Culture

Music, spectacle and surprise at the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony

A varied musical lineup, standout performances and unexpected moments marked the Milan–Cortina opening.

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Everyone performing at the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony: Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli, Ghali, and more (source: Entertainment Weekly)

The 2026 Winter Olympics officially opened on Feb. 6 with a ceremony in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo that combined athletic procession and live performance. Organizers and outlets highlighted a broad roster of artists for the night, with a program that placed music at the center of the spectacle — see the full performers list for the event.

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