The 2024 Paris officially began on Friday, as the Opening Ceremony formally concluded and the Olympic cauldron was lit. With the entire city as the backdrop in the pouring rain, athletes traveled along the Seine River in boats waving to family, friends, and fans who lined its banks. Thousands of athletes participated in the parade of nations.
They were led by Greece and its flag-bearer, Giannis Antetokounmpo, as a tribute to the ancient Olympics that inspired the modern Games. After Greece and the Olympic Refugee Team, countries paraded in based on alphabetical order in French — except for the United States, Australia, and France, which represent the future and current summer hosts. The first big moment of the Opening Ceremony began with the clicking of high heels on stairs and dancers revealing Lady Gaga.
"Bonsoir, bienvenue en Paris!" Gaga declared enthusiastically as she kicked off her musical number. The Oscar-winning singer performed a rendition of the French song "Mon Truc En Plume," or "My Thing Made of Feathers." Lady Gaga’s full Olympics performance, y’all are so quick omg Throughout the Opening Ceremony, a masked person ran through the streets, climbed buildings, and parkoured their way across the Paris skyline while holding the torch.
The mystery torch-bearer added an element of suspense: Could that be the surprise flame lighter? Who is the Masked torch bearer ?? Take it off, take it off, take it off 🤣 Heavy metal band Gojira performed for the crowd while .