The Opening Ceremony for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics promises to be a memorable event, featuring a lineup of internationally acclaimed performers. Scheduled for February 6, 2026, at the iconic San Siro Olympic Stadium, the ceremony will commence at 2 p.m. Eastern time, with live coverage available on NBC. The central theme of this year’s ceremony is “Harmony,” aimed at fostering a sense of unity as communities come together.
An audience of approximately 60,000 attendees is anticipated, including a U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance. This event will also draw millions of viewers from around the globe, eager to witness the celebration of athletic prowess and cultural diversity.
Among the high-profile performers confirmed for the ceremony is renowned pop sensation Mariah Carey. This will mark her Olympic debut, adding to a career that boasts over 200 million albums sold worldwide since her rise to fame in 1990. Carey is celebrated for her powerful vocal range and has won five Grammy Awards. She previously sang the national anthem at the Super Bowl in 2002, and at the NBA All-Star game the following year.
Another highlight will be tenor Andrea Bocelli, who returns to the Olympics after his performance at the Closing Ceremony of the Turin Games in 2006. Bocelli has sold over 90 million albums globally and has earned five Grammy nominations. His contributions to music have also been recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Italian singer Laura Pausini is set to grace the stage as well. Since her breakthrough at the Sanremo Music Festival in 1993, she has sold more than 70 million albums and is the first Italian woman to win a Grammy. Pausini has also earned numerous accolades, including four Latin Grammys and a Golden Globe nomination for her song “Io Si” from the film “The Life Ahead.”
The ceremony will also feature the talents of Cecilia Bartoli, an acclaimed mezzo-soprano who has received five Grammy Awards. Bartoli made history in 2003 by becoming the first woman to serve as the director of the Opera de Monte-Carlo. Additionally, concert pianist Lang Lang, noted for revitalizing classical music in the modern era, will perform. His 2004 album “Live at Carnegie Hall” reached No. 9 on Billboard’s classical albums chart, and he has previously participated in the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Games.
Adding a contemporary twist to the lineup is Ghali, an Italian-Tunisian rapper known for blending various musical styles and languages. His hit single “Cara Italia” debuted at No. 1 in Italy, and he has collaborated with international artists such as Ed Sheeran and Måneskin.
As the world gears up for this significant event, the excitement surrounding the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics Opening Ceremony continues to build, promising a spectacular showcase of musical talent and cultural celebration.
