The Most Memorable Moments From The 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony
The rain did not dampen the historic event of Friday evening, July 26. Here's a look back at the highlights of the most breathtaking moments of the opening ceremony.
In a night brimming with emotion, the world watched as the Olympic Games began with a spectacular celebration of unity, art, and culture. With surprise performances by Lady Gaga and Celine Dion, the ceremony was a testament to inclusivity and gender equality. Here’s a closer look at the evening’s most memorable moments.
Lady Gaga’s Dazzling Performance
The American sensation Lady Gaga set the stage ablaze, hidden behind vibrant pink feathers. Her rendition of "Mon truc en plumes" paid homage to the iconic Zizi Jeanmaire, blending cabaret flair with modern spectacle. Perched atop a golden staircase on the Île Saint-Louis, Gaga greeted the crowd with a spirited "Bonsoir, bienvenue à Paris," sending waves of excitement through the audience. Her performance, a glamorous nod to French cabaret, was a jubilant celebration of music and style.
A Spotlight on French Values
Twelve meticulously crafted tableaux conveyed powerful messages of peace, freedom, and equality, underscoring the historic significance of these Games. Juliette Armanet’s haunting rendition of "Imagine," accompanied by pianist Sofiane Pamart on a blazing raft, was a poignant call for hope amid global crises. This moving tableau illuminated the enduring French commitment to fraternity and justice.
Celebrating Inclusivity
Paris 2024 succeeded in its mission to create a lasting legacy of inclusivity. The ceremony proudly showcased a nation where past and present, East and West, unite in friendship and competition. Performers represented a tapestry of global cultures and identities, embodying a vision of a diverse, harmonious world where all voices are celebrated.
The Thrilling Torch Relay
The suspense was palpable as comedian Jamel Debbouze humorously teased with a video of the flame entering an empty stadium. Zinedine Zidane heroically retrieved the flame, bringing it to the heart of Paris in a historic first for an open-air Olympic ceremony. As the torch traveled through iconic Parisian landmarks, it ultimately reached Rafael Nadal, who handed it to Olympic champions Teddy Riner and Marie-José Pérec. Together, they lit the cauldron, soaring skyward in a poetic hot air balloon, symbolising unity and equality.
Celine Dion’s Triumphant Return
After a four-year hiatus due to battling stiff-person syndrome, Celine Dion graced the stage with a moving performance of "L'Hymne à l'amour," honouring Edith Piaf. Her return was a heart-stirring finale to an unforgettable evening.
Dior’s Couture Masterpieces
Fashion took center stage with Dior dressing the evening’s stars. Lady Gaga dazzled in a black feather-embroidered jacket, paired with a dramatic skirt and chic accessories. Her dancers, too, were adorned in Dior’s signature elegance. Celine Dion, performing from the Eiffel Tower, was radiant in a custom Dior Haute Couture gown by Maria Grazia Chiuri. The dress, shimmering with sequins and silver pearls, epitomised the exquisite craftsmanship of the House of Dior, requiring over a thousand hours of meticulous work.
In collaboration with composer Scott Price, who wore a Dior tuxedo, Dion’s performance was a breathtaking synthesis of fashion and artistry. The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics was not only a tribute to sports but also a celebration of creativity, diversity, and unity on a global stage.
Credits: Getty Images, courtesy of Dior
