Leave it to Mariah Carey to infuse international sports with her signature brand of high-octane glamour and vocal brilliance. The “Songbird Supreme” took center stage at the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony on Friday night (Feb. 6), delivering a spellbinding performance that resonated throughout Milan’s San Siro Stadium.
Draped in a resplendent white-and-silver gown paired with an ethereal, feathery overcoat, Carey showcased her bilingual prowess by opening with “Volare.” Her rendition of the 1958 Eurovision classic—famously known in Italy as “Nel blu dipinto di blu”—was a sophisticated nod to the host nation. After punctuating the performance with one of her trademark, glass-shattering whistle notes, the Grammy-winning icon transitioned into the stirring ballad “Nothing Is Impossible,” a standout track from her acclaimed 2025 studio album, Here for It All.
Carey’s involvement in the games, which are being hosted across Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo through Feb. 22, was first teased during the previous holiday season. She wasn’t the only powerhouse on the roster; the evening also featured performances by five-time Grammy nominee Andrea Bocelli and the celebrated Laura Pausini. The ceremony was further bolstered by an appearance from The White Lotus star Sabrina Impacciatore and a surprise video broadcast from Taylor Swift.
“I am deeply moved by the dedication you’ve shown to reach this pinnacle, and I’m honored that you’ve invited us to witness your journey,” Swift remarked in her message to the athletes, which aired the same day she premiered her “Opalite” music video. “I wish you immense success and a safe experience that you will treasure for a lifetime.”
The Olympic showcase serves as the crowning jewel in what has been an exceptionally busy period for Carey. Just a week prior, on Jan. 30, she was celebrated as the MusiCares 2026 Person of the Year. That event featured an expansive tribute medley with contributions from Jennifer Hudson, Foo Fighters, Billy Porter, and Maggie Rogers, among others. Carey also graced the cover of the inaugural 2026 issue of Billboard.
Carey’s latest project, Here for It All, recently secured the No. 7 spot on the Billboard 200, marking her 19th top 10 album. The record has already produced multiple hits, including the Adult R&B Airplay leaders “Type Dangerous” and “In Your Feelings.” Her latest focus, the ballad “Nothing Is Impossible,” is currently being promoted to adult contemporary and pop formats, continuing the momentum of an album Billboard hailed as one of her finest contemporary works.
