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The closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024 on Sunday night set the stage ablaze with an eclectic array of musical performances, celebrating both local and international talents. The event featured riveting performances by global sensations Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and H.E.R., creating an unforgettable night for athletes and spectators alike.
The electrifying show began with French-American indie pop band Phoenix, who delighted the crowd with their hit song “Lisztomania.” Their performance took an exciting turn with special guest appearances by notable French artist Kavinsky and popular Belgian singer Angèle, who joined the band for an enthralling rendition of the tracks “Nightcall.”
The audience was immediately captivated, cheering along as Phoenix and their guests set the Stade de France on fire. Social media buzzed with admiration for the collective energy on stage, with users praising the seamless blend of French and international music stars. One of the most tweeted moments was when the band collaborated with French band AIR for a soulful performance of “Playground Love,” further showcasing the rich tapestry of talent at the ceremony.
Adding to the musical spectacle, Cambodian rapper VannDa took the stage next and delivered an explosive performance of his hit track “Funky Squaredance.” His vibrant presence and the high-energy beats of the song invigorated the audience, bridging musical cultures in a celebration of unity and diversity.
The momentum continued with a surprise as Ezra Koenig from the popular American rock band Vampire Weekend joined Phoenix for an impromptu rendition of “Tonight.” Phoenix’s frontman Thomas Mars brought the celebration even closer to the audience when he descended from the stage to interact with the enthusiastic athletes, solidifying a memorable connection between the performers and the sports icons who had given their all over the past weeks.
The ceremony also included the highly anticipated official handover to Los Angeles for the upcoming 2028 Olympics. As tradition prescribes, the torch was passed, symbolically connecting the hosting legacy from one city to another.
. H.E.R. provided a powerful and emotional performance of the United States national anthem, marking the transition with a sense of hope and excitement for what lies ahead.
As if the evening weren’t already resplendent with musical synergy and Olympic spirit, Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise added a spectacular Hollywood-style moment to the event. Making a dramatic entrance, Cruise skydived onto the stage from the Stade de France’s immense height, a stunt complemented by a pre-recorded film where he was seen navigating through iconic Parisian streets, boarding a plane, and finally making a daring jump over the Hollywood Hills with the classic tunes of the Red Hot Chili Peppers score enhancing the thrill.
The Los Angeles celebration portion moved to Will Rogers Beach, where the continuation of musical brilliance featured performances from top-tier artists. Billie Eilish charmed the audience with her soulful track “Birds of a Feather,” mesmerizing those in attendance with her unique voice and magnetic stage presence. Following her, the legendary Snoop Dogg took to the stage and delivered a nostalgic trip down memory lane with hits like “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “Gin & Juice.” His performance was further elevated by a special guest appearance from Dr. Dre, marking a reunion that thrilled fans worldwide.
In a poignant end to the ceremony, the closing act featured French singer Yseult’s beautiful rendition of “My Way,” originally made famous by Frank Sinatra. Her performance encapsulated the essence of the ceremony—a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary artistry, reflecting the global unity and individual brilliance celebrated throughout the Olympics.
As the final notes echoed through the stadium, the Paris Olympics of 2024 concluded on a high note, leaving the world eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Los Angeles. The night was not just a celebration of sports but a grand ode to the power of music and the collective spirit of humanity.
