Anderson .Paak Joins Gwen Stefani and Ryan Tedder for Olympic Song

PARIS (AP) — Grammy-winning artist Anderson .Paak has embraced the challenge of creating an Olympic-themed song, "Hello World," which he performed for the first time at a Paris restaurant. Initially excited about the project, Paak faced the unique constraint of working within a structured framework, a departure from his usual freeform style. He viewed this as an opportunity to explore new creative avenues, aiming to capture the celebratory spirit of the Olympics. During the performance, Paak expressed his hope that the song would resonate with audiences worldwide, stating, “We hope to bring a taste of that celebratory spirit to the world that can stay with them.” The track, which is available on major streaming platforms, is designed to be family-friendly, allowing listeners of all ages, including his mother, to enjoy it. Paak noted the importance of the song's strong hook, which he believes contributes to its appeal. "Hello World" joins a legacy of Olympic anthems, following notable tracks like Whitney Houston’s “One Moment in Time” and Katy Perry’s “Rise.” The International Olympic Committee (IOC) aims for this new song to foster unity and inspire greatness among athletes and fans alike during the Paris Olympics and future events, including the Los Angeles Games in 2028. Paak emphasized the uplifting power of music, stating, “When I hear the right song, I get in a better mood,” highlighting the song's role as an anthem for the global celebration.