Mariah Carey took the stage at the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics held at the San Siro stadium. Dressed in a shimmering outfit that showcased shades of winter silver and white, she performed the classic Italian song "Nel blu, dipinto di blu," commonly known as "Volare," followed by her own song "Nothing Is Impossible" from her latest album. However, her performance was met with skepticism as viewers remarked on a perceived lack of passion.

The social media response was particularly heated, with many questioning Carey’s choice as a performer at an event celebrating Italian culture, citing her origin from New York. Posts on various platforms reflected a mix of disappointment and humor, as some users suggested that her participation might have lacked authenticity. There were even comments joking about Laura Pausini's role in making the ceremony more enjoyable following what was described as a "catastrophic playback" performance by Carey.

As the opening ceremony represents a significant moment in the Olympic tradition, Carey's performance raises questions about artist selection and the cultural representation at such global events. While Carey is an established global icon, the audience's preference for local talent at these ceremonies underlines the delicate balance between international appeal and cultural authenticity.