The Ryder Cup is set to return on Friday – but not before the iconic opening ceremony. It will be held at Marco Simone's Fan Village Stage and will see the introduction of both teams and the first set pairings, as well as a performance from opera singer Carly Paoli.
Carly Paoli: A Rising Star
Carly Paoli is a 34-year-old opera singer who was born in Mansfield, England. With a voice that captivates audiences around the world, Paoli has become a rising star in the music industry.
A Controversial Performance
Prior to the Ryder Cup, Paoli found herself caught up in a football controversy. She performed God Save the King before England's first fixture since the death of Queen Elizabeth II. However, what made headlines was her surprising costume change during Italy's anthem.
The Costume Change
Wearing a red cloak, Paoli began her performance with the English national anthem. But when it was Italy's turn to sing their anthem, Paoli shocked the crowd by revealing a full Azzurri kit underneath.
This wasn't the first time Paoli had pulled off such a stunt. In 2021, she performed both anthems before Northern Ireland's clash against Italy. She surprised fans by donning a full Northern Ireland kit for her rendition of God Save the Queen.
A Celebration of Heritage
Paoli, described as an "English rose with Italian roots," holds a deep connection to both countries. Singing both national anthems at international football matches holds great significance for her.
Reflecting on her performance, Paoli stated, "Singing Inno di Mameli in front of a passionate Italian crowd will be simply wonderful and to have the honor of singing God Save the King for the first time in international football will make it a night I will never forget."
As the Ryder Cup kicks off this week, be sure to tune in to Carly Paoli's captivating performance during the opening ceremony. Her mesmerizing voice is sure to leave a lasting impression on the audience.
