2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony Sparks Wave of Criticism Over “Jarring” Moments as Viewers Fixate on a World-Class Singer’s Lip Movements

A world-renowned singer’s appearance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics has ignited intense backlash online, after fans accused the performance of being lip-synced.

On the evening of February 6 (local time), the ceremony at San Siro Stadium featured superstar Mariah Carey, who took the stage in an elegant, all-white ensemble. UK outlet Daily Mail published a report highlighting the reaction from overseas viewers, with many questioning whether Carey was singing live—especially during the Italian-language portion of her set.

According to the report, social media quickly filled with comments describing the performance as “jarring” and “unconvincing.” Some users claimed it was the worst lip-syncing they had seen in years, while others questioned why international talent was chosen when Italy has plenty of acclaimed homegrown artists.

The article further suggested that the skepticism grew during Carey’s rendition of her well-known number “Volare.” While the staging appeared to present the performance as live, critics argued that the presentation didn’t match what they were hearing. Observers pointed to moments where Carey did not seem to physically “push” for higher notes, and alleged that her mouth movements occasionally lagged behind the audio in the stadium broadcast.

Online discussion intensified as viewers compared different ceremony performances. One commenter said they woke up early to catch the live atmosphere but felt disappointed if the segment was pre-recorded, adding that Andrea Bocelli’s live delivery of “Nessun Dorma” was a standout that instantly lifted the energy.

Another commenter shared a personal story from years ago, recalling attending one of Carey’s concerts during the height of her popularity. While they believed she sang live at the time, they described long stretches where she was offstage changing outfits, leaving supporting performers to carry the show—an experience that shaped their impression of her professionalism.

A third commenter drew comparisons with other recent Olympics ceremonies, noting that Paris had featured Lady Gaga and suggesting that host-country artists may be a stronger choice overall—both to represent national culture and to showcase the depth of local talent. They added that, in their view, Carey’s performance reflected a decline in professional rigor that they felt had been evident for years.

As the debate continues, the moment has become one of the most talked-about segments of the Milan–Cortina opening ceremony—less for the spectacle itself, and more for the questions it raised about authenticity on one of sport’s biggest global stages.