The upcoming Opening Ceremony for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics promises a spectacular showcase of talent, featuring renowned performers from around the world. Scheduled for February 6, 2026, at the historic San Siro Olympic Stadium, the event will be broadcast live on NBC starting at 2 p.m. Eastern time. The theme for this year’s ceremony is “Harmony,” emphasizing unity and the transcending of boundaries among diverse communities.
An audience of approximately 60,000 attendees is expected at the stadium, alongside a U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance. The ceremony will also attract millions of viewers globally, eager to witness the vibrant performances planned.
Notable Performers Set to Shine
Among the stars gracing the stage is American pop icon Mariah Carey, who gained international fame with her powerful vocals and impressive record sales. With over 200 million albums sold since her debut in 1990, this will mark her first performance at the Olympics. Carey previously sang the national anthem at the 2002 Super Bowl and the NBA All-Star Game in 2003.
Joining her will be Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, who returns to the Olympic stage after performing at the Closing Ceremony of the 2006 Turin Games. Bocelli has sold over 90 million records worldwide and has received five Grammy nominations.
Italian mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli will also perform. A celebrated artist with five Grammy Awards, Bartoli has made history as the first female director of the Opera de Monte-Carlo since her appointment in 2003.
Renowned Italian singer Laura Pausini, a Grammy winner and Golden Globe nominee, will add her unique sound to the ceremony. Since her breakthrough in the 1993 Sanremo Music Festival, she has sold more than 70 million albums globally.
Another highlight will be concert pianist Lang Lang, acclaimed for revitalizing classical music for contemporary audiences. With a Grammy nomination and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, he previously performed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, solidifying his status as a leading figure in classical music.
Emerging Talent and Diverse Genres
The lineup also includes Ghali, an Italian-Tunisian rapper known for blending Milanese slang with French and Arabic influences. With collaborations featuring international stars like Ed Sheeran and Måneskin, Ghali’s music resonates widely, exemplified by his popular single “Ninna Nanna,” which boasts over 133 million views on YouTube.
As anticipation builds for this remarkable event, the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics Opening Ceremony aims to present a celebration of art, culture, and international unity. With a blend of established stars and rising talent, the ceremony is poised to create a memorable experience for attendees and viewers alike.
