The 2024 Olympics began with a star-studded, impressive opening ceremony in Paris.
The event featured a totally new look, opting to feature the Seine River and stunning background of the city itself instead of the typical garish display inside a stadium.
Being in Paris, we expected big-time artists and celebrities and it certainly delivered.
Zinedine Zidane
French soccer legend Zinedine Zidane got thing underway by carrying the Olympic torch in a pre-filmed sketch that got the Olympics underway.
Lady Gaga
As lots of folks expected Lady Gaga appeared at the opening ceremony. She performed a song in French, complete with dancers, choreography, and an orchestra, as the athletes made their way down the Seine.
Marie Antoinette
OK, not really. But someone dressed as Marie Antoinette held her own disembodied head. Really.
Aya Nakamura
The uber-popular French pop star performed, dressed in all gold with dancers following along as she walked and danced through beautiful Parisian backgrounds.
Steph Curry and A’ja Wilson
The NBA and WNBA stars, respectively, were interviewed during the NBC broadcast about their goals and experiences with the Olympics.
Michael Phelps
The Olympics G.O.A.T, swimmer Michael Phelps, appeared in the procession, though, obviously, he is no longer competing.
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The Minions
Yes, for some reason, we got what amounted to a Minion advertisement in the middle of the ceremony. Apparently they were created by a French artist.
Gojira
The French metal band played a very metal performance after a section honoring Les Mis.
Noah Lyles
The world’s current fastest man was another featured interview on the NBC broadcast. Lyles promised a win in not only the 100-meter, but also the 200-meter.
Rim’K
French rapper Rim’K performed on a barge on the river.
Snoop Dogg
Grammy-nominated rapper Snoop Dog was seen carrying the Olympic torch through the streets of Saint-Denis on Friday. But he also gave us a little jig after Algerian-French rapper Rim’K performed.
LeBron James and Coco Gauff
Team USA flag-bearers Coco Gauff and LeBron James were featured in interviews during the NBC croadcast. The tennis star and NBA icon did a joint interview about how thrilled they were to represent the U.S. in Paris.
Joel Embiid
Former NBA MVP Joel Embiid was featured in an interview on the NBC broadcast, describing how he chose to play with the U.S. and not France or Cameroon, where he was born.
Juliette Armanet
The French singer did a lovely rendition of “Imagine” on a floating barge, accompanied by a piano that was on fire. Kind of cool.
Rafael Nadal, Carl Lewis, Serena Williams
Spanish tennis superstar Rafael Nadal took over the torch from Zidane toward the end of the ceremony. Alongside Nadal on a boat in the Seine was Serena Williams and former track star Carl Lewis.
Tony Parker
The French retired NBA star helped carry the torch.
Celine Dion
After a long ceremony, and lots of waiting for Dion, she finally, as rumored, performed. And she did so in grand fashion atop the Eiffel Tower.
