On Friday, Paris will be treated to an epic display of physical prowess and unparalleled mental resilience. Sure, the 2024 Olympics are starting, but what I really mean is that Céline Dion might perform. Dion, who stepped away from singing when she was diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome in 2022, is rumored to make her big return to the stage this Friday during the Opening Ceremony, which will involve an 85-boat procession down four miles of the Seine and culminate at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Per Variety, Dion arrived in Paris on Monday and is staying at the Royal Monceau hotel near the Champs-Élysées, giving her easy access to the procession.
She’s not the only diva who may make a showing at the Opening Ceremony. Lady Gaga has also been seen bopping around Paris, and according to some particularly rabid fans, the mere sight of a piano near the Seine suggests that she, too, will be performing for the ceremony. Plus, the Olympic Committee’s teaser video of a mysterious performer in a metallic hood could easily pass for scrapped footage from her Chromatica days …
I told y’all this way GAGA pic.twitter.com/DkwoHzcw11
— Gagavoodo (@gagavoodo2) July 22, 2024
French Malian pop star Aya Nakamura is also rumored to be performing at the Opening Ceremony Friday — earlier this year, reports that she’d been asked to participate sparked racist outcry against the singer-songwriter. Dua Lipa has also been floated as a potential surprise performer.
There are a few celebrities officially locked in to participate — Snoop Dogg, who’s covering this year’s Games as NBC’s special correspondent, will also serve as torchbearer, carrying the Olympic flame through Saint-Denis to the Olympic Stadium alongside a handful of French celebrities, including Laetitia Casta and MC Solaar. LeBron James has been tapped to carry the U.S. flag, and with him will be a female flag bearer who’s still TBD. As long as there isn’t too much poop in the Seine, I have a feeling the day will be incredible.
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