Let the games The Paris Olympics kicked off with a bang on Friday, July 26, with an opening ceremony along the River Seine. Athletes from around the world represented their countries, and artists drew on the history of French pop culture with astonishing levels of creativity—from Lady Gaga’s take on a cabaret icon to Les Misérables, which was turned into a rock opera backed by multiple figures of a headless Marie Antoinette.
Even in the pouring rain, performers bowed in full in a stunning opening ceremony scene as the torch made its way to its final destination. Here are some of the best and craziest moments from the opening ceremony.
Celine Dion returns to the stage with a stunning look – On the Eiffel Tower
Canadian icon Celine Dion returned to the stage during the opening ceremony with a performance of Edith Piaf's hit song “Hymne à L'amour.” Dion stood proud as she sang the song under the light of the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower.
The musician was unable to perform for nearly two years. In late 2022, she revealed she had been diagnosed with stiff person syndrome. The rare neurological condition can cause stiffness in the body and limbs, as well as debilitating spasms, and also affects Dion’s vocal cords. But the singer was vocal about her confidence that she would continue to sing no matter what obstacles came her way. In Paris, her strength was on full display.
The Trio, Les Misérables, Rock Opera, Headless Marie Antoinette: An Ode to the French Revolution
Thomas Joly, the artistic director of the opening and closing ceremonies, wanted to lean heavily on French clichés and stereotypes, which meant highlighting beheadings, triads, and faceless torchbearers, bringing a chaotic energy to historic sites like Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre. Freedom Part of the opening ceremony began with the first bell tolling at Notre Dame Cathedral since a fire destroyed parts of the cathedral five years ago.
The band, dressed as Marie Antoinette without a head and holding her head, turned the opening ceremony into a confusing zone. They performed the revolutionary song “Ah Cha Ira” with the heavy metal band that returned, turning the ceremony into a full-fledged rock opera.
Other scenes highlighted “A La Volonté du Peuple” or “Do You Hear the People Singing” from Les Misérables, performed by the Théâtre du Châtelet. This segment was intended to represent the political and personal liberation that Paris was experiencing. From platforms and balconies on the side of an old building, artists dazzled with fireworks displays.
lady gaga In tribute to the French cabaret icon Zizi Jeanmaire
Lady Gaga is a master of exaggerated performances with style. As the opening act, the singer delved into French pop culture history with a tribute set to cabaret icon Zizi Jean-Marie. Gaga’s performance was inspired by the singer, dancer and actress’s 1965 stage debut. The Ed Sullivan Show, She performed “Mon Truc En Plumes” with feather dances. Gaga moved in sync with her dancers, ascending and descending a golden staircase while pink feather balls bounced around her. She performed the song entirely in French, exploiting the jazz performance style she knows and performs so well.
Aya Nakamura Shines with gold
French-Malian singer-songwriter Aya Nakamura embodied the confidence and expertise of an Olympic gold medalist during her dazzling performance. The pop star was backed by the French Republican Guard Orchestra in a medley of songs including “Bouquet,” “Djada,” “For Me Formidable” and Charles Aznavour’s “La Bohème.” Nakamura was joined by 36 singers from the French army choir, but her full-body gold ensemble made her the center of attention during the thrilling race. She performed on the Pont des Arts bridge that connects the Institut de France to the Louvre.
Pharrell Williams Styles Rapper Remik In Louis Vuitton
French-Algerian artist Rimek took to the stage at the opening ceremony with a stylish display of hip-hop music and fashion. The rapper and producer performed in a red and black Louis Vuitton ensemble, designed by Pharrell Williams – the luxury brand’s menswear creative director.
Pharrell himself played a role in the torch relay ahead of the opening ceremony. The musician carried the Olympic flame to the top of the Basilica of Saint-Denis earlier in the day. When he got there, he placed it in a Louis Vuitton box. Snapshots of the brand’s iconic style were featured throughout the ceremony. During part of the opening ceremony, a crew of breakdancers used the giant Louis Vuitton boxes as part of their chaotic set.
Coco Gauff makes Olympic history by carrying US flag alongside LeBron James
Basketball legend LeBron James and tennis star Coco Gauff were voted flag bearers by their fellow U.S. athletes. The duo rode on the River Seine alongside other participants representing the United States at the Games. With Gauff in the role, she became the first-ever female tennis player to carry the flag and the youngest in U.S. Olympic history at age 20. “It means a lot to me to be here and represent Team USA and to be with the GOAT here, Mr. LeBron James. It means a lot,” Gauff shared from the boat. “I’m so excited, and I can’t wait to do well at the Games.”
“It’s an honor, for sure,” LeBron added. “This goes back to my hometown, my communities, all of our communities. For me and Coco, to be able to represent our country — we’re also black kids — to represent our culture, to represent where we come from, it gives everyone a lot of hope where we come from, and that’s all we can ask for. We take it with the utmost responsibility and honor.”
John Lennon and Yoko Ono's 'Imagine' Soundtrack Calls for Peace
John Lennon and Yoko Ono's “Imagine” was the album's favorite soundtrack. Obscurity A scene from the opening ceremony. The classic recording was performed by singer Juliette Armand with Sophie Bamart on piano as flames burned around them. From a floating platform on the Seine, the duo addressed the theme of peace at the center of the segment. Toward the end of the set, the words “We all stand for peace” flashed across the screen. Shortly after the song ended, LED lights illuminated a dove on a bridge across the river.
Snoop Dogg Meet Simone Biles' Family
Snoop Dogg played a key role in the 2024 Summer Olympics as the Olympic torchbearer through the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis. After completing his torchbearing duties, he signed on as a special correspondent for NBC’s coverage of the Games. One of his first roles that day involved connecting with Simone Biles’ family. Biles missed the opening ceremony to focus on her competitions this week, but her parents, Ronald and Nelly Biles, and 15 other family members arrived on her behalf.
“She’s feeling really good. We talked to her this morning and she’s doing well,” Biles’ mom said. “She’s happy that we’re here and that the family — 17 of us — are here to cheer her on.” Nelly also shared a funny anecdote with Snoop about their first meeting over a decade ago. “Snoop, I don’t know if you know this, but you know Simone and you’ve known each other for a long time,” she said. “I’ll never forget you in Times Square in 2010, because we asked for a picture. I said, ‘Two minutes.’ One, two, and she was gone.”
