Mariah Carey performed at the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan–Cortina primarily because organizers felt she fit the emotional “harmony” theme of the Games and could create a big global moment for viewers.

Official reason from organizers

  • The organizing committee said Mariah Carey “embodies the emotional atmosphere that surrounds the lead-up to the Games.”
  • They framed music as a “universal language” that brings together different stories and emotions, aligning with the opening ceremony’s theme of harmony between the two host cities and cultures.
  • Her set was designed as a bold, globally recognizable opener meant to honor Italy’s culture while still appealing to an international TV audience.

What she actually performed

  • Carey opened with the classic Italian song “Nel blu, dipinto di blu (Volare),” singing in Italian to directly nod to the host country’s musical heritage.
  • She then performed her own song “Nothing Is Impossible,” a track tied to her 2025 album “Here For It All,” turning the moment into both an inspirational Olympic message and a showcase for her newer music.

In effect, the ceremony used her as both a global icon and a bridge between Italian tradition (Volare) and contemporary pop spectacle.

Any past Olympic connection?

  • Carey has a small historical link to the Olympics: her song “100%” was included on an AT&T Team USA compilation connected to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games.
  • At the time she said the Olympics inspire people worldwide and that artists try to uplift others through music, which fits why organizers see her as a symbol of motivation and hope.

Why people online are asking “why her?”

  • Many viewers on social media questioned why an American artist with no strong public Italian connection was chosen instead of an Italian singer, especially given Italy’s rich music scene.
  • Some posts argued that host nations usually spotlight homegrown talent and felt that inviting Carey confirmed the dominance of U.S. pop culture at a global event.
  • Debate intensified because of accusations that she lip-synced parts of the performance and appeared stiff or disengaged, which led some to say she “ruined” an otherwise well-received opening.

How forums and trending discussions are framing it

Across forums and comment sections, you’ll see roughly three viewpoints emerge:

  1. Pro‑Mariah / big‑show view
    • Argues she’s a legendary vocalist whose presence automatically makes the ceremony feel more “global” and high profile.
 * Sees her Volare performance and Italian lyrics as a respectful tribute, even if not perfect.
  1. “Why not an Italian star?” view
    • Emphasizes that Italy has world‑class singers who could have taken the slot, so her invitation feels like a missed opportunity for local culture.
 * Some commenters explicitly compare her unfavorably to Italian artists like Laura Pausini, saying Pausini’s presence felt more authentic.
  1. Performance‑focused criticism (lip‑sync debate)
    • Focuses less on nationality and more on execution, calling the performance “lackluster,” “lip‑synced,” or “cringe,” and claiming her facial expressions didn’t match the live vocals.
 * This group says the technical and emotional delivery undercut what was supposed to be a unifying, goosebump‑inducing moment.

Putting it all together

So, why did Mariah Carey perform at the Olympics?

  • Because organizers wanted a globally recognizable pop icon who could symbolize emotion, unity, and “harmony” at a high‑stakes opening ceremony.
  • Because her Italian‑language performance of “Volare” and her inspirational song “Nothing Is Impossible” were crafted to marry Italian culture with a global pop message.
  • And because, from a TV and social‑media standpoint, a name like Mariah Carey virtually guarantees worldwide attention—something the 2026 Games clearly achieved, even if the reaction has been sharply divided.

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Why did Mariah Carey perform at the Olympics? Learn the official reason, what she sang, her past Olympic link, and how fans and forums are reacting to her controversial 2026 Winter Games opening ceremony appearance.

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