The City of Lights shimmered brightly on Friday night as the 2024 Paris Olympics officially commenced with an ambitious and captivating opening ceremony. Spanning the iconic Seine River to the majestic Eiffel Tower, the ceremony was an immersive cultural journey celebrating France's rich artistic heritage.
From the Impressionist masterpieces of Monet to the poignant melodies of "Les Misérables," the ceremony showcased the breadth of French creative expression. A star-studded cast, featuring Olympic legends and pop culture icons, graced the stage, adding further brilliance to the spectacle.
A River of Nations
For the first time in Olympic history, the Parade of Nations took place on the Seine River, the lifeblood of Paris. Each participating country sailed down the waterway, each delegation a vibrant testament to the global spirit of the Games.
Greece, the birthplace of the Olympics, led the parade, with NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo carrying their flag. Team USA, led by flag bearers Coco Gauff and LeBron James, sailed in as the penultimate vessel, a fitting tribute as the nation will host the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
France, the host nation, concluded the parade, bringing the ceremony to a crescendo of anticipation.
Lady Gaga's Feathery French Tribute
Lady Gaga, the first surprise performer of the evening, delivered a captivating rendition of Zizi Jeanmaireâs "Mon Truc En Plumes" ("My Thing with Feathers"). Dressed in a dazzling pink feather ensemble, Gaga recreated Jeanmaire's iconic performance from the Ed Sullivan Show, showcasing her versatility and paying homage to French musical heritage.
A Masked Mystery Captivates the Internet
The ceremony featured a unique and enigmatic torchbearer, a hooded and masked figure who zipped across rooftops and the Seine, carrying the Olympic flame. Their identity remained a mystery, sparking online speculation and memes.
The masked torchbearer, gliding through the Louvre, home to masterpieces like the "Venus de Milo" and the "Mona Lisa," added an element of intrigue and theatricality to the proceedings.
A Celebration of French Culture
The ceremony was a tapestry of French artistic expression, featuring a rousing rendition of the national anthem, "La Marseillaise," by mezzo-soprano Axelle Saint-Cirel, performed from the roof of the Grand-Palais.
Statues of notable French women who have made significant contributions to history lined the Seine, highlighting the role of women in French society. A performance of the French version of "Can You Hear the People Sing" from "Les Misérables," a metal performance featuring headless women dressed in red, a nod to Marie Antoinette, and a lively cancan performance further showcased the diverse cultural richness of France.
Olympian Legends Ignite the Cauldron
After a torch relay featuring iconic athletes, including soccer star Zinedine Zidane, tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams, track and field hero Carl Lewis, and legendary gymnast Nadia ComÄneci, the Olympic cauldron was lit by twenty-four Olympic and Paralympic legends.
Charles Coste, the oldest living French Olympic medalist at 100 years old, was among the torchbearers. Coste, who won gold in cycling at the 1948 London Olympics, was born in 1924, the last time the Games were held in France.
The cauldron itself broke with tradition, taking flight in a hot-air balloon, a homage to the first hydrogen-powered balloon, which soared from the Tuileries in 1783.
Dion's Emotional Return
The ceremony concluded with an emotional performance by Celine Dion, who sang a moving rendition of "Hymne à lâamour" ("Hymn to Love") by Ãdith Piaf, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
Dion's performance marked her first public appearance since her diagnosis with stiff-person syndrome in 2022. Her performance, a testament to her resilience and vocal prowess, brought the opening ceremony to a heartfelt and unforgettable conclusion.