2024 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony Recap (2024)

Beyoncé Introduces 2024 Team USA Olympians

July 27, 2024 01:37 AM EDT

During the NBC telecast, Beyoncé introduced Team USA in a spot shortly before their boat was featured in the Parade of Nations.

Beyoncé remixed her single “YA YA” from herCowboy Carteralbum with the help of some of the best athletes representing the U.S., including the women's and men's gymnastics teams, as well as standouts Caeleb Dressel,LeBron James,Katie Ledecky,Noah Lyles,Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, andSha’Carri Richardson.

Check it out below:

Celine Dion Closes Out the Olympic Opening Ceremony with Performance Atop the Eiffel Tower

July 26, 2024 05:31 PM EDT

Céline Dion was a sensation atop the Eiffel Tower to close out the Olympic opening ceremony in Paris on Friday.

Dripping in a Dior haute couture gown, Dion sang "Hymne à L'amour," a classic by French artist Édith Piaf.

As she performed alongside the piano player, the Eiffel Tower sparkled.

Dion, of course, has been battling Stiff-Person Syndrome, and has largely stopped performing as she's dealt with the debilitating symptoms.

Zinedine Zidane, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams Pass Olympic Torch to Light the Hot Air Balloon-Shaped Cauldron

July 26, 2024 05:25 PM EDT

A delegation of remarkable athletes just helped take the Olympic torch over the finish line — all aboard a speedboat.

Iconic French soccer player Zinedine Zidane first retrieved the torch from the masked man to then pass it along to Rafael Nadal, a 14-time winner of the French Open.

Nadal boarded a speedboat on the Seine, where he was joined by gymnast Nadia Comănici, fellow tennis icon Serena Williams and then track and field icon Carl Lewis. After the boat docked near the Louvre, tennis player Amelie Mauresmo retrieved the torch and jogged to pass off the torch to basketball's Tony Parker.

More athletes joined the contingent, including French triathlete Alexis Hanquinquant and handball's Michaël Guigou. Charles Coste, the oldest living Olympic French champion — who is 100 years old — also passed along the torch.

French Olympians Teddy Riner and Marie-José Perec were the final pair to light the actual cauldron, which was in the shape of a hot air balloon.

Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, Deliver Remarks in French

July 26, 2024 04:52 PM EDT

Thomas Bach, a former Olympian who has served as president of the International Olympic Committee for over a decade, addressed the gathered athletes and onlookers from the Trocadéro near the end of Friday's ceremony.

After speaking first in French, Bach said, "Now, you're Olympians. Stepping into the Olympic Village, you realize — like generations of athletes before you — that 'I'm part of something bigger than myself.' "

Ultimately, he welcomed "the best athletes in the world," saying, "Welcome, Olympians!"

Olympic Flag Is Raised Onto the Palais du Trocadéro - Upside Down!

July 26, 2024 04:34 PM EDT

Officers of France's Republican Guard raised the Olympic flag — which features the six Olympic rings — onto a flagpole at the Palais du Trocadéro after it was delivered by the horseman.

During the flag raising, the Olympic anthem was performed by 60 choristers from the Radio France Choir.

Unfortunately, it seems that the flag was raised incorrectly. The green and yellow rings appeared at the top of the flag as it was raised — that means it was upside down, as they're at the bottom of the iconic symbol.

French Singer-Songwriter Juliette Armanet Performs 'Imagine' with Flaming Piano

July 26, 2024 04:16 PM EDT

As is now an Olympic tradition, John Lennon and Yoko Ono's "Imagine" was part of the opening ceremony.

For this Paris edition, French singer-songwriter Juliette Armanet performed on a barge in the middle of the Seine.

As she sang, a piano — played by Sofiane Pamart — was set on fire.

Tennis Player Emma Navarro Snaps a Photo with LeBron James — and Captions It with His Hilarious Meme

July 26, 2024 04:05 PM EDT

Emma Navarro had a little fun with LeBron James during Team USA's boat ride.

The tennis player posed for a group photo with the opening ceremony flagbearer, the crew all smiles.

When Navarro posted the image on her Instagram Stories, though, she couldn't help but poke a little fun at James. "Smiling through it all! Can't believe this is my life," she wrote over the image.

The caption is, of course, what James wrote alongside a smiling selfie in 2018. The post became a meme, and frequently goes viral again and again.

American Athletes Chant 'U-S-A' on Huge Boat During Parade of Nations

July 26, 2024 04:05 PM EDT

Saving the (second to) last for best!

Team USA just finally made their Olympic Parade of Nations appearance, cruising down the Seine just ahead of host nation France.

The boat, filled with hundreds of American athletes, could be heard chanting "U-S-A" as it passed by.

Colin Jost Checks in from Tahiti with 'the Best Seat in the House'

July 26, 2024 03:39 PM EDT

Colin Jost is reporting live for NBC from the Olympic surfing competition — in Tahiti!

Luckily, the South Pacific island is hosting its own version of the opening ceremony, which Jost documented on his Instagram Stories.

Sharing a photo of himself barely visible behind a man in a traditional headdress, Jost joked that "NBC got me the best seat in the house."

In another post of the festivities, Jost said, "Very cool being at an Olympic ceremony 10,000 miles from Paris where the only athletes are surfers."

Fashion Break! French Designers Hit a Runway in Looks by Young Designers

July 26, 2024 03:26 PM EDT

A variety of young French fashion designers are getting their moment on the world stage in a segment amid the ongoing Parade of Nations boat parade.

Some of the featured designers included Alphonse Maitrepierre, Gilles Asquin and Kevin Germanier.

Models danced and captivated on a catwalk on the Debilly Bridge in the looks as DJ Barbara Butch played club hits.

Lady Gaga Says She's Always Felt a 'Special Connection' with French People

July 26, 2024 03:12 PM EDT

Lady Gaga is endlessly "grateful" for her opportunity to perform during the Olympics opening ceremony, she said in a post on Instagram after her performance.

"Although I am not a French artist, I have always felt a very special connection with French people and singing French music — I wanted nothing more than to create a performance that would warm the heart of France, celebrate French art and music, and on such a momentous occasion remind everyone of one of the most magical cities on earth — Paris," wrote Gaga. She added in her lengthy post, "I hope you love this performance as much as I do. And to everyone in France, thank you so much for welcoming me to your country to sing in honor of you — it’s a gift I’ll never forget!"

Team USA Isn't Bothered by the Rain — See Their Bad-Weather Swagger

July 26, 2024 03:09 PM EDT

Team USA's Instagram features constant smiles as the athletes make their way down the Seine, even as the rain has picked up.

Fun snaps shared on social include basketball player A'ja Wilson in some epic Olympic ring glasses, cute fencing couple Gerek Meinhardt and Lee Keifer waving their American flags and Rai Benjamin whipping out his sunglasses.

Opera Singer Axelle Saint-Cirel Performs Ethereal Version of French National Anthem Dressed in Red, White and Blue

July 26, 2024 03:00 PM EDT

Axelle Saint-Cirel, a French mezzo-soprano opera singer, was tapped to perform the French national anthem, "The Marseillaise."

Saint-Cirel, wearing a dress made by Dior in the colors of the French flag (also red, white and blue), sang from atop the Grand-Palais. The artist's gown included a nearly 20-foot train.

The Minions Have Snatched the Mona Lisa in Fun Animated Opening Ceremony Bit

July 26, 2024 02:55 PM EDT

Mona Lisa is just floating in the Seine — and some cute yellow guys are responsible.

The iconic Leonardo di Vinci painting, which is usually safe in the Louvre museum, was snatched up by a crew of Minions in an animated segment of the opening ceremony.

Unfortunately, the portrait wound up in the water, thanks to the devious cartoons.

Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie Boldly Wear White for Rainy Opening Ceremony Broadcast

July 26, 2024 02:49 PM EDT

NBC has multiple broadcast locations from throughout the Seine, with a slew of big names reporting on the exciting Paris kickoff.

Among those are Today's Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie. Both appeared to keep up high spirits despite the wickedly wet weather in the French capital city.

In a video posted on the morning show's Instagram, the co-anchors protected their all-white ensembles with Today show orange umbrellas.

Team USA's Athletes Pose for Fun Selfies Ahead of Their Parade of Nations Moment

July 26, 2024 02:34 PM EDT

Team USA will close out the Parade of Nations on the water, so they're killing time by snapping some of the most epic selfies.

Track and field star Tara Davis-Woodhall posted a gallery of pictures, including with LeBron James, Ilona Maher and Brittney Griner.

"Selfie cam at the Olympic opening ceremony," said the two-time Olympian.

French Artist Aya Nakamura Lights Up the Pont des Arts with Golden Performance

July 26, 2024 02:29 PM EDT

French music sensation Aya Nakamura highlighted "Equalité" from the Pont des Arts bridge in a golden, glittering feather dress from Dior.

The singer — described by French media as the world's most-streamed French performer — captivated audiences with her hit "Pookie" as fireworks lit up the bridge.

One Day More! Les Misérables Gets Its Opening Ceremony Moment

July 26, 2024 02:23 PM EDT

In a section of the ceremony titled "Liberté," things took aLes Misérables-inspired turn on Paris’s famed Pont-Neuf Bridge.

The mysterious torchbearer — a presence throughout this opening ceremony — made their way through a scene from the iconic Victor Hugo novel-turned-musical about the uprising of the French people against the country’s monarchy in 1832.

In an epic moment, the famous revolutionary song “Ah, ça ira” got the hard rock treatment courtesy of the French band Gojira and opera singer Marina Viotti, which played out against the Gothic backdrop of the Conciergerie, a former courthouse and prison.

Later, the Paris Symphony Orchestra performed “L’amour est un oiseau rebelle” from the windows of the Supreme Court, while aerial dancers moved gracefully in the sky.

Bells of Notre-Dame Ring for the First Time Since 2019 Fire During Dance Sequence

July 26, 2024 02:13 PM EDT

For the "Synchronicité" portion of the Opening Ceremony, a group of dancers performed atop the scaffolding at the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

In April 2019, a fire broke out atop the iconic church, significantly damaging the historical building and collapsing its iconic wooden spire. A massive restoration and redevelopment project followed, with the cathedral set to reopen this coming December.

The segment then moved down to the river, where Louis Vuitton-crafted cases containing the Olympic medals were flanked by Michael Phelps.

The Notre-Dame bells also rang for the first time since the historic fire.

Each Section of the Seine River Cruise Has a Different Theme

July 26, 2024 02:04 PM EDT

France is paying tribute to various aspects of its history and legacy, with each section of the parade route on the Seine themed differently.

Things kick off with "Enchanté," for which Lady Gaga performed clad in the House of Dior.

According to a media guide for the event, "Make way for the cabarets, music halls and revues of which France is the birthplace. From the majestic staircase inspired by that of the Grand Palais echoes a new version of Zizi Jeanmaire’s song."

To come are themes like "Fraternity" and "Sportsmanship."

Lady Gaga Sings (in French!) During the Olympics Opening Ceremony

July 26, 2024 01:55 PM EDT

Accompanied by a live orchestra, Lady Gaga captivated alongside the Seine early into the broadcast.

Wearing a chic black corset and skirt while she danced with fluffy pink poofs — and dancers carrying the same — Gaga performed "Mon Truc en Plumes" by Zizi Jeanmaire in French.

She danced before sitting down at a waterside piano.

Parade of Nations Boat Parade Kicks Off with Greece

July 26, 2024 01:44 PM EDT

As is tradition, Greece — the site of the first-ever Olympic Games — began the Parade of Nations, aboard a crowded boat. The athletes waved the Greek flag as the audience looked on.

Close behind followed the IOC Refugee Olympic team, and other smaller teams sharing boats on the Seine — like Algeria and Germany.

The United States will not ship off until the end of the parade, as they'll be the next country to host a Summer Games in Los Angeles in 2028.

Confirmed Performers to Look Forward to: Celine Dion and Lady Gaga

July 26, 2024 01:35 PM EDT

After rumors swirled in the days leading up to the opening ceremony, it's been confirmed: iconic songstresses Lady Gaga and Céline Dion are part of the Paris kickoff.

In the French broadcast leading into the ceremony, reporters confirmed that Dion would perform — calling it the "worst-kept secret."

A few hours earlier, photos surfaced of Lady Gaga in an over-the-top tutu as she performed with dancers alongside the river.

What Are the Team USA Athletes Wearing for the Opening Ceremony? Ralph Lauren, of Course!

July 26, 2024 01:28 PM EDT

Ralph Lauren has dressed the American athletes for their ninth Games as Team USA's opening and closing ceremony partner.

As they take the Seine for the (boat) Parade of Nations, the athletes will wear a classic, single-breasted navy blue wool blazer with subtle Americana details like red and white tipping. The jacket is paired with a striped oxford shirt, as well as tapered denim and suede buck shoes. Male athletes will also wear a blue tie.

The Starriest Olympics Yet? Celebs Like Ariana Grande, Chrissy Teigen and Serena Williams Hit the Opening Ceremony

July 26, 2024 01:23 PM EDT

The rainy weather couldn't keep some of America's biggest names away from the Seine.

Ahead of the opening ceremony, a slew of buzzy stars posed for photos on a red carpet under the Eiffel Tower, including Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend (alongside their two oldest children), Serena Williams and Kelly Clarkson.

Former Olympian Shaun White and his girlfriend, actress Nina Dobrev, were also in attendance, as was YouTuber Emma Chamberlain.

World Unity Is the Theme at the Olympics Opening Ceremony

July 26, 2024 01:20 PM EDT

PEOPLE is in the stands at the Olympics opening ceremony, and fans are embracing their world neighbors.

Our reporters witnessed two young French men approach a woman with a Colombia flag and a man holding a U.S. flag and asked for a photo together.

Alongside the river, countless French citizens peeked out of their apartments and clambered onto their balconies to get a view of the action.

Opening Ceremony Plagued by On-and-Off Rain

July 26, 2024 01:20 PM EDT

Despite months of planning and preparation, nothing could stop the rain on the gathered crowds, athletes and celebrities in Paris.

In the hours leading up to the ceremony's start, the weather fluctuated from a slight drizzle to heavy downpour, leading many to resort to umbrellas as they arrived along the Seine river.

Alongside the river, bars and restaurants were filled with very wet revellers.

The 2024 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony by the Numbers

July 26, 2024 10:59 AM EDT

Eighty-five boats, 205 delegations and 6,800 athletes — just a snapshot of the many pieces of the opening ceremony in Paris on July 26.

The parade of boats will move down the Seine river in front of 320,000 spectators on Friday, with 170 film cameras watching as 2,000 artists perform.

The entire journey of the opening ceremony parade is nearly four miles.

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