Lady Gaga's highly anticipated performance at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony was marred by major technical issues, leaving fans fuming. Viewers watching at home complained of poor sound quality that seemed to overshadow the global superstar's elaborate performance on the banks of the River Seine.
The "Applause" singer performed on a specially built stage on the iconic landmark, delivering a spirited performance with a French cabaret act. She belted out "Mon Truc en Plume," a circus song well-known in France, adorned in a black corset, hotpants, and matching gloves. Dancers dressed in all black with pink and white feathers surrounded her as she moved around the golden staircase and stage, eventually taking to her famous piano.
Despite her energetic performance, many watching at home were frustrated by the audio issues, taking to social media to express their disappointment. One user on X, formerly Twitter, complained: "Great performance from Lady Gaga. Shame the French forgot to do a sound check beforehand."
Another user echoed the sentiment: "Lady Gaga performing to no large audience in a stadium but on a platform next to the river. The sound is awful, sound just getting lost in the vast open space rather than being reverberated around a stadium."
The criticisms extended beyond the sound, with some viewers expressing dissatisfaction with the staging itself. One user lamented: "On what planet did they decide to put lady gaga on some old steps with non-existent sound, no lighting, no screens?"
This criticism wasn't just directed at the performance itself. The BBC's coverage of the opening ceremony also came under fire. Fans complained about the absence of Gabby Logan alongside Clare Balding and criticized the studio design, particularly a large table that seemed to dominate the space. Many felt the balance was off, with too much talking and analysis and not enough action on their screens.
Despite the technical hiccups and less-than-positive feedback from some viewers, the event was a star-studded affair. A-listers flocked to the highly coveted event, including Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, Pharrell Williams, Spike Lee, Snoop Dogg, Anna Wintour, and Serena Williams.
The Paris Olympics opening ceremony was a spectacular event, but the technical issues and criticisms from viewers highlight the challenges of staging such a large-scale event. While Lady Gaga gave it her all, the sound issues seemed to overshadow her performance, leaving many fans disappointed.