A 56‑year‑old pop icon is set to light up the San Siro stadium on Feb. 6, marking the first time an international star has been named to perform at the opening ceremony of the Milan‑Cortina Winter Games.
Opening Ceremony Highlights
The local organizing committee announced on Monday that Mariah Carey, the “All I Want for Christmas is You” singer, will headline the Feb. 6 ceremony at Milan’s San Siro soccer stadium. The committee said she “fully represents the emotional atmosphere that accompanies the run‑up to the Games.” They added that “music is a universal language that attracts different stories and sensibilities, and intertwines with the Opening Ceremony’s theme of harmony.”
Closing Ceremony Plans
Roberto Bolle, the internationally acclaimed ballet star, will headline the closing ceremony slated for Feb. 22 in Verona’s ancient Roman Arena. His performance is expected to bring a different artistic flair to the Games’ finale.
Additional Game Details
The Milan‑Cortina Games will be spread over northern Italy, with smaller opening ceremonies to be held simultaneously in three mountain clusters. Organizers also unveiled the Olympic and Paralympic medal designs, adding a visual element to the event’s branding.
Key Takeaways
- Mariah Carey is the first international star to perform at the Milan‑Cortina opening ceremony.
- Roberto Bolle will headline the closing ceremony in Verona on Feb. 22.
- The Games will feature simultaneous opening ceremonies in three mountain clusters and new medal designs.
The announcement comes 100 days out from the Games, a period that has already begun to shape the narrative of what promises to be a historic Olympic event.
