The curtain fell on a breathtaking Olympic Games as the closing ceremony illuminated the Stade de France on Sunday evening. After an exhilarating 17 days of athletic prowess, global unity, and cultural celebration, the world bid farewell to Paris 2024.
The ceremony, a vibrant tapestry of French artistry and Olympic spirit, showcased the Games’ enduring legacy. Thousands of athletes, hailing from across the globe, marched into the stadium one final time, their faces etched with pride and camaraderie. The parade of nations was a poignant reminder of the diverse cultures and talents united under the Olympic banner.
A spectacular handover ceremony then took place, as Paris passed the Olympic flag to Los Angeles, the host city of the 2028 Games. The segment offered a tantalizing glimpse into the Californian city’s vision for its Olympics, generating excitement for the next chapter in the Olympic saga.
The evening’s entertainment was a dazzling blend of music, dance, and visual effects, culminating in the extinguishing of the Olympic flame. As the iconic symbol of the Games was extinguished, a wave of emotion washed over the stadium, marking the end of an unforgettable journey.
Paris 2024 will be remembered for its innovative approach, which brought the Games closer to the people than ever before. With events held on the Seine River and a strong emphasis on inclusivity, the Olympics redefined the spectator experience. As the world looks forward to Los Angeles 2028, the legacy of Paris 2024 will continue to inspire and motivate athletes and fans alike.
Below, more of the best moments from the 2024 Olympic Games closing ceremony.
Tom Cruise taking a selfie before rappelling into the Closing Ceremony
French singer Zaho de Sagazan gracefully opened the ceremony with a poignant rendition of Edith Piaf’s “Sous le ciel de Paris,” her voice echoing through the Tuileries Garden as the Olympic cauldron glowed in the background.
Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands claimed her third career gold medal in front of a 70,000-strong crowd.
Swiss pianist Alain Roche performed a mesmerizing piece on a vertically suspended piano at the Stade de France, while draped in a unique coat crafted by Kevin Germanier from 200 recycled VHS tapes—a nostalgic collection sourced by Germanier’s mother from their Swiss childhood.
French indie sensation Phoenix, fronted by Thomas Mars (husband to Sofia Coppola, father to Romy), electrified the Stade de France with a setlist including their iconic hits “Lisztomania,” “If I Ever Feel Better,” and “1901.”
Joining Phoenix on stage was a star-studded lineup: Belgian pop star Angèle, French electronic maestro Kavinsky, fellow French band Air for a nostalgic rendition of “Playground Love,” Cambodian rapper VannDa adding fresh energy to “If I Ever Feel Better,” and Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig for a powerful performance of “Tonight.” The show culminated with Mars diving into the ecstatic crowd as confetti filled the air.
Anticipating the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, the Olympic flag was handed over to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (right) during the Paris closing ceremony. Joining her onstage was Simone Biles (left), the American gymnast who claimed three gold and one silver medal in this year’s games.
H.E.R. took the stage to deliver a powerful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” accompanied by her signature guitar.
Tom Cruise proceeded to take the Olympic flag from one of the stars of Paris – American gymnast Simone Biles – before the thrilled audience watched him zip away on a motorbike.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers rocked the crowd with their hit “Can’t Stop.” The atmosphere then shifted to a full-blown Venice Beach party, complete with a dazzling array of Hollywood’s top musical talent.
Clad in matching Polo Ralph Lauren outfits, Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas delivered a show-stopping performance of their hit song “Birds of a Feather.”
LA28 we ready!!! Closing ceremony vibes wit @drdre yall ??????? pic.twitter.com/sxLnlRq00Z
— Snoop Dogg (@SnoopDogg) August 12, 2024
Snoop Dogg rolled onto the stage, dropping beats with “Drop It Like It’s Hot” before teaming up with Dr. Dre for a show-stopping rendition of “The Next Episode.”
French singer Yseult performed a soulful version of “My Way.” Her striking appearance in a custom black Dior gown and exquisite Chopard jewels added to the dramatic impact of her performance.
