The Paris Olympics closing ceremony was a star-studded event filled with surprises and captivating performances. The ceremony featured a lineup of renowned artists, including Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, H.E.R, and Phoenix, who entertained both athletes and spectators.
Phoenix, the French band now based in the U.S., opened the show with their hit song Lisztomania, setting the stage for an energetic and engaging performance. The band was joined by special guests like Kavinsky and Angèle for a rendition of Nightcall, known from the Drive soundtrack. Rapper VannDa also made an appearance during Funky Squaredance, adding to the excitement of the evening.
AIR, another iconic French band, collaborated with Phoenix to perform Playground Love, captivating the audience with their musical prowess. The surprise appearance of Ezra Koenig from Vampire Weekend added a unique touch to the show, as he performed Tonight with the band, creating a memorable moment for all in attendance.
As the ceremony transitioned to the handover for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, H.E.R. took the stage to deliver a soulful rendition of the national anthem. The event took a dramatic turn with Tom Cruise's grand entrance, symbolizing the transfer of the Olympic flag to Los Angeles. Cruise's exhilarating performance, accompanied by a bluesy guitar riff from H.E.R., added a touch of Hollywood glamour to the proceedings.
The celebration continued with a pre-taped segment featuring the Red Hot Chili Peppers, showcasing Cruise's journey from Paris to Los Angeles in a thrilling montage. The handover to Los Angeles was commemorated with live performances from the city's top artists at Will Rogers Beach, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Billie Eilish, who mesmerized the audience with her song Birds of a Feather.
Snoop Dogg, a familiar face throughout the Games, delighted the crowd with his iconic hits Drop It Like It's Hot and Gin & Juice, joined by the legendary Dr. Dre for a special guest appearance. The ceremony concluded on a high note with French singer Yseult's rendition of My Way, paying homage to the classic song popularized by Frank Sinatra.
