Organizers of the Winter Olympics opening ceremony declined to dismiss speculation that U.S. pop superstar Mariah Carey lip-synced her performance during the show. Carey appeared on stage to sing the Italian classic “Nel Blu, Dipinto di Blu” by Domenico Modugno, followed by her own song “Nothing Is Impossible,” but viewers on social media quickly pointed out moments where her lip movements appeared out of sync with the music.
Asked directly whether Carey sang live, ceremony director Maria Laura Iascone confirmed that a pre-recorded track existed but stopped short of saying whether it was used during the performance. “For all ceremonies, to be safe, we always make recordings,” she said. “This is standard practice internationally for major broadcast events.”
Iascone stressed that Carey’s appearance was a success. “Yesterday’s performance was truly extraordinary,” she said. “It was fantastic for everyone, and we are all very satisfied with the result. The images speak for themselves — there was magic.”
She also confirmed that Carey was not paid to perform. “Mariah Carey was exceptional, as were all of our artists,” Iascone said. “She was not paid, as that was a condition of the opening ceremony. We were honored to have her with us. She gave us a joyful moment, and she even sang an Italian song, which deeply moved the people in the stadium.”
Separately, the International Olympic Committee downplayed boos aimed at U.S. Vice President JD Vance during the ceremony, choosing instead to highlight the warm reception given to Team USA. IOC spokesperson Mark Adams said there was “very good chemistry” between Vance and IOC president Kirsty Coventry during their discussions about the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
“With the next Games coming up in Los Angeles, we are very happy to see how engaged the U.S. administration is with the Olympics now and in the future,” Adams said, adding that Coventry welcomed the vice president’s enthusiasm and support.
Meanwhile, Italian police said Saturday they suspect arsonists targeted rail infrastructure near the northern city of Bologna, causing major travel disruptions on the first full day of the Games. A fire damaged a track switch and cut electrical cables used to monitor train speeds, leading to delays of up to two hours for high-speed, Intercity, and regional trains at one of Italy’s busiest rail hubs.
Police said the blaze was “presumably deliberate,” though no group has claimed responsibility. Italy’s transport ministry called it an act of “serious sabotage,” noting similarities to the opening day of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, when attacks on France’s high-speed rail network caused widespread travel chaos.
“These acts of unprecedented seriousness do not in any way damage Italy’s image around the world,” the ministry said in a statement. “The Games will only make that image stronger and more positive.”