Winter Olympics 2026: Organisers Silent on Mariah Carey Lip-Sync Allegations
The 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony has sparked speculation regarding Mariah Carey’s performance. Organizers have neither confirmed nor denied allegations that she lip-synced during the event. Carey performed the Italian classic “Nel Blu, dipinto di Blu” before singing her own song, “Nothing Is Impossible.” Viewers noted discrepancies between her lip movements and the music.
Response from Ceremony Directors
Maria Laura Iascone, the show’s director, acknowledged that a pre-recording was utilized but did not clarify if it interfered with Carey’s live performance. She stated, “To be on the safe side, we always record,” emphasizing the international standard for high-profile broadcasts. Despite the controversy, Iascone praised Carey’s performance as “extraordinary” and expressed satisfaction with the results.
Mariah Carey’s Contribution
Interestingly, Carey participated in the ceremony without financial compensation. Iascone mentioned, “We were really honored to have her with us.” Her rendition of the Italian song resonated strongly with the local audience in San Siro, enhancing the emotional impact of the ceremony.
- Approximate number of performers: 1,300
- Musicians contributing to the score: 500
- Total hours of rehearsal: 700+
Technical Considerations of the Ceremony
The organizing committee for the Milano Cortina 2026 Games emphasized the complexity of the opening ceremony. A spokesperson explained that some elements were pre-recorded to ensure precise timing and sound quality. This approach is deemed necessary due to the intricate coordination required among multiple performers.
Reactions to the Event
While some audience members booed U.S. Vice President JD Vance during the ceremony, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) chose to highlight the positive reception of the U.S. team. IOC spokesperson Mark Adams commented on the “very good chemistry” between Vance and IOC president Kirsty Coventry regarding future Olympic events, such as the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Security Concerns
In a troubling development, Italian police reported arson at railway infrastructure near Bologna on the opening day of the Games. This incident caused significant disruptions, delaying trains by up to two hours. Authorities described the fire as “presumably deliberate,” drawing parallels to similar sabotage during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Despite these challenges, Italy’s transport ministry affirmed that such acts would not tarnish the country’s image during this global event. The ministry, led by Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, remains committed to showcasing the Games positively on the world stage.
