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The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, officially kicked off on February 6th with a vibrant opening ceremony at the San Siro Stadium. While the event showcased the athleticism and spirit of the Games, it also provided a memorable moment – and a bit of amusement – thanks to music icon Mariah Carey. The ceremony, broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock and NBCOlympics.com, featured nearly 3,000 athletes and a performance by Carey, quickly becoming a talking point for viewers worldwide.
The opening ceremony wasn’t without its lighthearted moments. Carey’s pronunciation of “Milan” during a segment of the show drew attention, with some observing that she appeared to be reading a phonetic pronunciation – “Voh-Lahr-reh” – from a teleprompter. Videos quickly circulated online, sparking discussion and great-natured ribbing. Despite the playful reaction to the pronunciation, Olympic organizers swiftly defended the singer, emphasizing the celebratory nature of the event and Carey’s contribution to the spectacle.
A Star-Studded Start to the Games
Mariah Carey wasn’t the only highlight of the opening ceremony. The event featured a parade of athletes representing nations from around the globe, setting the stage for the competitions to reach. The ceremony is expected to last around three hours, with an encore presentation airing on NBC later that evening. Live coverage began at 2 p.m. ET, preceded by a pre-show starting at 1:40 p.m. ET and was also available for streaming on Peacock, NBCOlympics.com, NBC.com, and the NBC Sports app.
The opening ceremony also saw Team Canada led into the stadium by flag bearers Marielle Thompson and Mikaël Kingsbury, as reported by The Star. The event was described as a “stylish spectacle” and a showcase of Italian fashion and design.
Marco Odermatt’s Anticipated Performance
Beyond the opening ceremony fanfare, anticipation is building for the athletic competitions themselves. Swiss skier Marco Odermatt is a key athlete to watch, with expectations high for his performance in the upcoming events. The focus on Odermatt reflects the broader excitement surrounding the 2026 Winter Olympics and the potential for record-breaking achievements.
The Games are already delivering compelling moments. As reported by bluewin.ch, several athletes have already made headlines, including a dramatic moment for a Swiss skier who lost a ski during a jump. The Australian favorite Scotty James also faced a setback in the halfpipe, ultimately securing a silver medal.
A Global Celebration of Winter Sports
The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics promise to be a celebration of athletic excellence and international camaraderie. With events spanning a wide range of winter sports, the Games are attracting athletes and spectators from around the world. The opening ceremony, despite the minor pronunciation quirk, successfully set a festive tone for the competitions ahead.
As the Games progress, viewers can expect a wealth of live coverage and streaming options through NBC and Peacock. The NBC Olympics team is providing live blogs with updates, insights, and highlights throughout the event. The full schedule of events, including TV listings, is available on the NBC Olympics schedule page.
The 2026 Winter Olympics are now underway, and all eyes are on Milan and Cortina as athletes compete for glory. The coming days will undoubtedly bring thrilling moments, inspiring stories, and a continued celebration of the Olympic spirit.
What are your initial impressions of the opening ceremony? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow Olympic enthusiasts!