The 2024 Paris Olympics concluded with the Sunday, August 11 closing ceremony following the controversy surrounding the opening ceremony. From artistic director Thomas Jolly — who was also responsible for the July 26 opening ceremony, which draw outrage from some viewers and religious groups — the closing ceremony featured performances from rock band Phoenix , French DJ Kavinsky , singer H.E.
R. and a suspenseful hand-off to the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles featuring Tom Cruise . There was plenty of French flair on hand, as well.
In a segment of the ceremony called “Records,” a golden traveler played by French breakdancer Arthur Cadre paid homage to the creation of the Olympic Games. According to organizers , Cadre was joined by 270 performers who helped excavate the Olympic rings from the depths. The ceremony reached its emotional peak when the Olympic flame was extinguished as French singer Yseult sang a version of “My Way,” made famous by Frank Sinatra.
While the ceremony was certainly memorable, it’s hard to imagine it leading to any mass indignation like its opening ceremony predecessor. The summer games kicked off with an elaborate four-hour opening ceremony in Paris on July 26. While highlights included performances by Céline Dion and Lady Gaga amid the stunning scenery of the Eiffel Tower and the River Seine, one segment that featured drag queens and dancers at a long table drew backlash from some viewers due to its resemblance to Leonardo da Vinci�.