Published on August 12, 2024, 1:11 am
This past Sunday saw the grand finale of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, culminating 17 action-packed days of competitive sports, national pride attire and of course, countless moments where renowned celebrities were spotted among spectators. The culmination proved remarkably fruitful for Team USA, bringing home a total of 126 medals—40 golds, 44 silvers, and 42 bronzes—stamping its supremacy over all other nations.
The closing spectacle took place at Stade de France – an expansive 80,000 seat stadium which had been a center stage for track and field events as well as rugby sevens competitions during the fortnight. Star-studded lineups graced the event with Billie Eilish, H.E.R., Red Hot Chili Peppers and Snoop Dogg entertaining audiences to their tunes. Yet that wasn’t all in store; a previous press release by organizers revealed performances by over one hundred artists including dancers, acrobats and circus performers under the artistic direction of Thomas Jolly.
The ceremony commenced with French singer Zaho de Sagazan’s soulful rendition of Édith Piaf’s “Sous le ciel de Paris” against the backdrop of Olympic cauldron positioned in Tuileries Garden. Following this heart-tugging performance was French swimmer Léon Marchand taking center stage with the lantern containing Olympic flame from the cauldron, carrying it towards Stade de France.
Incorporating songs representing national ethos to athletic processions saluting participants’ perseverance gave meaningful depth to the closing ceremony. Katie Ledecky and Nick Mead bore USA’s flag while long-distance runner Sifan Hassan celebrated her record-breaking achievement amongst an overwhelming audience.
The grandeur persisted with elaborate skits involving kinetic Golden Voyager, captivating breakdancing “archaeologists” alongside performance from distinguished performers like French tenor Benjamin Bernheim. Renowned French indie band, Phoenix heightened the entertainment quotient, joined by fellow artists like Belgian singer Angèle and French DJ Kavinsky.
In forward-looking anticipation for the next Summer Olympic Games to be hosted by LA in 2028, Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo symbolically bequeathed the Olympic flag to Los Angeles mayor Karan Bass under American gymnast Simone Biles’ observance. H.E.R then superbly delivered an impressive rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner”.
Hollywood icon Tom Cruise marked his entry from above, leading him to accelerate away on a motorcycle bearing the Olympic flag. A phenomenal cinematic transition transitioned Cruise from France to LA as he configured iconic Olympic rings onto Hollywood’s signage.
The stars continued to sparkle with Red Hot Chili Peppers energizing attendees with their pulsating beats while Billie Eilish together with her brother Finneas elevated spirits by reciting their chartbuster ‘Birds of a Feather’. Snoop Dogg further electrified atmosphere with his popular hits ‘Drop It Like It’s Hot’ and ‘The Next Episode’.
In true fashion-forward style, French singer Yseult evoked vintage glamour decked in custom black Dior ensemble as she concluded proceedings performing Frank Sinatra’s classic, “My Way”. An enchanting scene accompanied this captivating performance as night sky blazed with fireworks signaling an unforgettable end to 2024 Paris Olympics.