The Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony, held on February 6, 2026, in Milan, Italy, was marred by backlash against snowboarding icon Shaun White, who co-hosted NBC’s coverage. Viewers expressed their dissatisfaction with his self-referential commentary, overshadowing the event’s grandeur and the athletes it aimed to celebrate.
A Star-Studded Ceremony
The opening ceremony featured an impressive line-up of performances, including global sensations Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli, and was further enlivened by appearances from actress Sabrina Impacciatore and renowned pianist Lang Lang. Despite the high-profile entertainment, it was White’s commentary that became the focal point of criticism, as he frequently diverted attention to his own experiences in the sport and his travels.
“I was so thrilled to hear that Italy was taking on this Olympics, just because I had such an incredible time [in 2006] and I knew this would deliver on that magnitude,” White remarked during the broadcast, noting his prior Olympic experiences. However, viewers found his comments increasingly self-indulgent.
Viewer Backlash
The discontent among audiences quickly bubbled to the surface, particularly on social media platforms such as X and various forums. A popular post on the Olympics subreddit lampooned White’s focus on his personal anecdotes, with one user quipping, “What, are you saying you didn’t tune in to listen to all of Shaun White’s Best Memories?”
Critics on X were equally vocal, with one lamenting, “Why is the Olympics opening ceremony just Shaun White talking about his world travels?” Another user derisively noted, “Great athlete, not a great commentator,” as they voiced frustrations about the lack of attention given to the athletes and the spirit of the event itself.
Mariah Carey Under Fire Too
White wasn’t the only American under scrutiny during the ceremony. Mariah Carey’s performance also garnered negative feedback, with many accusing the Grammy-winning artist of lip-syncing. Dressed in a shimmering silver-and-white gown, Carey sang a rendition of the classic “Nel blu, dipinto di blu,” popularly known as “Volare,” before transitioning into her original song “Nothing Is Impossible.” Yet viewers questioned the choice of an American artist to headline an Italian event, with one social media user asking, “Is Mariah Carey part Italian?”
The Theme of Harmony
This year’s ceremony was themed “Harmony,” designed to highlight the collaboration between the two host cities—Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The Winter Olympics will continue until the closing ceremony on February 22, featuring a total of 116 medal events over the span of 19 days. Despite the criticism, the event remains a celebration of winter sports and international camaraderie.
Why it Matters
The backlash against Shaun White’s commentary and Mariah Carey’s performance underscores a critical conversation about representation and focus during such a prestigious global event. As the Winter Olympics aim to showcase athletic excellence and cultural unity, it is paramount that the coverage reflects these values rather than devolving into self-promotion. The criticisms serve as a reminder for broadcasters to prioritise the athletes and the spirit of the Games, ensuring that the event resonates with its audience on a deeper, more meaningful level.
