Mariah Carey’s Dazzling Olympics Performance Sparks Lip-Syncing Debate and Teleprompter Mystery
By Staff Writer | February 7, 2026
MILAN, Italy – Pop icon Mariah Carey took center stage at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony on Friday, delivering a glittering performance that left audiences mesmerized but social media buzzing with controversy over possible lip-syncing and a conspicuous teleprompter.[1][2]
The Grammy-winning superstar, 56, stunned in a white sparkly gown adorned with a feather shawl and long voluminous waves in her hair, accessorized with Luma High Jewelry pieces valued at $15 million.[1] Under a single spotlight amid a kaleidoscope of colors at San Siro Stadium, Carey belted out an Italian rendition of Domenico Modugno’s 1950s classic “Nel blu, dipinto di blu” – better known as “Volare” – before transitioning into her 2025 hit “Nothing Is Impossible” from the album Here For It All.[2][3][4]
A Star-Powered Spectacle Amid Olympic Tradition
The performance marked one of the opening highlights after two large production numbers, setting the tone for the “Harmony”-themed ceremony celebrating co-host cities Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.[2] Carey’s appearance was teased beforehand in an Instagram video where she spoke Italian, saying, “Ciao. Get ready for Milano Cortina 2026.”[1]
Footage from NBC Sports captured the pop diva surrounded by vibrant visuals, her voice soaring through the stadium packed with spectators marking the official start of the games.[3][4] Access Hollywood described her as looking “fierce” and dazzling the crowd, while NBC Olympics hailed her as delivering a “stirring rendition.”[1][4]
Social Media Erupts: Lip-Sync Accusations and Cultural Questions
Despite the praise from broadcasters, online reactions were sharply divided. Social media users on X (formerly Twitter) quickly dubbed the set “disastrous,” accusing Carey of lip-syncing – a recurring critique of her high-profile live shows.[2]
” #Olympics2026 when was the last time Mariah Carey didn’t lip sync a performance. Doing it in Italian is a new twist,” one user wrote, adding, “But there is a lot of singers that could have given something much more authentic.”[2]
Others questioned the choice of an American artist for the Italian-hosted event. “Is Mariah Carey part Italian? I’m not sure why an American singer is there, unless, maybe she’s super popular in Italy?” one commenter pondered, contrasting it with past ceremonies like Great Britain’s featuring David Bowie and Annie Lennox.[2]
The debate intensified over a curious teleprompter visible during the performance, prompting speculation about whether Carey relied on it for lyrics – especially in Italian – fueling the lip-sync narrative.[2] Critics argued host countries typically spotlight local talent, amplifying the unusual booking.
Carey’s Olympic Legacy and Performance History
Carey, with 19 No. 1 hits and over 220 million records sold worldwide, has a storied history of Olympic performances. Her 2014 New Year’s Eve mishap, where audio issues exposed apparent lip-syncing, remains a flashpoint, echoed in Friday’s backlash.[2] Yet supporters pointed to her vocal prowess in clips, defending the spectacle as fitting for a global stage.
The 2026 Winter Olympics, running through February 22, feature 116 medal events across 19 days.[2] Carey’s slot underscored the event’s blend of international flair and athletic pomp, even as it reignited familiar debates about live performance authenticity in the age of elaborate productions.
Broader Context: Olympics Opening Ceremonies Evolve
Opening ceremonies have long mixed music superstars with national pride. From Beijing’s high-tech wonders to Paris’s Seine-side extravaganza, they’ve evolved into multimillion-dollar showcases. Milan’s “Harmony” theme highlighted the urban-rural duality of its host cities, with Carey’s set bridging cultures via an Italian standard.[2]
While some decried the non-local choice, Carey’s global appeal – including her teased Italian fluency – justified her inclusion, organizers implied through pre-event hype.[1] As the games unfold, her performance joins a lineage of memorable, if polarizing, musical moments.
What Happens Next?
No official response from Carey’s camp has addressed the lip-sync claims or teleprompter as of Saturday. With the Olympics underway, attention shifts to competitions, but the diva’s debut lingers as a talking point. Whether hailed as iconic or critiqued as inauthentic, it encapsulated the high-stakes drama of live global entertainment.[1][2][3]
This story will be updated as more details emerge.