Mariah Carey delivered an unforgettable display of glamour and extravagance at the opening night of the 2026 Winter Olympics, mesmerizing audiences with a show-stopping performance adorned with over 300 carats of genuine diamonds.
The Games officially commenced on Friday, February 6, at Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium, where Carey commanded the stage in an opulent jewelry ensemble by LEVUMA High Jewelry.
Her necklace, bracelet, and earrings crafted from platinum-set emerald-cut diamonds totaled an astonishing 306 carats, epitomising luxury and sophistication.
Complementing the breathtaking jewels, Carey wore a plunging white gown, exquisitely embellished to capture and reflect every glimmer of light, custom-designed by Roberto Cavalli. The ensemble was elevated further by a feathered stole and her signature voluminous crimped waves, creating a commanding and unforgettable presence.
Carey opened with Domenico Modugno’s iconic Italian classic Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu), seamlessly transitioning into her empowering anthem Nothing Is Impossible a fitting declaration to inaugurate the Olympic Games in style and spirit.
The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games will conclude on Sunday, February 22. The opening ceremony, a grand spectacle staged across four locations Milan, Cortina, Livigno, and Predazzo unfolded flawlessly despite its ambitious scale.
Two Olympic cauldrons were ignited, in Milan and Cortina, accompanied by a transcendent performance of Nessun Dorma by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli as the Olympic torch entered San Siro.
The athletes’ parade concluded with Italy entering last to rapturous cheers across all venues. Great Britain’s figure skater Lilah Fear carried her nation’s flag in Milan, while bobsledder Brad Hall led his delegation in Cortina.
Ukrainian athletes received a heartwarming ovation, with Team USA also cheered enthusiastically. Conversely, US Vice-President JD Vance and the delegations from Israel and Georgia were met with boos.
Creative director Marco Balich structured the ceremony around the concept of armonia, symbolising unity, connection, and collective vision. The performance celebrated Italian elegance and creativity, including a poignant tribute to fashion luminary Giorgio Armani, who passed away in 2025 at the age of 91.
Mariah Carey, one of the world’s best-selling female artists, radiated brilliance as she performed Volare, her sparkling white attire perfectly reflecting the ceremony’s grandeur and opulence.
Giovanni Malagò, president of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Organising Committee, stated: “We stand ready to make Olympic history once again, inspired by the universal values of excellence, friendship, and respect.
Coordinating so many institutions toward a singular vision is a testament to Italy’s unparalleled capability to deliver a project of immense complexity. I have never been prouder to be Italian than I am tonight.”
The Games were officially opened by International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry, marking the first time a female IOC president has performed the opening. She addressed the athletes: “This is why we all love the Games. Through you, we witness the very best of ourselves. You remind us to be brave, compassionate, and resilient. The spirit of the Olympics transcends sport; it is about humanity. This is the magic of the Games: inspiring us all to achieve greatness together.”
While competitions such as curling, figure skating, and ice hockey have already commenced, the first five gold medals of the 2026 Winter Olympics will be awarded on Saturday.
