Classically trained tenor and Italian native Andrea Bocelli has been announced as the headlining artist for the opening ceremonies at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games in just a few short weeks.
Currently amidst a big tour, Bocelli will take time away from that tour for the opening ceremony performance.
American pop diva Mariah Carey is also scheduled to perform during the opening ceremonies.
Scheduled to be held at the San Siro soccer stadium in Milan, the opening ceremony will feature the parade of athletes and some spectacular entertainment.
While the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris included the surfing competition from Tahiti; the Milan Cortina Games are being billed as the most spread out Olympics in the history of the Games.
Along with the opening ceremony in Milan; the Games will include smaller opening ceremonies in three other venues, allowing athletes spread out across northern Italy to participate in the event. Opening ceremony events in Cortina – the Dolomite mountains, Livigno in the Alps, and Predazzo in Trento will be “beamed” to television audiences.
Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani died last September at the age of 91 and the opening ceremony will include a tribute to the Olympic uniform designer.
Italian actors Sabrina Impacciatore and Matilde De Angelis will also be a part of the opening ceremony.
The closing ceremony will be held February 22 at the ancient Roman Arena in Verona with ballet star Roberto Bolle will headline the event.