Unforgettable moments from the Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies
The 2024 Paris Olympics aired its stunning opening ceremony on July 26, 2024 and, as expected, the star-studded event brought some major performances to the City of Lights.
Lady Gaga was the first star to take the stage during the Opening Ceremony, delivering a cabaret-style performance of the French-language “Mon Truc en Plume” (“My Thing With Feathers”) in a minutes-long, highly choreographed routine, at one point playing piano.
Celine Dion, meanwhile, performed Édith Piaf’s “Hymne A L’Amour” from the Eiffel Tower, which was sparkling and lit with the Olympic rings. Accompanied by a piano and rocking a stunning white gown, she belted the lyrics to the 1950 track, which translates to “The Hymn of Love.”
The performance marks Dion’s first since she cancelled the dates on her North American Courage world tour before revealing she is fighting Stiff Person Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that causes severe muscle spasms.
While the Olympics have consistently delivered some of the most epic sports moments, they’ve also had a rich history of unforgettable musical performances. Through empowering anthems and unrivaled collaborations between some of the best artists in the world, many of the opening and closing ceremony performances have remained highlights of the Summer and Winter Olympics over the years.
From London to Rio to Paris, from Celine Dion to Stevie Wonder, here are the best of the best.
Alanis Morissette at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony
For her performance of “Wunderkind” at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, Alanis Morissette delivered a delicate version of the song from The Chronicles of Narnia soundtrack. While it perhaps wasn’t her most memorable, it was nothing short of emotive.
Spice Girls at the 2012 London Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony
Spice Girls fans were treated to a pop spectacle when the band reunited at the 2012 London Summer Olympics. The Olympic Stadium turned into the streets of London as the pop group pulled up in individual taxis before they launched into lovably kitschy medley of “Wannabe” and “Spice Up Your Life.”
Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso and Anitta at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony
In 2016, Anitta had the opportunity to perform in her hometown of Rio with singer-songwriter and activist-turned-politician Gilberto Gil and songwriter and musician Caetano Veloso at the Rio Summer Olympics. The trio brought a vibrant marching band and threw a samba fête at the Maracana Stadium as they teamed up for an electrifying collaboration of “Isso Aqui, O Que É?”
Luciano Pavarotti at the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony
There likely wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Luciano Pavarotti sang at the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics. Months before his cancer diagnosis, he delivered his final public performance during the opening ceremony, and the result was nothing short of chilling.
Björk at the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony
Björk turned her performance at the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics into art. The Icelandic artist appeared in a crystal-emblazoned dress made of 10,000 feet of fabric that swelled over the athletes in the crowd as she sang “Oceania,” which was co-written with the poet, Sigurjon Birgir Sigurdsson and crafted for the Games. As Björk metaphorically appeared as the ocean, she was joined by dancers posing as Greek Gods.
Paul McCartney at the 2012 London Olympics Closing Ceremony
“Hey Jude” is always a crowd-pleaser, but Paul McCartney had the entire crowd singing along to the beloved Beatles classic when he performed during the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics. While it was standard fare for any McCartney’s concert, it was pretty epic to see the former Beatle on his home turf.
KISS at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony
In 2002, KISS rocked out at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. As they performed a blistering rendition of 1975’s “Rock and Roll All Nite,” figure skaters danced around them as fireworks lit up the Utah sky.
Gojira at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony
As the first heavy metal band to play the Olympics, Gojira brought a spectacle to the opening ceremony with a headless Marie Antoinette and explosive pyro. Performing from the windows of the Court of Cassation, the French group delivered a blistering performance of “Ah, Ça Ira!,” which was popular during the French Revolution, with the opera singer Marina Viotti. It was perhaps the wildest performance the Seine had ever seen.
Leona Lewis and Jimmy Page at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony
The 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics finale prompted an unlikely collaboration to happen — Leona Lewis and Jimmy Page. Together, the singer-songwriter and legendary guitarist performed the 1969 Led Zeppelin classic, “Whole Lotta Love” atop a faux London-to-Beijing bus that turned into a stage. Alongside Page’s heavy riffs, Lewis’ towering vocals are the star of the performance.
k.d. lang at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony
In 2010, k.d. lang delivered a stirring rendition of Leonard Cohen’s hymnal “Hallelujah” during the opening ceremony of the Vancouver Winter Olympics. As lang’s hypnotic vocals echoed, the entire crowd seemed to sway with lighters in their hands.
Céline Dion at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony
Joined by David Foster on piano and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Céline Dion performed the sweeping ballad “The Power of the Dream” at the opening ceremony of the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics. With Dion’s stunning soprano lilt, the David Foster, Linda Thompson and Babyface-penned song served as a true empowerment anthem ahead of the games.
Kylie Minogue at the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony
Just one year prior to releasing her eternal hit “Can’t Get You Out of My Head,” Kylie Minogue delivered a charming cover of ABBA’s 1976 classic “Dancing Queen” at the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics. Clad in a hot pink showgirl costume, the pop icon demonstrated elite showmanship in her home country.
Queen and Jessie J at the 2012 London Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony
In 2012, UK pop singer Jessie J performed with Queen and Freddie Mercury’s hologram at the opening ceremony of the London Summer Olympics. Together, they did a raucous version of the sports-stadium standard “We Will Rock You,” with J’s throaty belt stealing the show.
Stevie Wonder at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony
During the closing ceremony of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Stevie Wonder delivered a tearful rendition of “Imagine” in honor of his late friend John Lennon. As if his performance couldn’t be any more striking, he was joined by a choir that elevated his bluesy spin on the idealistic anthem.
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