Olympics
Just in case you haven’t heard enough “All I Want for Christmas Is You” in the lead-up to the holidays, Mariah Carey is set to carry that festive energy straight into the Olympic spotlight.
With 53 days to go until the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics begin, organizers confirmed Monday, December 15, that the American pop star will perform at the opening ceremony on February 6, 2026, at Milan’s iconic San Siro stadium. Carey, 56, becomes the first international artist officially announced for the ceremony, adding major pop-star pedigree to the start of the Games.
“Ci vediamo a Milano,” (English: See you in Milan) Carey wrote on Instagram following the announcement.
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The famous U.S. singer released her debut album in 1990 and has since gone on to sell more than 200 million albums. Carey has performed at several big sporting events, famously singing the U.S. national anthem at the 2002 NFL Super Bowl and 2003 NBA All-Star game .
In a press release, the local organizing committee said Carey “fully represents the emotional atmosphere that accompanies the run-up to the Games,” emphasizing that music’s universal appeal aligns with the opening ceremony’s central theme of harmony.
The Milan–Cortina Olympics will be staged across northern Italy, with competitions spread between six primary regions in northern Italy:
- Milan (Lombardy): The bustling metropolis will host the Opening Ceremony at the iconic San Siro Stadium, home to AC Milan and Inter Milan. Indoor events such as figure skating and short-track speed skating will take place at the Mediolanum Forum, while ice hockey matches are scheduled for the Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena.
- Cortina d’Ampezzo (Veneto): This picturesque Alpine town, previously a Winter Olympics host in 1956, will serve as the venue for several events, including alpine skiing, bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge competitions.
- Bormio and Livigno (Lombardy): Bormio resort will host men’s alpine skiing, and Livigno will host several freestyle events, including moguls and aerials competitions.
- Anterselva (South Tyrol): Known for its biathlon arena, Anterselva will host biathlon events.
- Predazzo and Tesero (Trentino): These venues will feature ski jumping and cross-country skiing events.
- Verona: The Games will conclude with the Closing Ceremony at the historic Verona Arena.
The Games will conclude on February 22 with a closing ceremony in Verona, where internationally acclaimed Italian ballet star Roberto Bolle is set to headline the event at the city’s ancient Roman Arena.
Tickets for the opening ceremony can still be bought at the 2026 Milan-Cortina website.
