Well, folks, the Paris Olympics have come to a close after three exhilarating weeks, and what a farewell it was! The Closing Ceremony was a whirlwind of memorable moments, featuring everything from dramatic performances to unexpected celebrity appearances. Here’s a rundown of the highlights from the grand finale that bid adieu to Paris and handed the Olympic baton over to Los Angeles.
First off, let's talk about the grand extinguishing of the Olympic flame. French swimming sensation Leon Marchand, who dazzled with five medals, was the star of this segment. Instead of a grand gesture, Marchand extinguished the flame with a more understated approach, holding a tiny lantern-like flame as the giant gold balloon cauldron slowly dimmed. The scene felt a bit anti-climactic, especially when compared to the balloon’s dramatic rise at the start of the Games. Still, it was a poignant end to Paris 2024.
Then there was the enigmatic Golden Voyager. This figure, clad in gold, made a dramatic entrance against a backdrop of darkened skies and billowing smoke. They descended from above, setting the stage for an awe-inspiring visual display that included alien-like figures and acrobatic performances. The crowd was treated to a spectacle that blended futuristic themes with Olympic tradition, even though we never quite figured out who was beneath the golden costume.
In a lighter moment, athletes showed their rebellious side. As the ceremony transitioned from its artistic segments to musical performances, many athletes decided to ignore announcements urging them to leave the stage. They soaked in the moment, enjoying their newfound fame and the closing festivities, creating an unscripted, but delightful, scene of Olympic camaraderie.
The musical acts were another highlight. French band Phoenix kicked off the show with their hit "Lisztomania," followed by Belgian singer Angèle and DJ Kavinsky delivering a synthwave treat. Things took an interesting turn with Cambodian rapper VannDa and an unexpected guitar solo by a hooded figure who some speculated might be Tom Cruise. The night culminated with a lively set featuring Phoenix, Air, and Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend, bringing a cool, relaxed vibe to the closing moments.
Speaking of Tom Cruise, he made a memorable appearance, albeit with a touch of humor. He descended from the roof of the stadium on a wire, not quite as smooth as his movie stunts, but charming nonetheless. Once on the ground, Cruise mingled with athletes, took selfies, and hopped on a motorbike for a dramatic exit. The ceremony then featured a video montage of Cruise in action around LA, setting the stage for the next Olympics.
The handover to Los Angeles was marked by an exuberant performance from Snoop Dogg, who arrived on Venice Beach in a golden low-rider, delivering his classic hits and joining Dr. Dre for a memorable set. Billie Eilish also performed her new song "Birds of a Feather," but the real show-stealer was Snoop’s high-energy presence.
Finally, the evening ended on a high note with French singer Yseult delivering a soulful rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” As she sang, the crowd illuminated the Stade de France with their phones, creating a sea of lights that perfectly capped off the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Paris has now passed the Olympic torch to Los Angeles, and as we look forward to 2028, it’s clear that the Paris Games have left us with unforgettable memories and a high bar for the next host city to match.
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