The opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics was instantly electrified by a surprise performance from Mariah Carey, but the moment quickly sparked a whirlwind of conversation – and questions.
Carey’s rendition of the beloved Italian classic “Volare” was a centerpiece of the sprawling, three-and-a-half-hour spectacle. The stadium erupted as the American icon embraced a song so deeply woven into the fabric of Italian culture.
While many hailed her performance as marvelous, praising her impressive vocal range, a wave of online commentary questioned the choice of a non-Italian artist for such a significant moment. The debate quickly intensified.
Adding fuel to the fire, viewers noticed a prominent teleprompter displaying a phonetic breakdown of the Italian lyrics, meticulously spelling out each syllable. Images of the scrolling text, shared widely online, became a focal point of the discussion.
The questions reached the International Olympic Committee and local organizers, who faced direct inquiries during their daily press conference. Reporters pressed for answers regarding the teleprompter and growing speculation about potential lip-syncing.
Carey’s background, born in New York to parents of Irish, Venezuelan, and African American heritage, further complicated the narrative. Despite not being Italian, organizers had actively sought her participation, promoting her performance for months.
Maria Laura Iascone, director of ceremonies, defended the choice, calling Carey’s performance “exceptional” and capable of creating a “magic moment.” She emphasized the impact of the performance, regardless of origin.
Carey herself revealed in a post-performance interview that “Volare” had long been a personal favorite, hinting at a genuine connection to the song. This offered a glimpse into her artistic motivation.
The ceremony did showcase celebrated Italian voices, including Andrea Bocelli, Laura Pausini, and Cecilia Bartoli, providing a balance of international and local talent. Their performances were met with enthusiastic acclaim.
As speculation about lip-syncing mounted, Iascone skillfully deflected direct questions, instead repeatedly praising Carey’s “extraordinary” talent. She acknowledged a standard practice of recording performances in advance for international broadcasts.
The visible teleprompter, displaying phonetic spellings like “Voh-lah-reh” for “Volare,” became a symbol of the evening’s complexities. It sparked both amusement and further scrutiny.
Iascone explained the teleprompter was a standard support for artists performing in a language other than their own, designed to assist with pronunciation. She framed it as a common practice within large-scale productions.
Despite the controversy, the crowd at San Siro stadium had responded with cheers and applause when Carey began singing in Italian, demonstrating a genuine appreciation for the gesture. The energy in the arena was palpable.
Carey then transitioned into her signature hit, “Nothing is Impossible,” captivating the audience with her powerful vocals and stage presence. The performance served as a triumphant moment, regardless of the preceding debate.
Ultimately, organizers maintained their satisfaction with the overall result, emphasizing the positive impact of Carey’s performance and dismissing concerns about financial compensation. The focus remained on the spectacle and the spirit of the Games.
