(Photo Credits: Screengrab from NBC Sports’ Official YouTube Account)
On Friday, July 26, the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris officially opened with a grand ceremony held on the Seine River, setting a historic precedent as the first Olympic opening ceremony to take place outside a traditional stadium. The Summer Olympic Games will continue until Sunday, August 11, with some team events having started on July 24. This innovative use of the Seine, a river that has flowed through the heart of Paris for millennia, offered a stunning backdrop and highlighted the city’s cultural and historical significance.
The 2024 Summer Olympics kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony that featured breathtaking performances from the likes of Céline Dion and Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga, 38, graced the stage with a stunning performance of Zizi Jeanmaire’s Mon Truc en Plumes.
Meanwhile, Céline Dion delivered a memorable closing performance from the first stage of the Eiffel Tower, singing the iconic Edith Piaf song L’Hymne à l’amour. This appearance was especially poignant given Dion’s recent battle with stiff person syndrome (SPS), a rare neurological disorder characterized by severe muscle rigidity and spasms. This marks her first performance after Dion revealed her diagnosis in December 2022 and announced a hiatus from professional engagements to prioritize her health, explaining that the condition had affected her singing ability.
Kelly Clarkson, providing commentary for NBC, expressed her admiration for Dion – describing her as “a vocal athlete.” Dion’s strength and perseverance in the face of adversity are also highlighted in her documentary I Am: Céline Dion, now streaming on Amazon. The documentary offers an intimate look at her journey and the impact of her diagnosis on her life and career.
Céline Dion has a rare autoimmune neurological disorder that causes muscle stiffness called stiff person syndrome. There is no treatment and she has not performed in 4 years. She just opened the Olympics with this stunning performance. Magnifique. pic.twitter.com/NAkgAJ6wIZ
— Dr. Lucky Tran (@luckytran) July 26, 2024
Team USA’s roster for the 2024 Olympics includes at least 29 openly LGBTQ+ athletes, including prominent figures in basketball and rowing. This represents a strong presence of LGBTQ+ athletes in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. Overall, around 175 openly LGBTQ+ athletes are participating, slightly below the record of 186 set at the 2021 Tokyo Summer Olympics.
Notable LGBTQ+ athletes competing in this year’s Olympics include Brittney Griner, a powerhouse in basketball, and Sha’Carri Richardson, known for her prowess on the track. Soccer star Tierna Davidson, British diver Tom Daley, and Canadian soccer player Quinn are also competing, representing a diverse and talented group of athletes. Nikki Hiltz, another USA track athlete, rounds out this impressive list, showcasing the strength and visibility of LGBTQ+ athletes in international sports.
Happy viewing!
JURASSIC PARK AT THE 2024 OLYMICS-
DIONOSAURUS & GAGAOCERATOPUS
LOL!!! LOL!!! LOL!!!
The opening ceremony had highs and lows. France brought out its best and brightest vocal performance and dancers. All, except one, were brilliant as they showcased the country’s history and variety of performance talent along the Seine River. That one, unfortunately, was disrespectful, thoughtless, and hurtful. This is not surprising as that’s how its community treats society. It demands respect and then disrespects everyone else. Paris 2024 has since publicly apologized for that spectacle. The parade of athletes in boats was joyous, a unique way to introduce the competitors. Torrential rains added reflections to every aspect that had to do… Read more »
yes loved Celine’s performance .. Gaga’s performance was less than stellar, but enjoyed her on the piano, wish she could’ve played a bit more, and yes it was a bit difficult to hear her, honey
what an awesome opening ceremonies, and so glad Miss Celine is BACK, honey! ♥
why am i getting negged on my comments again? apparently no Celine fans on here i suppose?
huge fan of Celine and Lady Gaga here!
Jurassic Park at The 20024 Olympics
Dionosaurus/Gagasaurus
2024
Having a child involved showed the world how toxic the drag culture is. They can’t stop themselves from involving children.
you are not alone
The Artist claims behind the Last Supper/Dionysus show claims he meant no offense and he was depicting inclusivity. The Last Supper is a renowned piece that has existed for centuries. Any artist would have encountered it during their career. Artists have thick skins, as well as thick brains. They can take something and morph it into something else. All in the name of Art. They are used to shock value. And they are used to criticism when others just don’t “get it”. The Artist claims inclusivity is what he meant in the Paris piece, when what he got was a… Read more »
Oh, was that the Olympics?? I thought it was Rupaul’s Drag Race. Then again, I don’t believe Ru would have allowed anything that tacky of a tragedy on air.
give them kudos at least for performing in the RAIN, honey
amphibians
Ribbitt?
Ya betta WORK, honey!