Céline Dion and Lady Gaga thrilled the audience at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics. A few hours later, they spoke out.
It was an Olympic opening ceremony that will probably stay in the minds of everyone who was able to attend the incredible party in Paris on site or on their TV at home for years to come. The undisputed highlights of the four-hour mega-event in the most famous places in the French metropolis: the performances of the two superstars Lady Gaga (38) and – to top it all off – Céline Dion (56). Both posted emotional words on Instagram after their performances.
“I am honoured to have performed at the opening ceremony of Paris 2024 tonight and I am full of joy to be back in one of my favourite cities!” said the Canadian after her overwhelming comeback on the Eiffel Tower. But above all, she is looking forward to celebrating these incredible athletes, with all their stories of sacrifice and determination, pain and perseverance: “You can all be so proud, we know how hard you have worked to be the best of the best.”
The singer, who suffers from stiff person syndrome, celebrated a moving return at the opening ceremony. Dion, who had already sung at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, has withdrawn in recent years, but has repeatedly stressed that she wants to fight her way back. Dion marked the emotional and crowning conclusion of the celebrations with her version of Édith Piaf’s (1915-1963) “L’Hymne à l’amour”.
Lady Gaga also reports after her performance on the Seine
Lady Gaga, on the other hand, marked the start of the impressive event. Before sunset, the US star performed a version of Zizi Jeanmaire’s (1924-2020) revue piece “Mon truc en plumes” right on the banks of the Seine and also sat at the grand piano. “I feel so grateful to have been asked to open the Olympics in Paris this year. I also feel humbled to have been asked by the Olympic Organising Committee to sing such a special French song – a song in honour of the French people and their tremendous history of art, music and theatre.”
Although she is not a French artist, she has always felt a very special connection to the French and singing French music: “I wanted nothing more than to create a performance that warms the heart of France, celebrates French art and music and, on such a momentous occasion, reminds everyone that Paris is one of the most magical cities on earth.”
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
