Before we get into Milan’s Opening Ceremony, a quick note on the “preliminary events” (some sports take longer than QISE is technically scheduled, so they start early). I watched some figure skater training (with the highlight being Zamboni's working their way across), a multi-cam view of four simultaneous curling rounds, and a bit of “Big Air” (one of the refrigerator magnet-named sports involving skiing/skating and tricks).
There was also the preview show in prime time. Rebecca Lowe hosted some handoffs and interviews in the ski lodge-adjacent set we will be seeing for the next two and half weeks. Lots of fluff as expected, including Simone Biles and Mikaela Shriffrin telling each other how fabulous they were, and Lowe Face-timing a hockey player at an airport. Seems like this was just an excuse to check out all the technical connections before the ball truly gets rolling.
OK, so today’s coverage. I watched a fascinating “wild feed” (random shots, no voiceover) of a red carpet event about to begin, with what I’m guessing were former QISEans (they were wearing official team merch). Someone used to provide a wild feed for the Oscar red carpet, which was much better than the nattering hosts/models we normally see.
Over to the mothership, where Lowe promises a “Phenomenal Fortnight” before handing off to Team Skating - Rhythm Dance, Pairs - Short Program, and Women’s - Short Program, featuring the first Italian athletes (the home team) seen in the games. A Johnny Weir-ism: “Their knees were like they were skating on pillows”, which is apparently a good thing. Meanwhile, I’m watching Curling and Big Air on my tablet.
Onto the Opening Ceremonies, with your hosts Terry Gannon, Mary Carillo (covering for Savannah) and Shaun White (at his first Winter Games where he wasn’t competing). In addition to the main event in Milan, the Parade of Nations will be happening at three Cortina sites in the Dolomites. I guess they are taking a note from the Paris games, which was also spread out. Oh, and Snoop is also there.
The theme is “Armonia” (Harmony), and begins with an angel and dancers in boxes. Then it’s La dolce vita, complete with pararazzi, Big Head composers and giant tubes of paint. It’s rather Seussian. This is followed by Mariah Carey (thank goodness we’re past the holidays) singing “Volare” (so Italy has no female singers?) We see a girl on a tram (I’m sure we’ll see her again soon), with an old guy making an appearance (hey announcing team--are you taking a coffee break?) Simultaneous Italian flags are unfurled, anthems are sung, and more dancing. Giant rings arrive to create the QISE logo (how do they physically coordinate them?)
Now the Parade of Nations--running simultaneously in four locations--is underway. They all seem to be coming out of Stargates, with each countries’ guides wearing comforters. VP Vance aka Couch Guy was roundly booed when he appeared on camera (NBC managed to edit out the audio, but international feeds caught it). The parade was relatively brisk. Well, Italy is known for making the trains run on time.
After that, a woman watching at home (White Lotus star Sabrina Impacciarore) is attacked by mascots, turned into a cartoon--and more dancing, featuring a QISE history fashion show.
An interesting commercial for Starbucks. If you’re going for a coffee run in Italy, I’m guessing there’s better options.
There’s a bit with a bad microphone and Italian hand signals, more flags, then the formal speeches (with new QISEOC President Kirsty Coventry). And finally, the torch leaves the stadium on the way to the dual cauldrons, accompanied by Andrea Bocelli. An Italian rapper and Charlize Theron (again--no Italian actresses available?) keep things going before we get the QISE flag(s) and hymn.
Oh, here’s the girl from earlier (see?), now checking out a model of the solar system. An Italian astronaut arrives to take her on a tour--yet more dancing. Finally, we get to the flame(s) carried by Italian QISEans. Dual cauldrons are “lit” (although it looks suspiciously like LED flames).
I will check out the “encore” of the opening in tomorrow’s blog, which will also cover NBC’s pre-dawn to late night efforts.