Paris 2024 Olympics Ceremony Opening Recap: A Party On The Seine

The ceremony had a bit of a rough start on Friday evening. With rain underway, it may have delayed the opening, but the attendees did not allow that to stop them from soaking the moment in. The city's landmarks provided a stunning backdrop for the scene, taking place near the Eiffel tower.

(Francois-Xavier Marit/Pool/Reuters)

Lady Gaga opened the night up with a beautiful rendition performance of 'Mon Truc en Plumes,' while Céline Dion belted out her own interpretation of ‘L'Hymne à l'amour’, after being sidelined by Stiff-person's syndrome for nearly 4 years. The crowd, including commentator Kelly Clarkson, was in complete shock by the comeback performance.

Selected for her unique talent, versatile performances, and love of Parisian culture, Lady Gaga's act showcased the enduring influence of French culture globally and the connection between icons of different eras. Through her personal touch, Lady Gaga demonstrated how the world has drawn from French culture to reinvent and enhance it.

Check out an Entertainment Tonight recap below:

Coco Gauff and Lebron James served as flag bearers for USA in the opening entrance.

“Representing the red, white and blue, there’s no better time,” James said during an interview with NBC’s Maria Taylor during the parade of nations. “We’re here for the USA and ready to go out and compete at a high level.”

The NBA superstar and the Grand Slam champion were selected as flag bearers by the rest of the U.S. team. Flagbearers held their country’s flags aloft as the team boats floated down the Seine while other athletes waved smaller flags. But Gauff and James also took time to pose for photos with others on the boat – including the captain – and take in the sights of Paris.

(Ashley Landis/Pool/AP)

Marie-Jose Perec and Teddy Riner were responsible for lighting the Olympic Cauldron. Installed at the heart of the city, in the Tuileries gardens of the Louvre, the lighting is one of the most anticipated events of the opening ceremony.

Designed by French designer Mathieu Lehanneur, a giant ring of fire topped with a large hot air balloon created one of the most memorable images of the ceremony. Once ignited and released, the Cauldron ascended into the skies of Paris. With this gesture, Riner inaugurated the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and concluded the Olympic Torch Relay, which generated widespread excitement across France.

During an interview with official commentator Snoop Dogg and Hoda Kotb, Simone Biles' parents confirmed that she would not be making an appearance at the opening ceremony.

“The first competition is Sunday, which is women’s qualifier, and so … of course, she needs to rest up before that competition,” Nellie Biles said.

Athletes who participated in the festivities on Friday were expected to be on their feet for approximately a total of 9 hours, so gymnasts competing on Sunday were discouraged from attending the event to rest. But according to her mom, Biles is more than ready to compete.

“I spoke to her this morning, and she’s doing great,” Nellie said. “She’s just in a really good place.”

EXTRA: Check out the official song of the Olympics by Gwen Stefani and Anderson .Paak:

The Paris 2024 Olympics information and schedule can be viewed here.

With over 200 countries participating in the games this year, the participants are all fired up to compete for the gold medal. Congratulations to the 10,714 athletes that get to represent their country!

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