Mariah Carey faces backlash after lip syncing claims during Italian song performance at 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony

Mariah Carey is facing strong criticism after her performance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. The American singer appeared on stage wearing a long white dress and sang the Italian song Volare.

But instead of praise, the performance quickly drew attention for the wrong reason. Many viewers felt she was not singing live and was lip-syncing during the show.The moment spread fast on social media. Viewers watching the ceremony live at San Siro Stadium and on television began pointing out that her lip movements did not match the sound. Some said her voice stayed perfect while her mouth lagged behind. Within minutes, posts questioning her effort started flooding X.

The backlash grew while she was still on stage, turning what was meant to be a grand Olympic moment into a talking point online.https://x.com/milox_viral/status/2019862610338795719?s=46&t=8ecFHACrCbRV63hISqBrAA Mariah Carey’s Olympic performance sparks instant social media reactionMariah Carey, now 55, performed early in the ceremony as Italy welcomed the world to the Winter Games. Her choice of an Italian song was meant to honor the host country. But many viewers felt the performance lacked energy and honesty.

Several clips shared online showed moments where her lips moved slower than the music playing through the speakers.People on X did not hold back. One user wrote, “I haven’t seen a worse lip sync performance than this in years.” Another post said, “Some of the most awful lip syncing by Mariah Carey. Come on Italy, you have your own singers.” A third viewer commented, “Witnessing Mariah Carey at the Olympics opening ceremony.

She looks stiff, lip syncing, and seems to be reading from a screen.”More posts followed as the performance continued. One user wrote, “Mariah Carey lip syncing looks very off.” Another added, “The worst part is that Mariah Carey is not even trying to hide the lip syncing.” One upset fan shared, “Mariah Carey is not even singing, and it shows.”The reaction stayed focused on effort, not talent. Many fans said they respect her long career but expected a live vocal moment on such a big stage. As of now, Carey has not responded publicly to the criticism. Olympic organizers have also not commented on whether the performance was meant to be live or pre-recorded. The conversation online remains active, with fans divided over whether lip-syncing belongs at an Olympic ceremony.