For Mariah Carey, Performing at the 2026 Winter Olympics Could Only Mean One Thing: Full-Tilt Italian Glam

On Friday night, the 2026 Olympic Winter Games got off to a thrilling start with the official opening ceremony, featuring the likes of Andrea Bocelli, Charlize Theron, Sabrina Impacciatore, and Mariah Carey.

For Carey—who sang a swoon-worthy medley of the classic ballad “Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu)” and her own song “Nothing Is Impossible,” from her recent album Here for it All, for the crowd at Milan’s San Siro stadium—the opportunity “genuinely felt like a dream come true,” she told Vogue shortly after performing. “It’s one of the largest and most anticipated global events, and being part of a moment that brings the world together like that is a great honor.”

Breaking down her set, Carey explained that “Volare” has long been a favorite song of hers. “Rearranging it and learning to sing it in Italian was definitely a challenge, but it felt important to honor the host country in a meaningful way,” she said. “I also chose my song ‘Nothing Is Impossible’ because its message is hopeful and uplifting, which felt perfectly aligned with the spirit of the Olympic Games and what they represent.”

Given the grand occasion, Carey’s styling was no less carefully considered. In an homage to the Games’ northern Italian setting, she went all-in on Italian glamour for the night, donning a custom Roberto Cavalli dress designed by Fausto Puglisi. “Working with Fausto and the team at Roberto Cavalli was such a pleasure—they truly put their hearts and souls into creating a beautiful couture dress, and I felt the love,” Carey said.

Her white bustier satin gown, featuring a fitted silhouette and mermaid train, was embroidered with Swarovski embellishments and finished with an ostrich feather stole. “I wanted the look to encapsulate all the elements I love in design and couture—a beautiful shape, a dress that would be visually impactful in such a large venue, and the kind of refinement that reflects Italian design,” said Carey. “And of course, there had to be glamour.” High jewelry pieces by Levuma completed the look.

Photo: Kristofer Buckle

Photo: Kristofer Buckle