Bocelli sings at the Olympic opening ceremony

Italian star tenor Andrea Bocelli will perform at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.

11 January 2026

From: dpa

Bocelli is "one of the world's most renowned voices in the international art scene and a symbol of Italian excellence worldwide," the organizers stated just under a month before the grand opening. The Winter Games will officially open on February 6.

The Olympic organizers stated that the performance by the 67-year-old Italian was an opportunity to "tell the story of the Winter Games through our Italian musical heritage, which is known and appreciated worldwide." Bocelli last performed in an Olympic context at the closing ceremony of the 2006 Winter Games in Turin.

The organizers are relying on a lineup of prominent guests for the opening show. US singer Mariah Carey has already been announced. She was the first big name to be revealed for the opening show. Just over a week ago, singer Laura Pausini was announced as the first top Italian star. Pausini's performance is said to "authentically embody the concept of harmony, the central element of the opening ceremony."