Grammy-winning singer Mariah Carey delivered a show-stopping performance at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games at San Siro Stadium.Dressed in an all-white sparkling gown paired with a flowing feather boa, Carey took to the stage and captivated the audience as she opened her performance with Italian classic Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu) by Domenico Modugno.She later transitioned into her 2025 song Nothing Is Impossible, showcasing her signature high notes as dancers performed around a spiral-shaped stage.Ahead of the ceremony, Carey had spoken about the preparations involved for the performance. “I can’t believe it. I have to sing in Italian,” she said during an appearance on The Big Tigger Morning Show last month.The performance marked one of the major musical highlights of the Olympic opening ceremony, which also featured several global stars and cultural tributes celebrating Italy’s heritage.Carey’s appearance at the Olympics comes shortly after she was honoured with MusiCares’ Person of the Year award on January 31, recognising her contributions to music and philanthropy.Charlize delivers message of peaceActress Charlize Theron made a surprise appearance at the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan, delivering a message of hope inspired by Nelson Mandela.The 50-year-old, appearing in her capacity as a United Nations peace ambassador, addressed the crowd at San Siro Stadium, emphasizing the importance of peace beyond the absence of conflict.”Athletes, spectators from every corner of the world, this is a message of peace by my beloved countryman Nelson Mandela,” Theron said. “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.She added, “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.” Theron appeared near a symbolic dove on stage, reflecting Olympic Games tradition. The Games have used dove symbols instead of live birds since 1992.In November 2025, UN Member States adopted the Olympic Truce Resolution for the 2026 Games, ensuring safe passage for athletes and officials while promoting a culture of peace.Taylor Swift shares surprise messageSinger-songwriter Taylor Swift shared a surprise video message wishing Team USA athletes at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina.The video message, shared by the Jattvibe Olympics social media account, featured the 36-year-old artist addressing Olympic athletes and thanking them for their dedication and sacrifices.”Hi, it’s Taylor,” Swift said in the clip. “I just wanted to send a message to all the athletes that are competing in the Olympics. I just wanted to say thank you.” She continued, “Getting to learn your stories and see everything that you’ve sacrificed and all your determination and hard work and passion and everything to that’s gotten you to this point where you’re so excellent at something, it’s just really inspiring, and I am very grateful for everything you’ve done to get to this point in your life and grateful that you’ve brought us all along with you on this journey so we get to watch you do this.””I just hope that you a wonderful Olympic Games,” she said. “Wishing you all the best of luck and a safe journey, and I hope this is an experience that you will cherish for the rest of your life. Bye!”Swift’s message coincided with the release of the music video for her latest single, Opalite, from her 2025 album, The Life of a Showgirl. The video features appearances by Domhnall Gleeson, Jodie Turner-Smith, Greta Lee, Lewis Capaldi, Cillian Murphy and Graham Norton.Explaining how the idea came together, Swift shared a message on social. “I remember thinking I got ridiculously lucky with the group I was paired with,” she wrote. “All people whose work I’ve admired from afar. When we were all talking during the broadcast, Domhnall made a light hearted joke about wanting to be in one of my music videos. He’s Irish! He was joking!” “Except,” she added, “that in that moment during the interview, I was instantly struck with an idea.”Swift elaborated further, saying, “I had this thought that it would be wild if all of our fellow guests on the Graham Norton show that night, including Graham himself, could be a part of it too. Like a school group project but for adults, and it isn’t mandatory.” “To my delight, everyone from the show made the effort to time travel back to the 90s with us and help with this video,” she said, adding, “I had more fun than I ever imagined. Made new friends, metaphors, and fashion choices. It was an absolute thrill to create this story and these characters.”