Pop superstar Mariah Carey is facing a wave of criticism after her performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan sparked widespread accusations of lip-syncing from viewers around the world.
The American singer performed the Italian classic "Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu" — better known as "Volare" — in front of 60,000 people at Milan's San Siro Stadium during the 3½-hour Olympic spectacle. But what was supposed to be a showstopping highlight quickly became the center of controversy.
Social media erupted with angry reactions from viewers who questioned the authenticity of Carey's performance. "AWKWARD BLUNDER BBC viewers' fury as Mariah Carey is accused of lip-syncing as she opens the Winter Olympics 2026 in Milan," posted @HISteveWilliams on Twitter, capturing the sentiment of thousands of frustrated fans.
Teleprompter Mystery Adds to Controversy
Adding fuel to the fire, sharp-eyed viewers noticed what appeared to be a teleprompter during Carey's performance, raising even more questions about the authenticity of the much-hyped Olympic moment. The sight of the teleprompter has left many wondering whether the entire performance was pre-recorded.
@JenniferRR59855 tweeted about the widespread fan reactions: "Fans react to Mariah Carey's lipsync performance at Winter Olympics opening," highlighting how the controversy dominated social media discussions throughout the evening.
"This is supposed to be one of the world's most prestigious sporting events, and we're getting what appears to be a fake performance? Give us authenticity, not Hollywood theatrics."
The backlash represents a broader frustration among viewers who expect genuine artistry at major international events. While lip-syncing isn't uncommon at large outdoor venues due to technical challenges, the Olympic stage demands nothing less than authentic excellence.
As the controversy continues to swirl, one has to wonder: In an age where authenticity matters more than ever, why are major events still relying on what appears to be pre-recorded performances? Don't the athletes and fans deserve better than Hollywood smoke and mirrors?