Mariah Carey sparks outrage online after using teleprompter to phonetically perform Italian classic Volare during Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in Milan

Mariah Carey, the legendary singer known for her incredible vocal range, faced a wave of criticism after her performance at the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in Milan.

The 56-year-old diva was spotted using a teleprompter to phonetically read the Italian lyrics of Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu, famously known as Volare.

Video clips of Carey following the phonetic cues, such as “Ay-een-comb-een-chah-voh. Voh-lah-reh,” quickly spread across social media, sparking confusion and amusement.

Many viewers wondered why an Italian artist wasn’t chosen for a song so deeply tied to Italy’s cultural identity.

The Cultural Significance of Volare

Originally released by Domenico Modugno in 1958, Volare has become a symbol of Italian pride and joy.

The song celebrates the feeling of freedom and the uplifting sensation of flying, making it a staple of Italian music history.

Its lyrics carry a sense of imagination and bliss that resonates across generations, which is why some fans felt it should have been performed by someone with a stronger connection to Italian culture.

Fans online expressed frustration and disbelief over Carey’s approach to the performance.

Many felt that her use of a teleprompter and phonetic reading diminished the song’s authenticity, arguing that it lacked the emotional depth that an Italian singer might naturally bring.

Despite this, others sympathized with Carey, recognizing the difficulty of performing in a language that isn’t her own and acknowledging her effort to tackle a challenging piece of music.

Lip-Syncing Speculations

The performance also fueled speculation that Carey was lip-syncing.

When questioned about this, Maria Laura Iascone, the director of the ceremony, admitted that a prerecording existed but did not confirm whether it was used during the live performance.

She explained that prerecorded tracks are standard for large-scale international events, as they help ensure perfect timing and broadcast quality.

Despite these clarifications, social media commentary was scathing.

Viewers noted that Carey’s movements sometimes appeared out of sync with the sound, leading to widespread claims that she wasn’t performing live.

Critics described her as stiff and overly reliant on the teleprompter, while others expressed disappointment that the production team did not opt for a native Italian performer.

Public Reaction and Online Buzz

The internet wasted no time reacting.

Viewers shared a mix of confusion, criticism, and humor.

Some questioned why Carey, an American singer, was chosen for such a culturally significant Italian song, while others focused on the lip-syncing debate.

Even with the controversy, a portion of the audience defended Carey, acknowledging her unmatched vocal abilities and long-standing career.

The ceremony itself had additional distractions, including audible boos directed at U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who attended the event to watch Team USA enter the stadium.

These interruptions contributed to the overall scrutiny and public debate surrounding Carey’s performance.

Mariah’s Musical Background

It’s important to remember that Carey is a classically trained vocalist capable of extraordinary feats.

She has no Italian heritage, as her father is Irish and her mother is Afro-Venezuelan, but her training in opera and pop has earned her a reputation for impressive control and range.

Her inclusion in the Olympics, first announced in December, puzzled some fans because the connection between an American pop star and such a quintessentially Italian song seemed tenuous.

Nonetheless, Carey’s vocal skills remain unquestioned, and many argued that the backlash was more about perception and expectation than her actual talent.

What’s Next?

While social media debates continue, Carey’s performance is unlikely to have any lasting impact on her career.

The controversy does, however, raise questions about how international events select performers for culturally significant pieces and how audiences balance authenticity with star power.

Fans and critics alike will be watching closely in the coming years to see if future ceremonies prioritize performers with a deeper cultural connection to the music.

Summary

Mariah Carey’s Winter Olympics performance sparked widespread discussion after she used a teleprompter to read the Italian lyrics of Volare.

Social media speculated about lip-syncing and criticized the choice of a non-Italian performer for a beloved cultural song.

Ceremony officials explained that prerecordings are standard for large events, ensuring seamless timing and sound quality.

Despite the backlash, Carey’s extraordinary vocal ability and international star power remain intact, highlighting the challenges and expectations of performing iconic songs on a global stage.