Italian star tenor Andrea Bocelli is set to take centre stage at next month’s opening ceremony of the Milan/Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics, marking a poignant return to the Olympic stage exactly 20 years after he sang at the closing ceremony of the Turin 2006 Games. The announcement was made on Sunday by Olympic organisers, who praised Bocelli as “one of the most recognisable voices on the international artistic scene and a symbol of Italian excellence around the world”.
The opening ceremony will be held on February 6 at Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium, transforming the legendary football venue into a global showcase of sport, culture and performance. Bocelli’s appearance is expected to be one of the ceremony’s emotional highlights, drawing on Italy’s rich musical heritage to set the tone for the Games. Organisers said that his performance will once again “express the spirit of the Games”, blending artistic expression with the core Olympic values of unity, excellence and inspiration.
Also confirmed to perform at the ceremony are American pop icon Mariah Carey and renowned Italian singer Laura Pausini, creating a diverse international lineup that reflects the global nature of the Olympics. Together, the artists are expected to deliver a memorable opening night watched by millions around the world.
Now 67, Bocelli has a long history of performing at major global sporting events. In addition to the Turin 2006 closing ceremony, he has sung at the opening of the Euro 2020 football tournament, a Uefa Champions League final and more recently at last month’s World Cup draw in Washington.
The Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics will run from February 6 to 22 and will be followed in March by the Paralympic Games, further extending Italy’s moment in the international sporting spotlight. — dpa
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
