The Paris Olympics delivered a stunning closing ceremony on a sweltering day, contrasting sharply with the rainy kickoff of the Games. The ceremony showcased a spectacular mix of French culture, Hollywood glamour, and memorable performances, as Paris handed over the Olympic torch to Los Angeles, the host of the 2028 Summer Games.
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A Star-Studded Handover
The transition to Los Angeles was nothing short of spectacular. Hollywood icon Tom Cruise wowed the audience with a series of epic stunts, while musical stars Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers set the stage on fire. Cruise, who arrived in the VIP section before his performance, embodied the cinematic flair of Los Angeles, signaling the beginning of a new Olympic chapter.
Team USA and France Shine
As the U.S. flag bearers, swimmer Katie Ledecky and rower Nick Mead led Team USA, which topped the Paris Olympics with a staggering 126 medals. France, the host country, celebrated breaking a century-old record with 64 medals, including 16 golds. The French women’s basketball team clinched a silver medal after a nail-biting final against Team USA, while local heroes like swimmer Léon Marchand and judoka Teddy Riner made the nation proud.
Celebrating French Talent
The closing ceremony, orchestrated by artistic director Thomas Jolly and executive director Thierry Reboul, put the spotlight on French and Francophone artists. Revered bands Phoenix and Air, alongside Belgian pop star Angèle, delivered electrifying performances. The event also paid homage to French cultural icons, with singer Zaho de Sagazan opening the ceremony with Édith Piaf’s classic “Sous le Ciel de Paris.”
A Dystopian Tribute to Olympic Values
Jolly’s creative vision transported viewers to a dystopian future, where the Olympic Games had vanished, only to be revived by a Golden Voyager. This operatic spectacle was a tribute to the origins and values of the Games, emphasizing the importance of preserving these ideals in a fragile world. The performance featured acrobats portraying Nike, the Greek Goddess of Victory, and the Olympic rings symbolically rising to mark the rebirth of the Games.
Paris Sets a Record for Olympic Proposals
The city of love lived up to its reputation, with the Paris Olympics setting a record for marriage proposals—seven in total, including two during the sailing competitions in Marseille. Tony Estanguet, the president of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, highlighted this and other records in a moving speech, celebrating the athletes’ brilliance and the event’s magic.
High Security Amidst Tensions
The ceremony unfolded under heightened security, just days after a thwarted terrorist attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna. With thousands of police officers, including 2,000 from overseas, ensuring the safety of over 70,000 spectators, the event proceeded without incident.
Los Angeles Takes the Stage
As the Olympic flag was ceremoniously handed to L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, gymnast Simone Biles stood proudly by her side. Grammy-winning artist H.E.R. performed a powerful rendition of the U.S. national anthem, transitioning seamlessly into the “Mission: Impossible” theme as Tom Cruise descended from the stadium roof, performing a series of stunts that left the audience in awe.
L.A. Welcomes the Games with a Bang
The handover to Los Angeles was celebrated in style, with performances by local legends the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish, and Snoop Dogg. The beachside stage set the perfect backdrop as these artists welcomed the world to Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Games. The closing segment, featuring French singer Yseult’s rendition of “My Way” and a grand fireworks display, ensured that the Paris Olympics ended on a high note.