Milan-Cortina 2026: Stars Shine at Opening Ceremony – Pausini, Carey & More!

The opening ceremony for the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics unfolded at San Siro, featuring a star-studded lineup of both Italian and international performers. Approximately 67,000 attendees at the Meazza stadium and an estimated 2 billion viewers worldwide witnessed the spectacle, which included performances by Laura Pausini, Ghali, Mariah Carey, and others.

A Night of Performances

Laura Pausini opened the ceremony with a rendition of the Italian national anthem, simultaneously performed in both Milan and Cortina. Rapper Ghali recited a poem by Gianni Rodari, focused on anti-war sentiment, in Italian, French, and English. Mariah Carey performed both ‘Nel Blu, dipinto di Blu’ and ‘Nothing Is Impossible.’

International and Italian Stars Align

The event wasn’t limited to international stars. Matilda De Angelis took the stage as a conductor, and Andrea Bocelli delivered a powerful performance of Giacomo Puccini’s ‘Nessun Dorma’ as the Olympic Flame entered the stadium, carried by Beppe Bergomi and Franco Baresi, then passed to a group of Italian athletes.

Did You Know? The Olympic Flame’s journey within San Siro involved a symbolic relay, beginning with Beppe Bergomi and Franco Baresi, then passing through two additional groups of three Italian athletes before exiting the stadium.

Messages of Peace and Harmony

Charlize Theron, a UN Ambassador for Peace, delivered a message inspired by Nelson Mandela, emphasizing that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the creation of an environment where all can thrive. Sabrina Impacciatore opened a segment reflecting on 100 years of Winter Olympic history. Vittoria Ceretti carried the Italian flag as part of the ceremony.

Poetry and Reflection

Pierfrancesco Favino recited Giacomo Leopardi’s ‘L’Infinito,’ accompanied by a performance on a 1716 Antonio Stradivari violin. The ceremony also featured a performance by Andrea Farri and the Italian Philharmonic Orchestra.

Expert Insight: The inclusion of poetry, classical music, and internationally recognised performers suggests a deliberate effort to position the Milano Cortina Olympics as a cultural event with broad appeal, extending beyond athletic competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who performed the Italian national anthem at the opening ceremony?

Laura Pausini performed the Italian national anthem at the opening ceremony, with a simultaneous performance extending the sound between Milan and Cortina.

Which poem was recited during the ceremony, and by whom?

Rapper Ghali recited Gianni Rodari’s poem ‘Promemoria,’ which focuses on anti-war sentiment, in Italian, French, and English.

What role did Mariah Carey play in the opening ceremony?

Mariah Carey performed ‘Nel Blu, dipinto di Blu’ and ‘Nothing Is Impossible,’ contributing to the spectacle and embodying the spirit of the Games.

As the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics officially begin, what impact do you anticipate these opening ceremony performances will have on the overall tone and global perception of the Games?