Mariah Carey announced yesterday she’ll headline the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in Milan, Italy on February 6—as “All I Want for Christmas Is You” breaks Billboard records with 20 weeks at No. 1, flu forces 3 tour cancellations, and the 56-year-old becomes MusiCares Person of the Year earning $60M+ from one song alone.
Key Takeaways
- Olympics announcement: December 15, 2025—first international artist confirmed for Milan-Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremony
- Performance date: February 6, 2026 at San Siro Stadium, Milan (60,000 spectators)
- “All I Want for Christmas” hits record 20 weeks at No. 1—breaks all-time Billboard Hot 100 record
- Flu cancellations—forced to cancel Pittsburgh, Newark, and Belmont shows December 11-15
- MusiCares Person of the Year—honored January 30, 2026 (2 days before Grammys)
- $60M+ earnings from one song—”Christmas” generated over $60 million in royalties since 1994
- Theme: “Harmony”—ceremony emphasizes unity, Italian heritage, global artists
Table: Mariah Carey’s December 2025 Timeline
Breaking: Mariah Headlines 2026 Winter Olympics
Yesterday (December 15, 2025), the Milano Cortina 2026 organizing committee announced Mariah Carey as the first major international performer for the Opening Ceremony.
The 56-year-old singer posted an Instagram video in a vibrant red outfit announcing:
“Ciao! Get ready for Milano Cortina 2026. Join me at the Stadio San Siro on February 6 for the Olympic opening ceremony. Ci vediamo a Milano!”
Opening Ceremony Details:
- Date: February 6, 2026
- Venue: San Siro Stadium, Milan (soccer cathedral)
- Capacity: 60,000 live spectators
- Global audience: Millions worldwide on TV
- Theme: “Harmony” — unity, inclusion, cultural exchange
The organizing committee stated:
“Mariah Carey fully represents the emotional atmosphere that accompanies the run-up to the Games. Music is a universal language that attracts different stories and sensibilities, and intertwines with the opening ceremony’s theme of harmony.”
Mariah Carey follows Celine Dion and Lady Gaga, who delivered iconic performances at the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony.
2026 Winter Olympics: Milan-Cortina Fast Facts
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be the first Winter Games co-hosted by two cities more than 250 miles apart.
Olympic Schedule:
- Opening Ceremony: February 6, 2026 (Milan San Siro Stadium)
- Games run: February 6-22, 2026
- Closing Ceremony: February 22, 2026 (Arena di Verona)
- Paralympics: March 6-15, 2026
Host Cities & Venues:
- Milan — ice hockey, figure skating, short track, speed skating
- Cortina d’Ampezzo — alpine skiing (women), bobsleigh, luge, skeleton, curling
- Valtellina (Bormio, Livigno) — alpine skiing (men), freestyle, snowboard
- Val di Fiemme — cross-country, ski jumping, Nordic combined
- South Tyrol (Anterselva) — biathlon
Italy becomes the first country to co-host Winter Games across two main cities.
Record-Breaking Christmas: 20 Weeks at No. 1
On the same day as Mariah Carey Olympics announcement, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” hit 20 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100—breaking the all-time record.
Billboard Milestones:
- 20 weeks at No. 1 — all-time record (surpasses “Old Town Road” and “A Bar Song” at 19 weeks)
- 7th consecutive year hitting No. 1 (2019-2025)
- 50M+ copies sold worldwide
- 18x Platinum certification
- $60M+ in royalties since 1994 release
- $2M from Spotify alone
Released in 1994 on her album Merry Christmas, the song didn’t reach No. 1 until 2019—25 years later. Since then, it’s dominated every December.
The Flu Crisis: 3 Shows Canceled
Just days before Mariah Carey Olympics announcement, Carey was forced to cancel three Christmas Time tour shows due to flu.
Canceled Shows:
- December 11 — Pittsburgh, PA (PPG Paints Arena)
- December 13 — Newark, NJ (Prudential Center)
- December 15 — Belmont, NY (UBS Arena)
Carey posted on X (Twitter):
“Pittsburgh, I am sorry to say, I’ve come down with the flu. It breaks my heart that I unfortunately have to cancel tonight’s show. I love you all so much.”
“Newark and Belmont – I wish I had better news but unfortunately I’m still sick and have to cancel the shows tonight and on Sunday. I’m really devastated about it and appreciate your support. Love, MC.”
Tour Status:
- Final show: December 17 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center
- Tour dates: November 6 – December 17 (20 cities)
- Theme: 30th anniversary of Merry Christmas album
The cancellations came after a brawl broke out between fans during her St. Louis show while she performed “All I Want for Christmas”.
MusiCares Person of the Year: January 30, 2026
On October 21, 2025, MusiCares named Carey its 2026 Person of the Year—recognizing her philanthropy and musical legacy.
The Honor:
- Gala date: January 30, 2026 (LA Convention Center)
- 2 days before Grammys at Crypto.com Arena
- Recognition for: Contributions to underserved communities
Mariah Carey’s Philanthropy:
- Hurricane Katrina relief
- COVID-19 pandemic aid
- Camp Mariah (founded 1994) — supports disadvantaged youth, partners with Fresh Air Fund
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, stated:
“Mariah Carey is a genuine creative powerhouse and a once-in-a-generation talent. Her artistry and her voice have significantly influenced the sound of our era.”
In September 2025, MTV presented Carey with the Video Vanguard Award for her career achievements.
Olympic History: Not Her First Rodeo
This isn’t Mariah Carey’s first Olympic involvement.
In 2010, she released “100%” as a promotional song to raise funds for Team USA at the Vancouver Winter Olympics.
She’s also performed at major sporting events:
- Super Bowl XXXVI (2002) — sang “The Star-Spangled Banner”
- NBA All-Star Game (2003) — returned to spotlight
- U.S. Open Women’s Final (2020) — debuted “Save the Day”
What February 6 Means for Carey’s Legacy
Performing at the Olympics Opening Ceremony places Carey alongside Celine Dion (who made an emotional Paris 2024 comeback despite Stiff Person Syndrome) and Lady Gaga.
With 60,000 live spectators and millions watching globally, the February 6 performance will showcase Carey’s five-decade career to a new generation.
As the “Songbird Supreme” with 220 million albums sold, 5 Grammys, and Songwriters Hall of Fame induction, she embodies the ceremony’s “Harmony” theme.
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