THE 2026 Winter Olympics kicked off in style on Friday night as Mariah Carey and Charlize Theron stole the show.
Milan Cortina ushered in the new with a spectacular event at the San Siro stadium featuring a giant cauldron of fire and some eye-catching performances.
The Winter Olympics kicked things off with a stunning opening ceremony in MilanCredit: AP
Mariah Carey stole the show in a stunning wine and silver gown with fur coatCredit: Getty
Actress Charlize Theron also made an appearance by giving a speech about peaceCredit: Getty
There was a belting rendition of Nessun Dorma from iconic Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli.
Meanwhile, pop superstar , 55, sung Italian classic Volare in the native language.
The American caught attention in a sparkly white and silver dress with a fur coat.
She later sung her own song Nothing Is Impossible.
And there were also performances from Italian music artists Cecilia Bartoli, Laura Pausini and Ghali.
Fans were treated to piano star Lang Lang, while there were some dazzling dance displays as the show paid tribute to ‘s heritage and culture.
Bizarrely, there were even performers dressed up like Italian coffee pots that got people talking.
And the appearance of actress was a surprise as she took to the stage to deliver “a message of peace by my beloved countryman Nelson Mandela”.
Artists and dancers were put on show during a spectacular event at the San SiroCredit: AP
Organisers paid tribute to Italy’s heritage and culture with a series of eye-catching displaysCredit: Getty
Some performers even dressed up like Italian coffee cups, which got fans talkingCredit: AFP
She went on to say: “Peace is not just the absence of conflict. Peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, class, caste, or any other social markers of difference.
“Today, this message seems more relevant than ever. So let these Games be more than just sport.
“Let them be a reminder of our common humanity, our respect for one another, and a resounding call for peace everywhere.”
Fans were certainly impressed by the magnificent show, as they took to social media to rave about it.
One wrote on X: “Tonight’s opening ceremony for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy has been wonderful, full of elegance, art, and culture!”
Another added: “Such a good Winter Olympics opening ceremony. Athletes being able to participate from different towns, comedy, music, space, Olympic flag bearer theme of people for the people. So good!”
And a third said: “Now this is how to do an opening ceremony!”
A fourth commented: “What an amazing Winter Olympics opening ceremony. From art to poetry and fashion. Beautiful watch.”
There was also a heartfelt speech from IOC president Kirsty Coventry, who urged athletes to embrace their humanity.
She said: “This is why we all love the Games. Because through you, we see the very best of ourselves.
“You remind us that we can be brave, that we can be kind, that we can get back up no matter how hard we fall.”
Fans raved about the display and said ‘that’s how you do an opening ceremony’Credit: Splash
Others hailed the performance for being ‘full of elegance, art, and culture’Credit: Getty
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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