Celine Dion and Lady Gaga Shine at Rain-Soaked Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony

Celine Dion headlined a spectacular yet rain-soaked opening ceremony for the Paris Olympics, which took place along the scenic banks of the River Seine. The iconic singer expressed her "supreme honour" in performing for the athletes, although her representatives did not clarify why her performance was pre-recorded. The ceremony also featured a pre-recorded segment with French football legend handing the Olympic torch to tennis star Rafael Nadal, who then embarked on a speedboat journey with fellow sports icons including Serena Williams and Nadia Comaneci. In a historic first, the opening ceremony was held outside a traditional stadium setting, marking a significant departure from Olympic norms. This year’s event was also notable for being the first summer games opening ceremony to experience rain in over 70 years. Hundreds of thousands of spectators gathered along the Seine, witnessing a flotilla of athletes parading on boats, creating a vibrant atmosphere despite the weather. The ceremony included a dramatic underground segment where the torch was passed to three children, who then emerged from the Catacombs onto the river. The event was visually striking, featuring plumes of blue, white, and red smoke representing the French Tricolor. However, a minor hiccup occurred when the flag was raised upside down in front of dignitaries and athletes. In a poignant message, the ceremony emphasized unity amidst global conflicts, with a call for solidarity among athletes from all 206 National Olympic Committees and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team, reinforcing the spirit of togetherness that the Olympics embody.