The Paris Olympic Games ended with a spectacular closing ceremony that was every bit as spectacular as the star-studded opening ceremony. Despite the scorching heat in contrast to the rainy start, the event offered a spectacular show with a touch of Hollywood glamour.
The ceremony marked the handover to Los Angeles, host of the 2028 Summer Olympics, and Tom Cruise performed breathtaking stunts in true Mission Impossible style. Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg and the Red Hot Chili Peppers entertained the crowd while HER delivered a rousing rendition of the US national anthem. Olympic gold medalists Katie Ledecky and Nick Mead served as US flag bearers.
Artistic director Thomas Jolly and executive director Thierry Reboul organized the event, showcasing French talent with performances by Phoenix, Air and Belgian singer Angèle. After a recent foiled attack at Taylor Swift’s concert series in Vienna, security was paramount. Unprecedented measures were taken at the ceremony: thousands of police officers, including 2,000 from abroad, protected 70,000 spectators, 8,200 athletes and 270 artists.
Although controversial to some, Jolly’s vision for the ceremony was an operatic and futuristic spectacle that emphasized Olympic values. Following the opening ceremony’s themes of love and inclusion, the closing event delivered a progressive message about global fragility and the importance of preserving shared values.
Check out some of the best moments from the Paris Olympics closing ceremony below.
The ceremony began in the Jardin des Tuileries with a performance of Édith Piaf’s “Sous le Ciel de Paris” by French singer Zaho de Sagazan. Olympic star Léon Marchand then carried the Olympic flame to the Stade de France.
The athletes entered the stadium to French electronic music and took part in a karaoke session with French and international hits. An acrobatic performance symbolised the Olympic spirit, with the performers forming the Olympic rings in the air.
The French bands Phoenix and Air delivered energetic performances together with other musicians.
The Olympic flag was handed over to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in the presence of gymnast Simone Biles, who sang the US national anthem while the American flag was raised.
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♬ Original sound – EscapeTracks
Perhaps the coolest part came from Tom Cruise. He performed spectacular stunts, including a jump from the stadium roof and a recorded parachute jump over the Hollywood sign, symbolizing the handover to Los Angeles for the 2028 Games.
LA artists such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish and Snoop Dogg performed to welcome the games to their city.
The ceremony ended with a rendition of “My Way” by French singer Yseult and a huge fireworks display, making for a memorable end to the Paris Olympic Games.
If you missed the closing ceremony, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Watch the closing ceremony below while you still have 4 years until the next Olympics.
