The Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony kicked off with a moving rendition of Edith Piaf’s “Sous le ciel de Paris” by French singer Zazie de Sagazan, accompanied by the Académie d’Hendrik-Hendrex choir at the Tuileries Garden. The performance transitioned to the Stade de France, where Leon Marchand, a French swimmer, carried the Olympic flame in a lantern, marking the start of the ceremony. The orchestra performed the Marseillaise, followed by the athletes’ parade, led by the Greek delegation.
Sifan Hassan, representing the Netherlands, secured the gold medal in the women’s marathon, the final event of the 2024 Games, setting a new Olympic record of 2 hours, 22 minutes, 55 seconds. The Ethiopian-born athlete, who had won two gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics, received her third gold medal at the closing ceremony, celebrating her achievement before a crowd of over 70,000, including approximately 9,000 athletes.
The Olympic rings took center stage in a spectacular reveal. Golden Voyager, the enigmatic figure with a hood that appeared in the opening ceremony, descended from the sky. As dancers performed a mystical ballet, the Olympic rings, previously buried underground, emerged and were lifted into the air. This moment was underscored by a performance of “Hymn to Apollo” by French tenor Benjamin Bernheim, accompanied by Swiss composer and pianist Alain Roche on a vertically suspended piano.
The ceremony featured a lineup of musical performances. Phoenix, the French indie band led by Sofia Coppola’s husband, Thomas Mars, performed a medley of their hits, “Lisztomania,” “If I Ever Feel Better,” and “1901.” They were joined on stage by Belgian singer Angèle and French DJ Kavinsky, alongside Mars for a performance of “Nightcall.” The energy continued with Air and Cambodian rapper V.S.A. performing “Playground Love,” and Ezra Koenig, the frontman of Vampire Weekend, joining the stage for “Tonight.” As confetti rained down, Mars jumped into the crowd, leaving the audience energized.
The ceremony included the traditional passing of the Olympic flag. The Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, handed the flag to IOC President Thomas Bach, who then presented it to Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Summer Games. Adding to the spectacle, Grammy and Academy Award-winning singer H.E.R. performed a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” on her guitar.
Tom Cruise, known for his action-packed roles, took the stage for a thrilling stunt. He rappelled from the stadium’s roof, greeted athletes, and received the Olympic flag from Simone Biles, the American gymnast who won three gold and one silver medal at the Games. He then sped off on a motorbike, leaving the stadium. The broadcast cut to a pre-recorded video showing Cruise traveling from Paris to LA on a bike, skydiving, and parachuting, culminating in the iconic Olympic rings being added to the Hollywood sign.
The celebration shifted to a beach party at Venice Beach, featuring a string of high-profile musical performances. The Red Hot Chili Peppers played their hit song, “Can’t Stop.” Billie Eilish took to the stage with her brother, Finneas, performing “Birds of a Feather.” Snoop Dogg delivered a set that included “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “The Next Episode” alongside Dr. Dre.
The closing ceremony culminated with a performance by French singer-songwriter Yseult, who brought a touch of drama and fashion. Dressed in a custom Dior look, she delivered a powerful rendition of “My Way,” a song popularized by Frank Sinatra in 1969.
