The two-week event began on July 24.
Celine Dion performs on stage during the 2017 Billboard Music Awards at T-Mobile Arena on May 21, 2017 in Las Vegas.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
It only comes around every four years — maybe five or three if a global pandemic intervenes — but the summer Olympics are finally back. And this time, the Games are taking place in Paris, with more than 10,000 athletes gearing up to bring the heat and compete for gold, silver and bronze medals in hundreds of different sporting events.
But while the two-plus week celebrations have already technically begun with events starting on Wednesday (July 24), they will kick off in full this Friday — with a spectacular opening ceremony on the Seine, marking the first time in history that The start of the summer event does not take place on a field. The international celebration will conclude with the traditional torch relay following a months-long relay across France, as well as rumored performances from some of the world's biggest stars.
And while sport is certainly at the heart of the Olympics, the Games are also sure to be a thriving hub for pop culture in 2024. Several different personalities are joining in to provide on-site commentary, while others will likely flock to the City of Love to cheer on their home countries and support their favorite team members – including USA's Simone Biles, Noah Lyles, Sha'Carri Richardson, Katie Ledecky, Diana Taurasi and Steph Curry.
As the wait for the Games gets shorter and shorter, Advertising sign rounds up the highlights we can't wait to see play out in Paris this summer. From A-list commentators to celebrity appearances and Swiftie fitness routines — plus the inauguration of a brand new Olympic sport — keep reading to see which moments we're most looking forward to below.
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The Torch Lighting (Thanks, Jin!)
The momentous lighting of the Olympic cauldron in Paris will be one of the biggest moments of the 2024 opening ceremony on the Seine, preceded by a months-long torch relay starting in Greece. BTS's Jin was one of the many participants in the relay, helping to carry the flame in a stretch in the City of Love that passed the Louvre.
Snoop Dogg is also set to participate in the final leg of the relay by carrying the torch on part of its journey to the opening ceremony.
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Comment by Snoop Dogg
Speaking of the Doggfather, Snoop is set to join NBC's Mike Tirico as part of it Primetime in Paris to provide wall-to-wall coverage of the Olympics, go behind the scenes with some of the athletes, see some of the city's landmarks and provide his unique commentary.
“I grew up watching the Olympics and I'm excited to see the incredible athletes bring their A-game to Paris,” he said in a statement in January. “It is a celebration of skill, dedication and the pursuit of greatness. We're going to have some awesome contests, and of course, I'm going to bring that Snoop style to the mix. It's going to be the most epic Olympics ever, so stay tuned and keep it locked.”
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Hosted by Kelly Clarkson
Also on the commentary team for the opening ceremony of the Games is Kelly Clarkson, who will anchor the event for NBC alongside Tirico and Peyton Manning. The trio made the announcement during a group appearance on The Tonight Showwhere they also did some early preparation with an “Olympic” round.
“We're keeping this forever,” she told the news at the time, also revealing which fantasy sport she could easily win Gold in: “I'm the Simone Biles of LEGO. I'm incredible at LEGOs.”
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The return of Celine Dion
According to a report from VarietyCeline Dion is set to make her long-awaited return to the 2024 opening ceremonies, taking to the stage for the first time since halting her touring schedule due to a diagnosis of Stiff Person Syndrome in 2022. I am: Celine Dion documentary, she showed her fans how hard she's been working to overcome the muscle problems caused by the disorder and get back into good shape – which means, in addition to being one of the most talented singers of this century, that everything she does at the Games you'll probably be great.
Three days before the opening ceremony, Dion was seen smiling outside a hotel in Paris.
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Lady Gaga's performance (Rumoured).
Lady Gaga is also rumored to be performing at the opening ceremonies and was recently spotted in Paris a few days earlier. The Olympics previously teased that a theatrical special guest is set to appear, releasing a cryptic video starring a hooded figure many believed to be the “Rain on Me” singer.
Later, reports surfaced that Gaga and Dion would take the stage together, possibly teaming up for a duet of the classic “La Vie en Rose.”
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Celebrity Observations
As always, the Games are sure to attract a number of famous visitors this year. From musicians to Hollywood stars, we can't wait to see who will perform.
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Flavor Flav's Water Polo Hype
One celebrity definitely heading to Paris is Flavor Flav, who took on the role of sponsor of the US women's water polo team this year. The rapper provides financial support for the unit and recently gifted each athlete a Virgin Voyage cruise as well as a $1,000 bonus and plans to attend the opening ceremony of the Games to cheer them on on July 26.
“These women out here … the women's water polo team, they're busting their butts to make the United States look good,” Flav said. CBS Mornings in early July. “And they're chasing that dream, you know what I'm saying?”
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Simone Biles' Swiftie Floor Routine
Simone Biles' floor routine is a Swiftie favorite this year, with the Olympic gold medalist debuting her powerful, highly skilled selection of flip passes on “Ready for It?” by Taylor Swift. at the Olympiacos tryouts earlier this year. Even the pop star weighed in, commenting to X, “I've watched it so many times and I'm still not ready. She's ready for it👏👏👏🥇🇺🇸❤️”
Fans will be able to see it Reputation-Routine again after the start of the women's gymnastics competitions on July 28, with the floor exercise final scheduled for August 5.
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The first Breakdancing Olympics
For the first time, breakdancing will be an Olympic event once the 2024 Olympics come around. The competition is expected to be intense and full of cool music — and of course, a fair amount of popping and locking.
The one-on-one breaking battles begin on August 9 for the women and on August 10 for the men. “It's all about improvisation and adapting to the moment,” Victor Montalvo, one of Team USA's four breakdancers, said recently. Advertising sign. “You never know what's going to happen.”
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Recaps of Kevin Hart & Kenan Thompson
Kevin Hart and Kenan Thompson are set to put a comedic spin on events at the Olympics by hosting an eight-episode recap series that will air during the Games. Just a title Olympic highlightsthe show will premiere on July 26 on the Peacock and follows their partnership in 2022 Back that year.
“We look forward to participating in the Paris Olympics and helping to excite audiences with highlights from the Games,” Hart said in a statement. statement. “Go for gold, everyone!”
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/lists/2024-olympics-10-things-looking-forward-to-paris/
