Overview
- Mariah Carey performed the Italian classic 'Nel blu, dipinto di blu' ('Volare') and her song 'Nothing Is Impossible' at San Siro during the Milan-Cortina 2026 opening ceremony.
- Social-media users questioned whether she sang live after a large teleprompter displaying phonetic Italian lyrics was visible on the broadcast.
- Ceremonies director Maria Laura Iascone praised the performance as "extraordinary" and said advance recording is routinely used to safeguard major global broadcasts.
- Iascone confirmed the teleprompter supported artists singing outside their native language and noted that Carey performed without a fee under event conditions.
- Organizing chief Andrea Varnier said he was very happy with the show and reported a Milan opening ticket record of 61,221, with additional crowds at mountain venues.