LA’s Finest Shine at Paris 2024 Closing Ceremony
In a blend of Hollywood flair and Olympic spirit, the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics served as a grand stage for Los Angeles’ top talent to usher in the next chapter of the Games, set to take place in LA in 2028. Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers headlined the electrifying handover performance, symbolizing the vibrant cultural heartbeat of the City of Angels.
Hollywood Meets the Olympics
The spectacle kicked off with none other than Tom Cruise, embodying Hollywood’s penchant for the dramatic. The megastar was shown retrieving the Olympic flag in Paris, only to fly it across the Atlantic and parachute down to the iconic Hollywood sign, setting the tone for what was to come. The broadcast then transitioned to Venice Beach, where the Red Hot Chili Peppers ignited the performance with their 2002 anthem “Can’t Stop” followed by “Eddie,” a track from their 2022 release.
Red Hot Chili Peppers ️ initiate LA Olympics 2028 celebration! pic.twitter.com/U3dzQEvFeH
— Luis Alejo⚖️ (@SupervisorAlejo) August 11, 2024
Billie Eilish Captivates the World
Billie Eilish followed, captivating the global audience with a hauntingly beautiful rendition of “BIRDS OF A FEATHER,” a standout from her latest album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, which dropped this past May. Eilish’s ethereal performance further solidified her status as one of LA’s most influential artists, perfectly bridging the city’s legacy with its future.
Billie Eilish performs “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” at the #Olympics closing ceremony. pic.twitter.com/P8hUG0c9SR
— Billie Eilish Charts (@eilishdata) August 11, 2024
Snoop Dogg Brings the West Coast Vibe
Closing out the segment in true West Coast style, Snoop Dogg took the stage, delivering a one-two punch with “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “The Next Episode,” the latter featuring a surprise appearance by Dr. Dre. Snoop’s presence was more than just symbolic; it was the culmination of his deep involvement in the 2024 Games, where he played an active role, from carrying the Olympic torch to even running a 200-meter race during the U.S. Trials.
LA28 we ready!!! Closing ceremony vibes wit @drdre yall pic.twitter.com/sxLnlRq00Z
— Snoop Dogg (@SnoopDogg) August 12, 2024
A Taste of What’s to Come in 2028
Ben Winston, the creative director for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, encapsulated the spirit of the ceremony in his statement: “We wanted to showcase the heartbeat of LA — a city that, like the Olympics, draws people from around the globe to chase their dreams. This performance was a taste of the creativity, diversity, and magic that defines Los Angeles, all wrapped up in a bit of Hollywood spectacle.”
A Global Celebration
The closing ceremony also featured a strong lineup of international talent. Earlier in the evening, H.E.R., another California native, delivered a soul-stirring rendition of the American national anthem live from Paris. The French band Phoenix, accompanied by special guests Ezra Koenig and Air, added a local flavor to the festivities, rounding out a night that celebrated both the past and future of the Olympic Games.
Looking Ahead to the LA 2028 Olympics
As Los Angeles gears up for its role as the 2028 host city, this preview set the bar high, promising an Olympics infused with the city’s unique blend of star power, creativity, and global appeal. With Eilish, Snoop, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers leading the charge, the world can expect nothing short of spectacular when the Games return to LA.
