Ooh La La! Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, and More Surprise Appearances from the 2024 Paris Olympic Opening Ceremony
Paris was the main character at last night’s 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony
The City of Lights brought joie de vivre to an estimated 1.5 billion viewers who tuned in to watch the lighting of the Olympic Torch. True to French fashion, there was drama, suspense, and a robotic horse cantering across the Seine River for a gold-medal-winning Opening Ceremony signaling the start of the Summer Games.
For the first time in Olympic history, the 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony took place outside the confines of a stadium, with Paris serving as the ultimate stage. Eighty screens, along with speakers, were placed throughout the region to invite residents and visitors alike to enjoy the festivities.
The Parade of Nations was a kaleidoscope of cultures as every athlete waved their flags in anticipation of the games set to take place over the next 16 days. Rain descended as 10,500 athletes traveled by on boats from the Austerlitz Bridge to the Léna Bridge on a 6-kilometer cruise through the city. Following tradition, Greece led the voyage to honor its history as the birthplace of the Olympics nearly 3,000 years ago. Every country had two flag bearers who wore uniforms celebrating their country’s signature style. Ralph Lauren crafted Team USA’s uniform, Emporio Armani for Italy, LVMH’s Berluti for the home country of France, and Alia Al-Salmi for Saudi Arabia.
The United Arab Emirates uniforms were designed by streetwear brand A Friend of Mine by Xpoze. The athletes’ looks were a striking white against the overcast Paris sky. Bright red Arabic letters of UAE were featured on the front with “Team UAE” written on the back. Designers Rawdha Al Shaffar, Buthaina Al Marri, and Fatma Al Muddhareb took to their brand’s Instagram account to unveil the uniforms. The National News reports the three Emirati friends acknowledged the milestone of designing for the country. “The opportunity is not just a professional milestone but a profound privilege, allowing us to represent our beloved nation on the world stage through a craft we are truly passionate about. Creating this uniform is a tribute to our country’s spirit and a testament to our dedication and love for our homeland.” Fourteen athletes are competing under the UAE, including Equestrian Omar Al Marzooqi and cyclist Safiya Al Sayegh, who had the honor of flag bearers for the opening ceremony.
Lady Gaga Dazzles in Dior
As the nautical parade floated on by, performers from around the world sang, danced, and rocked their way across historical landmarks around the city. In a ‘surprise’ appearance, Lady Gaga descended golden stairs as she sang “Mon Truc en Plumes,” wearing hot pink and jet black feathers. “Bonsoir, bienvenue en Paris!” she bagan. Never missing a beat, or step for that matter, the American songstress danced in Dior and a cheeky Stephen Jones fascinator, giving a whole new meaning to peacocking.
Several themes were interwoven throughout the ceremony, starting with ‘Enchanté.’ The crowd was captivated as France’s history took centerstage through art, song, and dance. A line of pink can-can dancers from Moulin Rouge kicked up some excitement. As the camera pulled back, Paris was quite literally dressed in pink, seemingly illustrating the ever-favorite “La Vie En Rose” by French singer and actress Édith Piaf.
The Notre-Dame Rang Once More
A moment of remembrance came during the ‘Synchronique’ portion of the performance. Bells could be heard ringing from the Cathédrale Notre-Dame. It was the first time the bells had rung since the 2019 fire that devastated the church. Dancers could be seen on the scaffolding moving in unison as the legendary landmark roared back to life.
French Fashion Reigns Supreme
France’s passion for fashion was on full display. A whimsical Louis Vuitton trunk show—complete with dancing bellhops—revealed the handcrafted Olympic medals designed by French jewelry house Chaumet. Fragments from the Eiffel Tower are encased in the center, allowing each athlete to take home a piece of France. Louis Vuitton’s newly appointed Men’s Creative Director, Pharrell Williams, also took part as a torch bearer, placing the torch in an ‘LV’ checkered trunk.
Celebrated French performers, including French-Malian singer and songwriter Aya Nakamura, were all dressed to the nines. The French-Malian singer dazzled on a golden runway at Pont des Arts, wearing a gilded Dior couture dress while singing a mashup of “Pookie” and “Djadja.”
Celebrating France’s prowess in the fashion-verse, a footbridge turned catwalk had models dancing in looks ranging from ballgowns to tuxes and everything in between, adding to the overall fervor of the evening as the sun started to sink behind the Eiffel Tower.
The raising of the Olympic flag by a mysterious hooded figure set the tone for heartfelt speeches from Paris 2024 Organising Committee President Tony Estanguet, International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach, and French President Emmanuel Macron. The rain did little to dampen spirits as the crowd of athletes could be seen cheering. “What a sight it is to see you all parading together! What a rare and precious moment you have given us,” said Estanguet.” Tonight, you have reminded us how beautiful humanity is when we come together.” Shortly before, French singer-songwriter Juliette Armanet sang “Imagine” by John Lennon. As the camera panned across the many faces, it became apparent the song’s universal sentiment was felt by all.
Celine Dion’s Glittering Comeback
Without missing a beat, a laser show beamed from the Eiffel Tower. Celine Dion could be seen wearing a pearled Dior gown perched within the tower. The entire heart of the city had a palpable beat as she sang “L’Hymne à l’amour” by Édith Piaf. It was the Canadian singer’s first performance since sharing her stiff-person syndrome diagnosis in 2022.
As she voiced her last note, American commentator and singer Kelly Clarkson was left speechless. “I actually can’t talk! People don’t know her story about what she’s been going through physically,” said Clarkson. “It’s just incredible what she’s overcome. To have that moment. She’s a vocal athlete. She’s incredible.”
On her Instagram, Dion sent a special message to the athletes. “I’m honored to have performed tonight, for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, and so full of joy to be back in one of my very favorite cities!,” read her caption. “All of you have been so focused on your dream, and whether or not you take home a medal, I hope that being here means that it has come true for you! You should all be so proud; we know how hard you have worked to be the best of the best. Stay focused, keep going; my heart is with you!”
The pièce de résistance ended with the Olympic Flame dramatically lighting up the sky. Twenty-four Olympians and Paralympians carried the torch from Versailles to the Louvre, traversing all of France. Paying tribute to French inventors Joseph and Étienne Montgolfier, the Olympic cauldron was designed as a hot air balloon. Paris, the City of Love, delivered a truly spectacular show. Let the games begin!
Click here for more information on how to watch the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Lead Image Courtesy of: Instagram/@dior