- Her Heritage: She was born in Long Island, New York. Her mother, Patricia Hickey, was of Irish descent. Her father, Alfred Roy Carey, was of African-American and Afro-Venezuelan lineage.
- Why did she sing at the Olympics? The organizers wanted a global superstar to bridge the gap between the US (the next host in 2028 and 2034) and Italy. Singing in Italian was a gesture of respect to the host nation, Italy, not a nod to her own ancestry.
🇺🇸 Team USA: Bigger Than Ever
For American viewers asking “How many US athletes in 2026 Olympics?”, here is the breakdown:
- Total Athletes: 232 (The largest US Winter Olympic team in history).
- Flagbearers: Speed skater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca led the team during the Parade of Nations.
- Key Star: Keep an eye on Shaun White, who has retired from competition but is serving as a commentator for NBC Olympics alongside Savannah Guthrie.
📺 How to Watch & Schedule (USA)
If you missed the Opening Ceremony, you can still catch the replays and upcoming events.
- TV Channel: NBC is the official broadcaster.
- Streaming: Peacock (Live and On-Demand).
- What Channel is the Olympics on? Check your local NBC listing or the USA Network for specific sports.
- Time Zone Math: What time is it in Milan? Milan is 6 hours ahead of US Eastern Time (EST). If an event is live at 8:00 PM in Milan, it is 2:00 PM in New York.
📅 Key Dates
- Closing Ceremony: February 22, 2026.
- Next Winter Games: The 2030 Winter Olympics will be held in the French Alps, followed by Salt Lake City in 2034.
❓ Trending FAQ: You Asked, We Answered
Q: Why was Mariah Carey performing at the Olympics if she isn’t Italian?
A: The Olympics often invite global icons to attract a worldwide audience. Her performance was meant to symbolize “Armonia” (Harmony) between cultures.
Q: What song did Andrea Bocelli sing at the Olympics?
A: He sang “Nessun Dorma,” arguably the most famous opera aria in the world, often associated with victory.
Q: Where is the Winter Olympics 2026 exactly?
A: It is a dual-city event. Ice sports (like skating) are in Milan, while snow sports (like skiing) are in Cortina d’Ampezzo, located in the Dolomite mountains.
Q: How old is Mariah Carey?
A: Mariah Carey is 56 years old (born March 27, 1969).
Q: Did Shaun White compete?
A: No, Shaun White has retired. He is working as an analyst for NBC Olympics coverage.
Q: How many countries participate in the Winter Olympics?
A: Over 90 countries are competing in the 2026 Games.