The 2024 Paris Olympics are officially underway, but not before some truly incredible opening ceremony performances went down to get the people going.
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Starting things off by bringing Moulin Rouge campy energy, emerging from a cluster of pink feathers fans, Lady Gaga graced the River Seine stage with a performance of the French song “Mon Truc En Plume” by Zizi Jeanmaire.
Giving major Jeanmaire’s January 1965 Ed Sullivan Show appearance vibes, backed by a full band, and looking all types of chic in an all black feathery ensemble, Gaga started off her performance atop a golden staircase
Descending the golden stairs and saying goodbye to the feathers with a quick change Gaga, still chic in a corset and shorts, soon made her way to tickle the ivories of a grand piano near the band of horns and bass. After some exuberant piano play, Gaga once again shielded by pink feather fans, reemerged rocking a white feather back piece. Then taking the latest wardrobe addition for another round of spins and twirls, Gaga once again made her way to the top of the staircase for her grand finale pose.
After the performance, Gaga expressed her gratitude for the incredible opportunity and honor on social, sharing the moment with the Jeanmarie track was full-circle since Jeanmarie starred in Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes,” Gaga’s first jazz release.
“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,” Gaga wrote. Gaga also went on to share that she collaborated with Dior for custom costumes, and used naturally molted feathers for her looks. Adding, “I studied French choreography that put a modern twist on a French classic. I rehearsed tirelessly to study a joyful French dance, brushing up on some old skills — I bet you didn’t know I used to dance at a 60’s French party on the lower east side when I was first starting out!”
“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!” Gaga continued. “Congratulations to all the athletes who are competing in this year’s Olympic Games! It is my supreme honor to sing for you and cheer you on!! Watching the Olympic Games always makes me cry! Your talent is unimaginable. Let the games begin!”
Then, as the Olympic cauldron took off in a hot-air balloon over the City of Light, Céline Dion gave an incredibly emotional performance of “L’Hymne à l’amour” by French singer Édith Piaf, from a stage at the base of the Eiffel Tower.
From start to finish, Céline had the entire crowd and all who were watching at home in tears, witnessing the incredible vocalist’s first public performance since 2020, and since announcing her diagnosis and health struggles with stiff-person syndrome in 2022. Especially after just last month the icon vowed she’d return to the stage, no matter what it took.
Dion feeling “so happy” after her incredible Eiffel Tower performance, shared a sweet message on social media celebrating the moment, while also congratulating the athletes participating in the games.
“I’m honored to have performed tonight, for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, and so full of joy to be back in one of my very favorite cities!” Dion wrote. “Most of all, I’m so happy to be celebrating these amazing athletes, with all their stories of sacrifice and determination, pain and perseverance.”
“All of you have been so focused on your dream, and whether or not you take home a medal, I hope that being here means that it has come true for you!” she continued. “You should all be so proud, we know how hard you have worked to be the best of the best. Stay focused, keep going, my heart is with you!”
French metal band Gojira also delivered an of epic rainy Paris performance. Standing on window ledges of a castle, Gojira performed a metal version of the traditional song “Ah, Ça Ira!,” which dates back to the French Revolution. The performance featured a headless Marie Antoinette, bright red streamers, pyrotechnics, and opera singer Marina Viotti, who floated down the River Seine to join the extravaganza.
The opening ceremony also included performances from rapper Rim’K, the Théâtre du Chatelet performing a Les Mis rock opera, and more.