Mariah Carey, the pop icon, is set to headline the opening ceremony of this year’s Winter Olympics, but many global viewers might not comprehend her performance.
The prestigious sporting event is just around the corner, commencing on February 6. The 56-year-old singer is scheduled to deliver a performance designed to resonate with millions at Italy’s San Siro Stadium, the iconic home of soccer clubs Inter Milan and AC Milan.
Carey will feature in an elaborate two-and-a-half-hour opening ceremony led by Emmy-winning Italian creative director Marco Bailich. The event will highlight Milan and Italy’s influence on global fashion and design.
In keeping with the Italian theme, Carey, originally from New York, has embraced a ‘courageous’ song choice, according to Bailich at a press event.
Bailich stated, “When we ask artists to come, especially musical artists, we don’t want them to come and promote their own songs or new albums.”
Having been involved in multiple Olympic ceremonies, Bailich emphasized that he prefers international artists to perform something relevant to the event.
Thus, Carey will be performing a song entirely in Italian, diverging from her usual English repertoire, with occasional Spanish tracks. As a result, many of the worldwide audience may not grasp the lyrics.
For the Italian spectators in the 76,000-capacity stadium or those viewing from home, Bailich envisions her performance as a source of national pride, serving as the ‘cherry on the cake’ for the evening.
The singer of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has committed to a song well-known to locals.
“I am very thankful for Mariah Carey,” Bailich said. “She enthusiastically embraced the fact of singing an entire song in Italian, which is not that easy.”
As preparations intensify for the ceremony, which will involve around 2000 volunteers across Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Italian Alps, Bailich has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of Carey’s set.
However, he mentioned it will be ‘a very well-known song’ that will evoke strong emotions among Italians. Carey is expected to deliver the performance with her renowned vocal prowess, aiming to sing ‘in a very, very courageous way.’
While this choice may seem bold, Carey has previously mentioned her familiarity with German and Italian operas through her mother’s practices at home. She shared on “Live With Kelly and Mark” that she often participated because she naturally picked up the languages.
In case she falters, there will be another performer at the event who will notice. Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, known for celebrating his country’s great musical arias, will also perform.
Despite Carey’s anticipated enchanting presence, Bailich reminded the press that the ‘real stars of the ceremony are athletes.’