The Paris 2024 Olympics officially came to a close on August 11 with a dazzling closing ceremony held at the iconic Stade de France. The event was a fitting finale to two weeks of thrilling competition, marked by record-breaking performances and unforgettable moments. The ceremony also set the stage for the 2028 Summer Games, which will be hosted by Los Angeles.
The closing ceremony was a visual and auditory spectacle, blending French elegance with Hollywood flair. The event began with the French indie rock band Phoenix delivering an energetic performance that set the tone for the evening. The atmosphere was further electrified when actor Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance, carrying the Olympic flag while riding a motorcycle around the stadium. The crowd erupted in cheers as Cruise then performed a breathtaking stunt, jumping off the stadium’s roof and being lowered onto the floor of the Stade de France.
French pianist Alain Roche added a touch of artistic brilliance to the evening, playing the piano while suspended from wires high above the stadium. His performance was a mesmerizing blend of music and acrobatics, captivating the audience below.
Bridging Paris to Los Angeles: The Handover Celebration
One of the most poignant moments of the ceremony came when singer H.E.R. took the stage to perform the U.S. national anthem. Her powerful rendition resonated deeply with the international audience, bridging the gap between the Paris Games and the upcoming Los Angeles Games.
As the focus shifted to Los Angeles, the handover celebration began with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s spectacular performance, bringing a taste of California’s vibrant culture to the ceremony. The duo’s high-energy performance was broadcast live from Los Angeles, symbolizing the connection between the two Olympic host cities. Billie Eilish, accompanied by her brother Finneas, followed with a heartfelt rendition of “Birds of a Feather,” further highlighting the musical talent that will be on display in 2028.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass then took center stage, proudly waving the Olympic flag alongside Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee. The handover marked the official transition from Paris to Los Angeles as the next host of the Summer Games.
Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris 2024 organizing committee, delivered a speech during the ceremony, celebrating the success of the Paris Games. He highlighted that these Olympics matched records for audience size, attendance, and even decibel levels, reflecting the passion and enthusiasm that surrounded the event. Estanguet’s words resonated with the audience, who had witnessed a truly historic Olympic Games.
As the Olympic flame was extinguished and the night drew to a close, the Paris 2024 Olympics were officially over, but the memories created will last a lifetime. With the baton now passed to Los Angeles, the world eagerly anticipates what the 2028 Summer Games will bring. The closing ceremony, with its blend of French sophistication and American exuberance, was a perfect bridge between two great Olympic cities, leaving spectators around the world excited for the future.
