Italy hosted a Winter Olympics like no other at the 2026 games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo with an opening ceremony that was as perplexing as it was fascinating - a true Italian feast for the eyes. Marco Balich's team drew inspiration from Roman mythology, 18th-century opera, Giorgio Armani, and even some film classics to create an evening of music and spectacle that defied expectations.
The tone was set by Andrea Bocelli belting out Verdi's Aida before Lang Lang came on stage with Cecilia Bartoli for a rendition of Puccini's La Boheme. It wasn't long before the event took a strange turn when Mariah Carey appeared on stage, singing an opera piece - though it seemed a tad tame by her usual standards, even if she did bring the house down with a breathtaking whistle note.
Meanwhile, Team America - or at least what's left of them - received a mixed reception. As for the rest, they were swept up in a whirlwind of music and spectacle that was equal parts baffling and captivating.
In between performances by the likes of Laura Pausini and Ghali, there were nods to Italian pop culture and history. But it wasn't just opera buffs who were treated to the evening's entertainment - Giorgio Armani even made an appearance in the form of some stunning couture that brought a touch of glamour to proceedings.
The athletes' parade took centre stage midway through, with everyone from figure skaters to speed skaters getting their moment in the spotlight. But then, things got back to normal with a dance history of the Olympics that showcased everything from traditional Russian folk dances to 1970s disco.
In the end, it was a night that left everyone feeling both perplexed and enchanted by the sheer spectacle on display. Was it confusing? Absolutely. But when you're watching Andrea Bocelli at his best or Mariah Carey unleashing her signature whistle notes, who needs clarity when there's music like this around to captivate your senses?
While some may struggle with light classical music or Italian pop - Laura Pausini has moved millions of albums in Italy without ever making it big here in the UK - for those willing to dip their toes into the unfamiliar waters, last night was truly unforgettable.
The tone was set by Andrea Bocelli belting out Verdi's Aida before Lang Lang came on stage with Cecilia Bartoli for a rendition of Puccini's La Boheme. It wasn't long before the event took a strange turn when Mariah Carey appeared on stage, singing an opera piece - though it seemed a tad tame by her usual standards, even if she did bring the house down with a breathtaking whistle note.
Meanwhile, Team America - or at least what's left of them - received a mixed reception. As for the rest, they were swept up in a whirlwind of music and spectacle that was equal parts baffling and captivating.
In between performances by the likes of Laura Pausini and Ghali, there were nods to Italian pop culture and history. But it wasn't just opera buffs who were treated to the evening's entertainment - Giorgio Armani even made an appearance in the form of some stunning couture that brought a touch of glamour to proceedings.
The athletes' parade took centre stage midway through, with everyone from figure skaters to speed skaters getting their moment in the spotlight. But then, things got back to normal with a dance history of the Olympics that showcased everything from traditional Russian folk dances to 1970s disco.
In the end, it was a night that left everyone feeling both perplexed and enchanted by the sheer spectacle on display. Was it confusing? Absolutely. But when you're watching Andrea Bocelli at his best or Mariah Carey unleashing her signature whistle notes, who needs clarity when there's music like this around to captivate your senses?
While some may struggle with light classical music or Italian pop - Laura Pausini has moved millions of albums in Italy without ever making it big here in the UK - for those willing to dip their toes into the unfamiliar waters, last night was truly unforgettable.
i mean... can you even put into words how wild that opening ceremony was? 
i'm still trying to process all the random references and guest stars. mariahs appearance seemed so out of left field lol 
but at the same time, it kinda worked? and the athlets' parade was just so heartwarming... it's like they took every cultural mishmash and mashed them into one epic night of entertainment 
but yeah, maybe not for everyone 
The opening ceremony had me super confused at first but then I got caught up in the whole weirdly wonderful vibe 
But for real though, that Andrea Bocelli performance was insane! His voice is like butter for your soul 
. And can we talk about the fashion? Giorgio Armani's looks were 
. The athletes' parade was so cool too - I loved seeing all those different countries represented on stage. Maybe it wasn't everyone's cup of tea, but I think that's what made it so interesting... a true reflection of Italy's unique culture 
.
. But what really got me was the athletes' parade - so many different cultures and sports all in one place 
. Maybe it wasn't everyone's cup of tea, but I think that's part of its charm 
. I mean, who needs clear programming when you've got Andrea Bocelli belting out Verdi? 
! I mean, who would've thought to get Mariah Carey on stage singing opera? 
! But seriously, I'm loving how they mixed and matched all these different styles - Roman mythology, 18th-century opera, film classics... it was like a mashup of everything awesome 
. And can we talk about Andrea Bocelli's vocals? 
he brought the house down for sure! 
The only thing I'm not totally on board with is Team America getting their own mini-movie 
, but overall, I'm just here for the spectacle and it delivered 
.
also, giorgio armani's couture section was EVERYTHING. 
It's not for everyone, but hey, when you're watching something as visually stunning as that opening ceremony, who cares about clear programming? Just roll with it and enjoy the ride, right?
. I think the weirdness of it all is what made it so captivating – we're not used to this kind of mix of music and culture on such a grand scale. I loved how they threw in some nods to Italian history and pop culture, too. All in all, it was an unforgettable night that had me on the edge of my seat 
.
i mean who expects mariah carey on stage singing opera lol but tbh she brought it!!! and andrea bocelli tho its a good thing he was there to calm ppl down when they got confused by the whole thing. and can we talk about the fashion?? giorgio armani is the real MVP. i get that classical music may not be everyone's cup of tea but like who needs clarity when u have ANDREA BOCELLI 
The Italians really know how to bring the drama, from Roman mythology to Giorgio Armani's fashion. It was like a mashup of everything they're famous for. 
. I mean, I'm no expert, but it seemed like they were trying to mix things up and pay homage to Italy's rich history and culture in a pretty creative way 
.
. And let's be real, when you're watching performances like that, clarity just isn't on your mind 
. The athletes' parade was also a highlight - I loved seeing all the different countries come together to celebrate their unique traditions and dances 
.
. And hey, who needs clarity when you've got music like that to get lost in? 
. And then Mariah Carey shows up out of nowhere? 
I've seen some wild things in my time online, but that was on another level. But you know what? It actually worked! The energy was electric and the music was infectious. I'm not gonna lie, it was a bit confusing at times, but when Andrea Bocelli started singing... man, that's just magic