Andrea Bocelli to perform at Olympics opening ceremony

Andrea Bocelli is to perform at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Milan.

The opera star will be among the famous faces taking to the stage to open the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games at the city's San Siro soccer stadium on February 6, 2026.

Previously announced performer Mariah Carey also features in the line-up.

"Maestro Andrea Bocelli, one of the most recognisable voices on the international artistic scene and a symbol of Italian excellence around the world, will perform at the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games on February 6, 2026," the organisers said in a statement.

"His performance will stand as one of the event's most iconic moments, combining artistic performance with the essence of Olympic values.

"Maestro Andrea Bocelli's presence will further strengthen and enhance the identity of the Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, contributing to a narrative that is both contemporary and internationally resonant.

"Inspired by the concept of Armonia that shapes the entire opening ceremony created and produced by Balich Wonder Studio, his performance will create a powerful and emotional moment, in which music becomes a shared language, echoing the athletes' journeys and stories."

Bocelli previously performed at the closing ceremony of the Turin Winter Olympics in Italy in 2006.

He will head to Milan for the big show during a break from his 2026 world tour before heading back to the US to continue his dates throughout February.

Carey previously confirmed her place in the line-up in a post on Instagram in which she wrote in Italian: "See you in Milan".

The 2026 opening ceremony will also feature actors including The White Lotus star Sabrina Impacciatore and Matilde De Angelis, who appeared in Netflix's show The Law According to Lydia Poet.

A special tribute to late fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who died in September at the age of 91, will also feature as he had previously designed the Italian Olympic teams' kits.

The closing ceremony will take place in Verona at the Roman Arena on February 22 with ballet star Roberto Bolle confirmed for a role in the huge production.