Mariah Carey Hits 'Note So High' At Olympics That It 'Scared A Dog'

Mariah Carey helped kick off the 2026 Winter Olympics in unforgettable fashion. The pop icon took the stage during the Opening Ceremony in Milan, delivering a show-stopping performance of the classic 1950s Italian song “Nel blu, dipinto di blu," better known worldwide for its soaring “Volare” refrain, inside San Siro Stadium. The moment brought together old-world Italian tradition with Mariah Carey's global pop star power, perfectly setting the tone for the Milano-Cortina Games’ celebration of both city and mountain life, a theme organizers said was central to the ceremony.

Carey’s performance paid homage to one of Italy’s most beloved songs, originally made famous by Domenico Modugno in 1958. As the orchestra swelled and the chorus hit its iconic “Volare, oh oh,” the crowd inside San Siro erupted, while viewers at home flooded social media with reactions.

One fan wrote that Mariah Carey “destroyed the stage,” while another joked that she “walked so Mozart could run.” Others were mesmerized by her look, with one viral post reading, “Oh, they got Mariah Carey out here in a GOWNNNNN. Divas take notes.”

There was also an internet debate, with some viewers questioning whether the vocals were prerecorded, while others pushed back hard, pointing to Carey’s unmistakable high notes, including one fan who claimed that she “hit a note so high it scared my dog.”

Carey was dressed in a sparkling, form-fitting white and silver gown, heavily embellished with crystal beading arranged in intricate, symmetrical patterns that shimmered under the stadium lights. The dress featured a deep sweetheart neckline, accentuating the bodice while maintaining a classic, old-Hollywood feel.

Adding to the drama, Carey paired the gown with luxurious white feathered accents draped around her arms, giving the look a soft, ethereal movement as she sang. The overall look blended vintage glamour with modern spectacle, perfectly fitting for a performance of “Volare."

For those unaware, the choice of “Volare," a song about flight, freedom, and joy, felt especially fitting for an Olympic opening, symbolizing unity, hope, and the shared experience of nations coming together.

The ceremony also paid tribute to Italy’s rich musical heritage with a vibrant ode to opera, centered on Gioachino Rossini and his instantly recognizable “William Tell Overture.” The colorful sequence brought the music to life with sweeping visuals and theatrical movement, celebrating one of the most iconic compositions in classical history.

That reverence for Italian opera carried on as performers appeared dressed as legendary composers Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini, honoring the masters who helped define Italy’s cultural identity. The moment served as a reminder that, alongside sport, music and art remain at the heart of the Olympic story in Italy.

This year’s Opening Ceremony unfolded inside San Siro Stadium, a nearly century-old landmark and the oldest stadium in Italy, adding a sense of history to an already grand night. While the main show took place inside the iconic venue, officials have long emphasized that the Milano-Cortina Games are designed to extend far beyond a single location.

In keeping with that vision, celebrations stretch across multiple host sites, with additional events and satellite ceremonies held in alpine destinations like Livigno and Predazzo, reflecting the Games’ unique blend of urban energy and mountain tradition.

Athletes from more than 90 countries took part in the parade of nations, underscoring the Olympics’ international spirit. The lineup carried special meaning, with the United States marching third to last ahead of hosting the 2034 Games, France following as the 2030 host, and Italy bringing the procession to a close as the current host nation.

And with that, the 2026 Winter Olympics are officially underway!