Mariah Carey's Olympic Performance in Milan Draws Mixed Reactions
The opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics featured a standout moment with pop icon Mariah Carey performing the Italian classic Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu, widely known as Volare. This three-and-a-half-hour spectacle, which launched the Games, became a major talking point, but not without controversy.
Praise and Criticism for Carey's Rendition
Following the event, Carey expressed her excitement on Instagram, calling it a dream come true to perform in Italian at such a prestigious occasion. Many viewers praised her marvellous delivery and impressive high notes, hailing it as a showstopping highlight.
However, the performance also sparked significant debate online. Critics questioned why an Italian singer was not chosen for the honour, given the song's cultural significance. Additionally, concerns were raised about a large teleprompter visible during the show, which provided a phonetic breakdown of the Italian lyrics, and speculation emerged about whether Carey was lip-syncing.
Official Responses and Clarifications
During a daily news conference, reporters pressed the International Olympic Committee and local organisers on these issues. Maria Laura Iascone, the director of ceremonies for Milan Cortina, defended the performance, stating that Carey was exceptional and created a magic moment. She emphasised that the teleprompter was used to support artists singing in non-native languages, ensuring accurate pronunciation.
Iascone avoided directly confirming or denying the lip-syncing allegations, instead praising Carey as really extraordinary. She noted that for internationally broadcast events, performances are often pre-recorded as a safety measure. Carey was not paid for her appearance, according to Iascone, who expressed satisfaction with the overall result.
Cultural Context and Audience Reaction
Despite her non-Italian background—Carey was born in New York to an Irish American mother and a Black father with Venezuelan roots—the local organising committee had actively promoted her participation for months as a major coup for the Games. Carey later told Vogue that Volare has long been a favourite song of hers, though it remains unclear if she selected it for the ceremony.
The show also featured prominent Italian artists, including tenor Andrea Bocelli, singer-songwriter Laura Pausini, and mezzosoprano Cecilia Bartoli. While some online commentators described Carey as appearing stiff, especially while singing in Italian, the live audience at San Siro stadium responded enthusiastically, cheering and applauding when they realised she was performing in their local language. She further captivated the crowd with her own hit, Nothing is Impossible.
Social Media Impact and Ongoing Discussions
Posts of the scrolling teleprompter lyrics, shared by figures such as Italian Olympic gold medallist Gianmarco Tamberi, garnered hundreds of thousands of views online, fuelling the debate. The phonetic prompts, like Voh-lah-reh for Volare, highlighted the challenges of performing in a foreign language.
This incident underscores the complexities of global events blending international talent with local culture, sparking conversations about authenticity and support mechanisms in live performances.
