A Star-Studded Farewell: The Paris 2024 Olympic Closing Ceremony

The Paris 2024 Olympics drew to a close with a spectacular ceremony that brought together stars of sport, screen, and music, capping off two and a half weeks of unforgettable moments of sporting excellence.

Held in the 80,000-seat Stade de France, the closing ceremony was a blend of tradition, entertainment, and a nod to the future, as the Olympic flame was handed over to the next host city, Los Angeles.

Hollywood Meets Paris: The Handover to Los Angeles

In a scene that could only be described as cinematic, Hollywood icon Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance, descending from the roof of the Stade de France to collect the Olympic flag. This marked the official handover to Los Angeles, the city set to host the 2028 Olympic Games. Cruise, ever the action star, made his exit on a motorcycle, setting the tone for the star-studded American segment of the ceremony.

As the spotlight shifted to Los Angeles, viewers were treated to a musical extravaganza on the beach, featuring performances from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and Dr Dre.

Flagbearers and Reflections

Earlier in the evening, inside the stadium, Team GB’s gold medallists Alex Yee and Bryony Page proudly carried the British flag as part of the athlete parade. The closing ceremony provided a moment to reflect on the achievements of the Games, celebrating the athletes' hard work and dedication over the past fortnight.

A Glimpse of LA 2028

The ceremony didn’t just celebrate Paris; it also offered a tantalising preview of what to expect in LA 2028. R&B artist H.E.R. delivered a soulful rendition of the American national anthem, setting the stage for the transition to Los Angeles. Mountain biker Kate Courtney, track and field legend Michael Johnson, and skateboarder Jagger Eaton were featured in a cinematic tour of LA, showcasing iconic locations like the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the Hollywood sign, now adorned with Olympic rings.

And in a nod to the entertainment capital of the world, rapper Snoop Dogg, who served as a special correspondent during Paris 2024, joined Dr Dre for a memorable finale. Their performance was a fitting conclusion to the ceremony, blending music, sport, and spectacle in a way that only LA could.

Paris Bids Adieu: A Night of Records and Fireworks

Unlike the ambitious open-air opening ceremony along the Seine River, the closing ceremony took place within the confines of Stade de France, offering a more traditional yet no less spectacular conclusion to the Games. Artistic director Thomas Jolly, who also orchestrated the opening ceremony, centred the event around the theme of “Records,” celebrating the achievements and milestones of the athletes.

The ceremony featured over a hundred performers, including acrobats, dancers, and circus artists, all contributing to the vibrant atmosphere that defined these Games. And of course, no Olympics ceremony is complete with some firework action. The night ended with a stunning fireworks display above the stadium, lighting up the Parisian sky one last time in honour of the Olympic spirit.

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