AceShowbiz - Mariah Carey electrified the audience at the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony held at Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium. However, many viewers were puzzled by her performance, questioning the choice of the American pop icon to represent an event steeped in Italian tradition.

This marked a significant moment for Mariah Carey as she performed entirely in Italian, delivering a heartfelt rendition of Domenico Modugno’s famed song “Nel Blu, dipinto di Blu,” popularly known as “Volare.” The track, which became a global hit after its release in 1958, has since earned its place in music history, winning two Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

Following this classic number, Carey showcased her own artistry by singing her 2025 single “Nothing Is Impossible” from her latest album, “Here For It All.” Despite her impressive vocal prowess, the performance was met with mixed reactions from the audience at home. Some social media users criticized the performance, labeling it as “awful” and questioning why an American artist was chosen for such an event. One user expressed disbelief, wondering, “Why is Mariah Carey singing in Italian? They have singers in Italy, don’t they?”

Additional critiques emerged on platforms like X, with some viewers expressing that Mariah Carey felt out of place. Comments included, “WTH does @MariahCarey have to do with Italy and the @Olympics @NBCOlympics opening ceremony? Is she Italian or something?” Another user added, “Absolutely out of place and she sounds horrible. Thanks, #Italy. My dogs are howling now.”

The ceremony also featured performances from renowned Italian artists such as Cecilia Bartoli, Laura Pausini, and pianist Lang Lang, enhancing the celebration of Italy’s rich musical heritage. Notable actresses like Sabrina Impacciatore from *The White Lotus* and Matilda De Angelis also graced the event, further emphasizing the talent present at the ceremony.

So, is Mariah Carey Italian? The answer is no. Mariah Carey has openly discussed her mixed-race background; her mother is of Irish descent while her father is African-American and Venezuelan. The committee behind the Opening Ceremony stated that the singer was selected to perform due to her ability to capture the emotional essence surrounding the Olympics. According to the Associated Press News, the committee emphasized that “music is a universal language that attracts different stories and sensibilities” which aligns with the event’s theme of harmony.

For those eager to catch the Milan Cortina Olympics Opening Ceremony, it was available for streaming on Peacock and NBC’s Olympic channels, bringing the excitement of the games to viewers worldwide.