Winter Olympics 2026 live updates: Opening ceremony officially kicks off Milan Games

Milan hails itself as a design capital, and I have to say, the host country came up with a novel and beautiful design for the Olympic flame.

The cauldrons were inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, the Italian artist, architect, engineer, scientist and inventor.

The two cauldrons are now illuminated as the opening ceremony comes to an end.

And of course, there are also fireworks.

Torchbearer Sofia Goggia lights the Olympic cauldron at the Angelo Dibona Square in Cortina d'Ampezzo. Richard Heathcote / Getty Images

Italy's Alberto Tomba holds the Olympic torch under the cauldron in Milan. Julien De Rosa / AFP via Getty Images

Gerda Weissensteiner, the only Italian athlete to win Olympic medals in two sports, and Manuela Di Centa, a seven-time Olympic medalist in cross-country skiing, passed the Olympic torch to Enrico Fabrice, a three-time medalist in speedskating.

He went on to pass it to two-time medalist Sofia Goggia.

Now, it's made its way to Deborah Compagnoni, four-time Olympic medalist in Alpine skiing, and Alberto Tomba, five-time Olympic medalist in Alpine skiing.

The crowd at San Siro seemed game for festivities, but the excitement appeared cooled by an overall lack of athletes.

Several countries had few to no Olympians walk in Milan, a consequence of the widespread Games. Still, the crowd brought the noise for Italian celebrities and watched in awe at many of the theatrics.

A very unofficial survey of those in the stands suggested some people wished more athletes were in attendance in person.

At the very least, the jumbotron did a good job of highlighting the people walking out in different cities.

Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti (the first European woman to command the International Space Station) shows a young girl the wonders of the solar system, as dancers wearing rings (illuminated in neon in the center of the stage) circle around.

Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, bottom right, walks during the Olympic opening ceremony. Francisco Seco / AP

Bartoli and Lang Lang are classical icons.

The camera keeps panning to athletes in attendance, many who are snapping pictures and video from their cellphones.

Next up: the lighting of the cauldrons.

Cecelia Bartoli performs a song with Lang Lang playing a piano piece during the opening ceremony. Alexander Hassenstein / Getty Images

Cecilia Bartoli is now performing the Olympic anthem, accompanied by Chinese pianist Lang Lang, as the flag is gradually raised.

The Olympic flag was carried to the flagpole inside the stadium by eight people who represented the Olympic values. They included past Olympic champions, such as marathoner Eliud Kipchoge.

Petr David Josek / AP

Oscar-winning actor Charlize Theron followed up Ghali's performance with a “message of peace” from former South African President Nelson Mandela.

“Peace is not just the absence of conflict," Theron said. "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."

Sarah Stier / Getty Images

She added that the message seems "more relevant than ever" today.

“So let these Games be more than just sport," Theron said. "Let them be a reminder of our common humanity, our respect for one another, and a resounding call for peace everywhere.”

Bocelli is a tough act to follow, but Ghali was up for the challenge.

The artist, surrounded by dancers wearing shiny white-and-black two-piece suits, walked around the spiral-shaped stage performing a hymn. Among the lines recited: "We want peace."

The artist, who is known for political lyrics, climbed atop a pile of the dancers, before they formed a dove on the stage "continuing the theme of peace," NBC's announcers said.

Gabriel Bouys / AFP via Getty Images

Mariah Carey took to Instagram for a social media encore after performing at the opening ceremony. "Such a dream come true to perform (in Italian!) at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony," Carey wrote in an Instagram post caption.

"Thank you to everyone who made this happen, Nothing Is Impossible!" the singer wrote.

In a 63-day, 75,000-mile journey across 60 cities, 10,001 torchbearers carried the Olympic flame from Olympia to Rome. Clips of the flame’s journey played onscreen to the Olympics score before Bocelli graced the stage.

Torchbearers carry the Olympic torch for a symbolic relay during the opening ceremony. Wang Zhao / AFP via Getty Images

The legendary tenor, wearing a dark suit, appeared center stage, in between rows of violinists.

He is serenading everyone with a cover of "Nessun dorma," an aria from Puccini’s opera "Turandot."

This performance comes 20 years after the artist appeared at the 2006 Winter Games closing ceremony in Turin, Italy.

Alexander Nemonov / AFP via Getty Images

We’re entering the home stretch of the opening ceremony as a video montage of the torch relay is played. This Olympics is the first with two cauldrons. 

Sergio Mattarella, president of the Italian Republic, just announced the start of the Games.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella. Susana Vera / Pool via Getty Images

Kirsty Coventry is a seven-time Olympic medalist who represented Zimbabwe in swimming. She is speaking to the athletes as someone who has been in their position.

"Now, it's your turn, my fellow Olympians," she said. "Now it's your moment, it's your Games. We cannot wait to watch you, to cheer for you, to be inspired by you. To see your courage, your strength, to see the best of humanity shine before the world."

Watch Team USA make its grand entrance into the San Siro stadium.

Kirsty Coventry, president of the International Olympic Committee, took the stage for her first Olympics in the role.

“This is is your moment,” she told the athletes. “I know what it feels like, that mix of excitement and nerves. Your whole life of hard work, of early mornings, long days, sacrifices, setbacks. It all comes down to this.”

She encouraged them to “be proud of how far you have come.”

Sarah Stier / Getty Images

“Over the next two weeks, you’re going to give us something truly special. You’ll show us what it means to be human, to dream, to overcome, to respect one another, to care for each other,” she continued. “You’ll show us that strength isn’t just about winning. It’s about courage, empathy and heart.”

Coventry, a seven-time Olympic medalist from Zimbabwe, is the first-ever female president of the IOC.

Giovanni Malagò, president of the Italian Olympic Committee, emphasized unity amid a "divided" world during his speech.

The Olympians come from "different cultures, different countries," he said. "And yet, you are united by sport: a universal language. You are the Olympic family."

Alexander nEMONOV / AFP - Getty Images

He noted how Italy is making history with two Olympic cauldrons, which will be lit in Milan and Cortina, exemplifying coming together.

"This magical moment should be an immense source of national pride," he said. "For these Games have shown again how despite all the challenges we face, the culture and sporting interests of Italy and Europe can continue to resonate around the world."

Every opening and closing ceremony opens and closes with speeches from the local organizing committee and the IOC president.

Tonight marks the first time a female president of the IOC has opened an Olympics. This is Kirsty Coventry's first year in the role.

Giovanni Malago, president of Milano Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee, gives a speech during the opening ceremony.  Elsa / Getty Images

Actor Stanley Tucci shared behind-the-scenes content from the opening ceremony, showing himself sitting in the crowd.

"Hi, I can't show you this right now, but I'm at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Milan," Tucci said in the video. "I'm so excited, I can't believe it."

Tucci will be exploring Italian culture and cuisine as part of NBC's broadcast team throughout the Milan Cortina Winter Games.

On stage now: Brenda Lodigiani, an Italian actor/comedian who is making Italian gestures to try to explain to the audience what they mean.

That fun, high-energy performance by Sabrina Impacciatore was just what this building needed after a lengthy parade of nations that dulled the atmosphere a bit.

The performance continued into a flashy sequence, complete with colorful snowboards and neon lights.

Piero Cruciatti / AFP via Getty Images

Elsa / Getty Images

Her dance number was to Adriano Celentano's "Prisencolinensinainciusol," a famous song from 1972 that has lyrics in gibberish.

"The White Lotus" actor appeared in a video segment alongside the Olympics mascots: stoats named Milo and Tina.

Then she transformed into a cartoon version of herself, which was seen skiing and playing ice hockey.

Team Italy closed the parade of athletes with 195 competitors walking out to an upbeat version of "Figaro."

Flag bearers Arianna Fontana and Federico Pellegrino of Team Italy lead the team in the parade. Gregory Shamus / Getty Images

There were cheers when the U.S. delegation was first announced in Milan, but definitely some boos as well.

Vice President JD Vance is here. It appears some of the negative response from the audience came when he and wife, second lady Usha Vance, appeared briefly on screen. They stood and waved Italian flags.

Representing 32 states, the 232 athletes from the United States are sporting Ralph Lauren as they walk in the opening ceremony.

Matthias Hangst / Getty Images

There are 46 total athletes from Ukraine who are competing in the Games.

The group, carrying their flag with pride, received the biggest applause as they walked through the procession.

Five of the Ukrainian athletes in San Siro reveled in the noise.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this week that 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed fighting Russian troops during the four-year war.

Ukraine's flag bearer Yelyzaveta Sydorko and Ukraine's Kyrylo Marsak parade during the opening ceremony. Alexander Nemenov / AFP via Getty Images

French President Emmanuel Macron is missing Milan.

The politician posted to X today, saying in a post (translated from French to English) that he's nostalgic for the Winter Olympics.

He gave his best wishes to the French athletes attending.

Familiar faces such as Shaun White and Stanley Tucci graced the red carpet ahead of the beginning of the opening ceremony.

Frank Del Duca, Olympic bobsledder, spoke to Snoop Dogg ahead of his big moment leading Team USA in the parade of athletes.

"It's been amazing, Snoop, being here with Team USA, getting ready to lead everyone," Del Duca said.

The bobsledder highlighted his Italian heritage and what it means for him to be in Milan at the opening ceremony, saying that everyone in his family has an Italian surname.

Snoop Dogg then lead Team USA in a chant, during which the rapper ad-libbed "What?" and "Who?" between shouts of "USA!"

What do the VIPs at the Olympics do to wait out the long march of all the nations? Many retreat to warm lounges under the stands serving bites of tiramisu and tartelletta alla marmellata.

For some athletes, the Winter Olympics are a solo affair.

Fifteen nations at this year's Games only have a single athlete in Italy this year.

Among them: Malaysia, Malta, Nigeria, Eritrea and Pakistan.

Flag bearer Samuel Uduigowme Ikpefan of Team Nigeria. Maddie Meyer / Getty Images

In an interview with bobsledder Frank Del Duca, who is a flag bearer for Team USA, Snoop Dogg is asking important questions.

Like, "Where can I find the best spaghetti and meatballs?"

He asked Del Duca the question after the athlete explained his Italian roots.

Norway is a powerhouse at the Winter Olympics, with 406 total Winter Olympic medals and 148 gold medals — the most of any country. The country is represented by 80 athletes this year.

David Ramos / Getty Images

The iconic symbol of the Olympics, the five rings, made its entrance in spectacular fashion.

Mexico has the first mother-son duo to compete at the same Olympics.

The flag bearer, Sarah Schleper, is here with her 18-year-old son, Lasse Gaxiola.

Both will be competing Alpine skiing.

Mexico's flag bearer, Sarah Schleper, in Cortina d'Ampezzo.  Franck Fife / AFP via Getty Images

It seems the fans are as widespread as the athletes, as over halfway into the Milan ceremony there are still obvious patches of empty seats at San Siro.

Hearing the names of countries in a different language! In this case, in Italian. It never gets old.

Team USA athletes will be nice and cozy at the opening ceremony in long white wool coats and fair isle sweaters, complete with an American flag and the Olympic rings.

The U.S. men's hockey team documented their preparation in a TikTok video ahead of the opening ceremony, sporting their Ralph Lauren looks (which include beanies and knit socks).

Some athletes are showing off their Olympic uniforms on social media, sharing behind-the-scenes content of themselves unboxing their Olympic swag and getting ready for the parade of athletes.

Superstar Mariah Carey delivered a stirring rendition of “Nothing Is Impossible.”

Four athletes from Iran (two men and two women) walked during the ceremony, wearing the red, white and green of the flag.

The country is represented by Beyrami Baher Samaneh (cross-country skiing), Kiyadarbandsari Mohammad (Alpine skiing), Saveh Shemshaki Danyal (cross-country skiing) and Savehshemshaki Sadaf (Alpine skiing).

Their attendance at the Games comes as people in the country have cautiously returned to the streets after protests against the government were violently suppressed. The U.S. and Iran met earlier today in Oman to talk about a possible nuclear deal.

Franck Fife / AFP via Getty Images

At Wrigley Field, it’s not uncommon for someone to walk through the stands selling beer. At San Siro? At least one vendor was hawking Aperol spritzes.

A change-up from the puffer: Germany's athletes are wearing a cape/poncho? And they're black, with yellow and red (like Germany's flag).

Piero Cruciatti / AFP via Getty Images

It’s 45 degrees in Milan at 9:16 p.m. local time, which is warm enough that some people seated near me are wearing only fleece jackets. Others, like this author, need two layers of down puffer. What can I say, I live in Los Angeles!

The United Arab Emirates just took the stage. The country is making its first-ever appearance at the Winter Olympics.

One consequence of the widespread Games is that some countries, such as Ecuador and Chile, have had no athletes walk in the Milan opening ceremony.

Chile's flag bearer Matilde Schwencke. JAVIER SORIANO / AFP - Getty Images

FIFA President Gianni Infantino just pulled on a beanie while walking back up to his seat near me. He’ll be in charge of the next global sports spectacle this summer when the World Cup arrives in North America.

There was a hearty round of applause for Canada, which has had by far the most athletes in the Milan ceremony so far.

Athletes of Team Canada enter the stadium. Matthias Hangst / Getty Images

Snoop Dogg is having the best time at the Olympics. Wearing a chain bedazzled with the Olympics logo, the rapper talked to the Jamaican bobsled team while stationed in Cortina.

"I’m having a blast," he said before the ceremony began. "This is where all the athletes are walking. It’s going to be a party here all night long."

Many of the flag bearers appear to be dressed in long puffer jackets, often taking on their national colors and touting their countries’ names on the back.

Albania's flag bearer, Lara Colturi. Franck Fife / AFP - Getty Images

Perhaps it’s the lack of athletes or the frigid temps, but the crowd has been relatively subdued during the first few walkouts.

A celebrity appearance or Italy’s arrival could inject some more energy into the proceedings. 

In each of the four locations for the procession, those walking go through an Olympic ring.

Team Australia enters the stadium. Maddie Meyer / Getty Images

We love to see a DJ cameo.

Tonight's ceremony DJ was spotted on the Olympics feed behind a booth made of ice.

Because athletes are spread out among far-away locations between here and the mountains, organizers have come up with a solution.

A person walks onto the stage in San Siro holding the country’s name, but then the video boards cut to the athletes themselves walking in Cortina or other cities. It’s going very smoothly. 

As the parade of the athletes kicks off, Greece comes first, holding a plaque of ice. Five athletes are representing the country.

Flag bearer Nefeli Tita of Team Greece enters the stadium. Maddie Meyer / Getty Images

Blink and you probably missed it.

Rossi, an Italian sporting icon, was spotted in a video driving an old tram.

The Olympic Games later posted a screenshot of him to its X account.

The biggest applause of the Games so far came after the five circles floated into formation of the Olympic logo. 

Spectators loved that.

The announcer’s description of these Games as “widespread” earned some chuckles around me. That is putting it mildly in these extremely spread-out Olympics.

As two rings remained elevated above the stage, three more circles began floating in the sky toward them to ultimately form the Olympics symbol.

Fireworks then shot out of the rings.

Maja Hitij / Getty Images

Two performers suspended inside giant golden rings have floated into the ceremony. Olympic ring homage, anyone?

Piero Cruciatti / AFP via Getty Images

Italian actor Pierfrancesco Favino continued the ceremony with a recitation of “L’infinito,” a famous Italian poem by Giacomo Leopardi.

“This lonely hill was always dear to me, and this hedgerow, which cuts off the view of so much of the last horizon,” he began. “But sitting here and gazing, I can see beyond, in my mind’s eye, unending spaces.”

Grammy and Golden Globe award winner Laura Pausini brought her vocal power to the stage, performing the Italian national anthem, "Fratelli d'Italia."

Laura Pausini performs the Italian national anthem. Sarah Stier / Getty Images

For the first time, we’re seeing how this ceremony will integrate both the show here and another in Cortina. They cut to video of a flag-raising ceremony in Cortina as the national anthem is played here.

Carmen Mandato / Getty Images

The Italian forces who raised the flag are named Corazzieri, and they are a group of the Carabinieri (Army.

Models dressed in red, white and green — the colors of Italy — walked down the stage in single files, all wearing Giorgio Armani suits.

The legendary designer died in his Milan home last year.

"He’s synonymous with millionaires and fashion," the NBC hosts said. "He really helped put this city on the fashion map."

Vittoria Ceretti was among the models, carrying the flag to a member of the honor guard.

Vittoria Ceretti carries the Italian flag. Sarah Stier / Getty Images

Piero Cruciatti / AFP - Getty Images

Italian President Sergio Mattarella was just announced and shown on the video board.

He's standing alongside IOC President Kirsty Coventry, a former Olympic athlete, and the Vances.

As Vice President JD Vance was shown on the video board, there was no audible reaction within the stadium.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella waves to the crowd. Matthew Stockman / Getty Images

Team Mongolia stole the show at this year's Olympic Games Winter Fashion Showcase with their official uniforms.

The Mongolian athletes wore blue cashmere robes, called deel, trimmed with red and yellow silk and embroidered with horns. The designs were intended to represent the traditional "warrior spirit" of Mongolians, according to Ariunaa Byambakhuu, chief executive of official costume designer Goyol Cashmere.

Mongolia's Ariunbat Altanzul and Ariuntungalag Enkhbayar present their outfits during the Olympic Games Winter Fashion Showcase in Milan on Wednesday.  Xue Yuge / Pool via AFP - Getty Images

"The design is inspired by the traditional Mongolian deel garment that was commonly worn during the 13th and 15th centuries, when Mongolians were at the height of their powers," Byambakhuu told Reuters.

Dancers in the Italian flag colors of green, white and red appear to be next up, as they are now gathering just offstage. This could draw a huge applause. 

After Carey, the three dancers (dressed as Puccini, Rossini and Verdi) returned to the stage to do a little dance number to a more electric, disco beat.

Maja Hitij / Getty Images

Dressed in a glittering white gown and fluffy cape, Carey appeared under the spotlight to roaring cheers.

She sang Domenico Modugno’s “Nel blu, dipinto di blu,” known as “Volare,” written by Domenico Modugno and Johnny Dorelli.

\ Sarah Stier / Getty Images

Perhaps the biggest ovation of the opening ceremony so far was for Mariah Carey, who drew some oohs and aahs from the crowd with her dramatic entrance.

And four people are holding her dress en route to the stage. 

Color flooded the stage as dancers performed to the tune of “William Tell Overture” composed by Gioacchino Rossini.

As the NBC hosts put it, the sequence is an "unorthodox, chaotic approach, but it all comes together into something beautiful."

Alexander Hassenstein / Getty Images

Ashley Landis / AP

Dean Mouhtaropoulos / Getty Images

An actor in a black strapless gown flocked by paparazzi emerged during the opening ceremony, paying tribute to the iconic film "La Dolce Vita."

Then, as three art paintbrushes (blue, red and yellow) came down from the sky, a slew of dancers, dressed in the colors of rainbow (blue, red, yellow, green and more) flooded the spiral-shaped stage.

Gabriel Bouys / AFP - Getty Images

Performers dressed as angels danced in a glittering spiral circle.

Sarah Stier / Getty Images

The sequence was inspired by Milan's La Scala opera house and by "the sculptures of Antonio Canova, including Cupid and Psyche," according to the NBC hosts.

Antonin Thuillier / AFP - Getty Images

The onscreen Milan Cortina countdown showcased vistas of the Italian Alps and risotto before dancers dressed as angels began their opening sequence.

The countdown highlighted Italian culture from its cities to the mountains.

NBC hosts Mary Carillo and Terry Gannon took a moment ahead of the opening ceremony to acknowledge “TODAY” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.

Guthrie had been scheduled to co-host the opening ceremony but remained at home as authorities continue to search for her mother, Nancy Guthrie, 84, in Arizona.

"She is dearly missed by everybody here," Gannon said. "We send our love and our prayers and our positive energy to Savannah tonight."

Heads began to turn inside the lower bowl as Vice President JD Vance took his seat in a box suite alongside IOC and political leaders.

Sarah Stier / Getty Images

Just about 10,000 torchbearers carried the Olympic flame in a 63-day, 75,000-mile journey across 60 cities from Olympia to Rome.

This year’s torchbearers included the likes of Jackie Chan and Snoop Dogg, as well as Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams (stars of the wildly popular ice hockey drama “Heated Rivalry”).

The trek also included Olympic gold medalists Eileen Gu, Jasmine Paolini, Myriam Sylla and Gianmarco Tamberi.

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White is covering this year's opening ceremony from the broadcast booth, and he has some mixed emotions about this being the first Winter Games where he's not competing.

"I gotta admit being here, I am enjoying all the festivities. All that passion with the Olympics but none of that pressure to compete," White said.

The Peacock feed of the opening ceremony featured a special video from Swift thanking the athletes and wishing them luck on the Games.

"Getting to know your stories and see everything you've sacrificed, all your determination and hard work and passion ... it's just really inspiring," the music superstar said in the message. "I am grateful for everything you've done to get this point in your lives, and grateful you've brought us all along with you on this journey. ... I hope you have a wonderful Olympic Games."

The United States sent the largest group of athletes to the Milan Cortina Games, competing with 235 athletes, according to the Olympics website. It’s also the largest U.S. roster for the Winter Olympics in history.

Canada sent the second largest contingent of athletes at 211 Olympians.

Fifteen countries and Puerto Rico sent just one athlete to this year’s Games.

Though there’s no set schedule for today’s opening ceremony, the flow of events will follow protocol outlined in the Olympic Charter. Here’s what audiences can expect, according to the International Olympic Committee:

1. Entrance of head of state and IOC president
2. Playing of the national anthem
3. The parade of the athletes
4. The symbolic release of doves
5. Olympic Laurel award
6. Official speeches
7. Opening of the Games
8. Raising the Olympic flag and playing the Olympic anthem
9. Athletes, judges and coaches’ oath
10. Lighting of the Olympic flame

Pita Taufatofua will be braving the cold again this year.

The Tongan flagbearer, who went viral during the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, will be back to carry his country’s flag at the Milan Cortina Games. This will be the fourth time Taufatofua carries Tonga’s flag. The athlete has competed in both the Winter Olympics and Summer Olympics in three different events: cross-country skiing, taekwondo and canoeing.

"What a wild ride......" he wrote in an Instagram post, with a screenshot of news that he'd be at tonight's ceremony.

The theme of this year’s opening ceremony is harmony (armonia, in Italian), meant to "offer a message of harmony, beauty and peace that can speak to everyone," according to Marco Balich, creative lead of the opening ceremony.

It's a theme symbolized by the Olympic cauldrons in Milan and Cortina.

“Because there are two cities, Milan and Cortina, city and mountain, the harmony between man and nature, between cultures, people and different ways of thinking," Balich said at an event in San Siro stadium, "it is very meaningful and beautiful."

Harmony is also found in the world of sport, the Olympics website states, whether “in the movements of an alpine skier navigating the narrow gates in a slalom, or in a ski jumper seeking the perfect position to fly as far as possible.”

Business executives and dignitaries are beginning to arrive in a section of San Siro directly in front of the action.

Among the VIPS? Actor Stanley Tucci, who is at the Games as part of a delegation from the 2034 Winter Olympics, which will be held in Utah, clustered around Salt Lake City and Park City. 

Tucci is no stranger to this year's host country. The star helmed shows "Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy" and "Tucci in Italy," in which he explored the country and its culture.

Thirty minutes from the start of the opening ceremony in Milan, and San Siro stadium still has plenty of empty seats.

The lower bowl is especially taking its time to fill up. Security was extra tight entering the venue, however, and the stadium itself is a bit of a labyrinth. 

Watch NBC News’ Claudio Lavanga give a preview of tonight's event.

What to expect from the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics

04:25

For the first time ever, the Olympic Winter Games will be spread across multiple cities. Hosted jointly by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, this year’s venues are scattered across the two cities as well as other locations in northern Italy.

That means this year’s games will have another first: two Olympic cauldrons — one at the Arco della Pace in Milan and another in Piazza Dibona in Cortina — so audiences can expect to see two flag-raising ceremonies and two cauldron lightings.

“We are charting a new course,” Olympic and Paralympic Ceremonies Director Maria Laura Iascone said. “As Italians, we are innovators of a new spirit of Ceremonies. We will tell the world what we can do, our ability to create beauty and excitement.”

Get ready for Mariah Carey to belt her infamous high notes tonight. The queen of Christmas is set to perform in Italian at the opening ceremony.

Italian opera legend Andrea Bocelli is also expected to perform Puccini's "Nessun Dorma."

Ghali, an Italian Tunisian rapper, will perform in Italian, French and English.

Other celebrities who will take the stage include: Italian actor Pierfrancesco Favino, known for his roles in "World War Z" and "Angels & Demons"; "The White Lotus" Emmy nominee Sabrina Impacciatore; pop star Laura Pausini; and Chinese pianist Lang Lang.

“We will tell a story of armonia [harmony] and enchant the world with an extraordinary event that will go down in history," Favino wrote in an Instagram post.

Lang also posted from the opening ceremony venue on X, writing he's "pleased" to be in Milan and "getting ready to perform."

The head of the International Olympic Committee is hoping fans are on their best behavior tonight as they cheer on athletes from around the world.

“I hope that the opening ceremony is seen by everyone ⁠as an opportunity ‍to be respectful of each other,” IOC President Kirsty Coventry told reporters on Wednesday.

Her comment came ahead of U.S. Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance's arrival in Milan for the Games. They are expected to lead a U.S. delegation tonight, according to The Associated Press, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta.

NBC will broadcast the ceremony live, with streaming on Peacock and NBCOlympics.com.

The NBC News team will be live blogging throughout. But in case you're extremely offline this afternoon, an encore will air at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

Today, American Alpine ski racer Lindsey Vonn successfully completed her first downhill training run after rupturing her ACL last week — and her coach Aksel Lund Svindal is feeling hopeful.

"She’s unbelievable," Svindal said. "So I really think that she can do this."

Svindal said that Vonn excelled at turns, a skill the coach called her "superpower," but made some mistakes on the last part of the course. "But you know, that stuff we can fix on race day, but if the knee wasn’t working, that we couldn’t fix, so I think we should be very happy," he said.

It is unclear whether Vonn will complete another training run before the downhill on Sunday. "In general, more training is better, but we have to balance it against what the knee looks like," Svindal said.

Lindsey Vonn during a training run today. Julian Finney / Getty Images

Hector Vivas / Getty Images

A composite of more than 40 images from a fixed position shows competitors in the men’s snowboard big air qualification yesterday in Livigno, Italy.

Freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy wrote “f--- ice” in the snow yesterday, ahead of his fourth Olympic run.

Kenworthy shared his anti-ICE statement in an icy photo on Instagram framed by his skis. The caption urged Americans to call their senators and shared a sample script. "You can call your Senator at (202) 224-3121 to speak up against ICE and put pressure on them during the current DHS funding negotiations," the post read.

Ahead of the opening ceremony, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the nearly four years of Russia's war have taken a hard toll on Ukrainian athletes, some of whom have either died on the battlefield or had their lives turned upside down by the fighting.

“For the Ukrainian athletes, these competitions have a special meaning,” Sybiha said in a post on X. “They have been preparing for them under the harsh conditions of Russia’s full-scale war, strikes on energy, and damaged infrastructure,” he added, referring to the energy crisis created by Russian strikes on the country’s power grid last month, leaving millions of people without electricity or heat.

More than 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed in the war, Sybiha said, and more than 800 sports facilities have been destroyed by the fighting, including 20 Olympic, Paralympic and Deaflympic training centers.

Pianist Lang Lang spoke to NBC News ahead of his performance at the Winter Olympic Games opening ceremony in Milan.

Pianist Lang Lang opens up about performing at the Olympics opening ceremony

02:05

Honorary coach Snoop Dogg cheered on the undefeated Team USA curling team today before taking to the ice. The rap legend added a curling broom to his red, white and blue ensemble to try the sport out himself.

After a tense ending to today's mixed doubles match against Estonia, Italy pulled out a 7-4 win — and the crowd went wild.

Fans waved Italian flags and cheered for the home team's win. This victory bumps Italy's curling team up to fourth place, right behind Canada.

Today's curling victory for the United States against Czechia marked Team USA's fourth match and fourth win in mixed doubles curling.

Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin won via concession during today's round-robin session.

Watch every goal from the first day of the women’s Olympic hockey tournament when Sweden defeated Germany, Italy beat France for a first Olympic win and the U.S. bested Czechia. Hayley Scamurra scored 2 goals in the win.

Spaniard Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate’s Minions-themed short program is a go.

Guarino Sabate confirmed in an Instagram post today that he will be able to skate the program in Milan after a copyright issue, just days before the Olympics, with the music he has used all season, a medley from the animated film “Minions.” Guarino Sabate’s ordeal made headlines, garnering international attention.

“It has not been an easy process,” Guarino Sabate said, thanking supporters for keeping him optimistic. “Right now, my only goal is to give my very best on the ice and deliver a program worthy of the affection I have received from people all around the world,” he added.

Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate competes at the European Figure Skating Championships in January. Yuan Tian / NurPhoto via Getty Images file

The Spanish Ice Sports Federation said in a statement that the four musical pieces included in the program have been authorized for use by the respective rights holders.

Guarino Sabate is scheduled to compete in his signature yellow T-shirt and blue overalls Tuesday.

In case you missed Lindsey Vonn's much-anticipated first training run at the Olympics since rupturing her ACL one week ago, here is how it looked.

At a couple of different points, Vonn seemed to be trying to take pressure off her injured left knee by taking turns wide. But otherwise, she came through unscathed.

Kaori Sakamoto, the final competitor on the day, scored a 78.88 to take first place in the women's short program portion of the teams event.

Liu, 20, scored a 74.90 for second place. She is the reigning world champion in women’s singles. She made her Olympic debut at age 16 in Beijing, when she was the youngest athlete on the U.S. Olympic team.

Alysa Liu competes today. Matthew Stockman / Getty Images

U.S. medal hopeful Alysa Liu just scored a 74.90, the top score so far today. The crowd went wild in a very smooth routine. Only one competitor, Kaori Sakamoto, is left.

Canadian skater Madeline Schizas had to restart her program after what appeared to be an issue with the soundtrack for her short program as she competed in the team's event.

Schizas went to have a great skate despite the mishap, earning a sore of 64.97. She is currently second in the rankings.

Madeline Schizas competes today. Matthew Stockman / Getty Images

The U.S. mixed doubles curling team of Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin spoke to reporters after their win over Canada today about the victory and their thoughts on seeing Snoop Dogg in the stands cheering them on.

Vice President JD Vance talked about the Olympics in his bilateral meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

“You guys have done an amazing job with the Olympic Games. The city looks beautiful,” Vance said, adding that he and the second lady had been discussing going to Milan “pretty much since I became vice president.”

“So in the spirit of the Olympic friendship, competition — competition based on rules — and just coming together around shared values, we’re very, very thrilled to be here, and we'll have a great conversation about a number of topics,” Vance said. 

Vice President JD Vance speaks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni today. Kevin Lamarque / AFP - Getty Images

American pair Danny O’Shea and Ellie Kam finished their short program in the teams event with a score of 66.59, fifth overall. Kam fell after being thrown high into the air by O’Shea but they said they aren't worried moving forward in competition.

“I think compared to some other teams here, we’re still relatively new and still working out some of the things,” Kam said. “Sometimes we get it right and it’s solid and no question. But today, it was a little bit off on timing. There’s always some little things that go with it — timing, nerves or different patterns — but we’re definitely working through it. We have a couple more outings here on the ice, so we hope to get it right by the end. And I think it’s good.”

Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea compete today. Fabrizio Carabelli - PA Images / PA Images via Getty Images

It was a major doubt that three-time medal winner Lindsey Vonn would take part at all, but the American star took part in a training session on the slopes this morning.

Vonn had to wait for her chance to get some practice, with the course shut down for more than an hour due to low visibility.

When the training resumed, Vonn finished her practice run 0.4 seconds off the pace, with a time of 1:40.33, but looked comfortable navigating the turns and was smiling afterward.

Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, the final skaters of the session, just posted an 82.84 for first place in the event. Georgia and Italy are second and third, respectively.

American pair Danny O'Shea and Ellie Kam are in fifth.

After a fog delay, Lindsey Vonn will finally take to the slopes in her training session in Cortina. It's her first Olympic practice run after a crash in which she ruptured her ACL.

The U.S. team of Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin stayed perfect in Cortina with a win over unbeaten Canada on Day 3 of mixed doubles curling competition.

Italian pair Sara Conti and Niccolo Macii are now in first place in qualifying after an amazing routine that scored them a 76.65. The local crowd went crazy on every landed move on the ice and their coach was visibly emotional when it completed. 

America’s Danny O’Shea and Ellie Kam are now in third.

Sara Conti and Niccolo Macii compete today. Matthew Stockman / Getty Images

American skiing star Lindsey Vonn shared a photo ahead of her training session for the downhill event this afternoon, which has been delayed by foggy conditions.

"Nothing makes me happier! No one would have believed I would be here," Vonn wrote next to the picture. She tore her ACL and sustained other injuries in a crash just days before the Olympics, but has vowed to fight back and race in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

"I’m here, I’m smiling and no matter what, I know how lucky I am. I’m not going to waste this chance," she added.

As Vonn and other American skiers waited for the fog to lift from the slopes, they engaged in some line dancing to stay warm.

Team France’s Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron laid down a powerful Madonna-inspired rhythm dance in the Olympic figure skating team event rhythm dance segment. They placed behind the USA’s Chock and Bates.

Americans Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea just competed in pair skating and posted a score of 66.59. Despite one fall after Kam stumbled after being thrown high into the air, they are in second place behind Canadians Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud.

Kam and O’Shea are making their Olympic debuts.

Ellie Kam and partner Danny O'Shea compete today. Matthew Stockman / Getty Images

Vance has departed the ice dancing event and is now headed back downtown for the meeting with the Italian prime minister. 

Vice President JD Vance with his family at the ice skating arena today. Antonin Thuillier / AFP via Getty Images

The Vance family was shown on the NBC Olympics feed around 5:09 am ET. Mirabel, 4, was sitting in her mom’s lap, wearing a red coat. Vance was seated next to his aunt and uncle. They were there to see Americans Madison Chock and Evan Bates skate into first place in the team event. 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also spotted sitting near the Vances.

Pope Leo on Friday sent best wishes to the athletes preparing to compete at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics and reiterated his call for world leaders to use the Games to promote peace efforts and de-escalate the world’s violent conflicts.

In a letter, Leo recalled the ancient Greek tradition of the Olympic truce when wars would be halted during the Games.

“I wholeheartedly encourage all nations to rediscover and respect this instrument of hope,” he said. “One must never forget that aggression, violence and war are always a defeat for humanity.”

Madison Chock and Evan Bates, the American pair who won gold in 2022, took first place in the early ice dancing session today with a score of 91.06.

"We definitely skated great, and we’re very happy, as you saw when we finished," Bates said. "I think we both felt the excitement of just getting these Olympics underway. You never know what to expect with the score. There was even a little delay (because) they said it in Italian. We were looking for the score, and once we saw it, we were thrilled. I mean, to break 90 is always a great feat, and to do it at the Olympic Games is even better."

Chock echoed her partner's sentiments.

"I think it sets Team USA up great for the rest of the week," she said. "We’re really happy to have been able to put out that performance for them and put Team USA in first place right now."

The pair said they were not attending the Opening Ceremonies to stay ready for the rest of the competition.

"We need to be mindful of our energy, and that’s what we’ve been doing," Bates said.

Mist causing low visibility stopped training in the women's downhill skiing training session this morning, delaying Team USA's Lindsey Vonn's return to the slopes after suffering an ACL injury that threatened to keep her out of these Games altogether.

The delay has lasted for more than 20 minutes now and a live video feed of the event overheard the waiting athletes discussing the merits of zucchini bread, among other things.

We're through three pairs in the second session of qualifying for pairs skating and here's the leaderboard so far:

1. China's Wenjing Sui and Cong Han with a score of 65.37.
2. France’s Pavel and Camille Kovalev with 63.72
3. Poland's Michal Wizniak and Ioulia Chtchetinina have 60.20.

China's Wenjing Sui and partner Cong Han compete in the pair skating - short program at Milano Ice Skating Arena today. Joosep Martinson / Getty Images

Three-time gold Olympic medal winner Lindsey Vonn is listed to start downhill ski training today, ahead of competing at the games despite sustaining an ACL injury in a recent crash.

Lindsey Vonn before the second official training for the women's downhill event, at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre today. Stefano Rellandini / AFP via Getty Images

Vonn this week vowed she would compete in the Games but admitted there were risks involved.

“I know what my chances were before the crash and I know my chances aren’t the same as it stands today,” she said. “But I know there’s still a chance, and as long as there’s a chance, I will try.”

The U.S. defeated its neighbor from the north in mixed doubles curling this morning, beating Canada 7-5. A power play in the seventh end was fruitful for the Americans, who won that end 3-0. The U.S. is now 3-0 in round robin play, with a match against Czechia later today.

Korey Dropkin of Team USA celebrates victory following the mixed doubles curling round robin match against Canada today. Richard Heathcote / Getty Images

Amber Glenn had just skated off the ice when she screamed.

Waiting in a cooldown area after a run at this month’s U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Glenn reacted in disbelief after she saw her score of 83.05 flash on a monitor. The score was a U.S. championship record for the women’s short program, and it would help her, two days later, become the first U.S. woman in 21 years to win a third consecutive U.S. championship.

The victory clinched Glenn a spot on her first Olympic team and created an opportunity at the Winter Olympics to become the first U.S. woman to medal in singles at an Olympics since 2006.

Amber Glenn at the 2026 United States Figure Skating Championships in St Louis, on Jan. 9. Matthew Stockman / Getty Images

Earlier in her career, Glenn lost confidence that such success would ever materialize. She went so far as to step away from the sport, citing her mental health.

It is no coincidence, she believes, that the high point of her career has overlapped with her best years personally, too, since she came out publicly as bisexual and pansexual in 2019. Glenn will become the first out woman to figure skate at an Olympics, according to Outsports, a website that has tracked LGBTQ athletes since 1999.

Read the full story here.

In the rhythm dance section of the ice dancing team event, U.S. stars Madison Chock and Evan Bates just performed what appeared to be a very strong run, and they were rewarded by judges.

Madison Chock and partner Evan Bates of Team USA during the Games today. Matthew Stockman / Getty Images

Their score of 91.06 is the best run of the day by far, well ahead of another team of medal favorites from France, Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Fournier Beaudry, who scored 89.98.

Rapper Snoop Dogg is in Cortina for the curling showdown between the U.S. and Canada. He does not appear to be sipping on any gin and juice at the moment.

Snoop Dogg watches the Curling Mixed Doubles Round Robin match between Team USA and Team Canada today. Richard Heathcote / Getty Images

With three reigning world champions, the U.S. figure skating team is primed for Olympic gold. Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir break down what makes Ilia Malinin, aka the “Quad God,” and his teammates so exceptional.

The three-time reigning world champion team of Madison Chock and Evan Bates is part of a second wave of five skaters now warming up on the ice before they compete for the first time.

Chock and Bates were welcomed by the loudest ovation of any competitors.

Flanked by a phalanx of security personnel, Vice President JD Vance, second lady Usha Vance and their children have now arrived at the arena to watch this morning's ice dancing competition.

Their arrival caused less of a commotion than at yesterday's U.S. women's hockey game in part because this arena is so much larger.

Hello from the first day of rhythm dancing here in south Milan, where Vice President JD Vance, second lady Usha Vance and their children will attend a mixed ice rhythm dancing competition. Why this competition? U.S. stars Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who are medal favorites and three-time reigning world champions, will compete later this morning.

Madison Chock and Evan Bates of Team USA. Matthew Stockman / Getty Images

The Vances are joined once again by twins Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Monique Lamoureux-Morando, who are also part of the U.S. delegation. The 2018 gold medal winners attended the USA Women's hockey game with the Vances yesterday.

Hiroto Ogiwara (178.50) and Kira Kimura (173.25) of Japan went 1-3, while host nation Italy’s Ian Matteoli (174.50) placed 2nd in qualifying for men’s snowboard big air.

Competition has already kicked off on the snow and ice at the Milan Cortina Olympics. The U.S. women’s hockey team easily won its first game, while the first qualifying event was held in snowboarding.

01:28

Today is a big day, with the beginning of figure skating, more curling and women’s hockey — and of course the opening ceremony!

Here’s the full schedule (all times Eastern): 

• 3:55 a.m.: Figure skating: Team event women’s short, rhythm dance, pairs short
• 4:05 a.m.: Mixed doubles curling round-robin (Sweden-Britain, Italy-Switzerland, USA-Canada)
• 6:10 a.m.: Women’s hockey pool play (France-Japan)
• 8:35 a.m.: Mixed doubles curling round-robin (Czechia-USA, Estonia-Italy, South Korea-Britain, Sweden-Norway)
• 8:40 a.m.: Women’s hockey pool play (Czechia-Switzerland)
• 2 p.m.: Opening ceremony

The countdown to the official start of the Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina has begun, with the cauldron lighting one day away. NBC News’ previews what to expect from the opening ceremony and reports on the progress of the competitions so far.

04:04

The event will mainly take place at Milan’s historic San Siro stadium, but athlete processions will also be taking place at competition venues in Predazzo, Livigno and Cortina d’Ampezzo.