As the sun set over Paris on the 11th of August, 2024, the City of Light bid adieu to the Olympics with an unforgettable closing ceremony that seamlessly blended high-octane stunts with world-class musical performances. The Paris 2024 Games came to a dramatic conclusion at the Stade de France, where Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise stole the show with a breathtaking descent from the stadium’s roof.
In a stunt befitting his Mission: Impossible persona, Cruise abseiled from the Stade de France’s roof, thrilling the audience with his audacious aerial entry. Clad in a leather jacket and gloves, Cruise’s descent was a highlight of a ceremony designed to captivate and celebrate. As he touched down, the crowd erupted in cheers, a fitting tribute to his cinematic legacy and the Olympic spirit.
The ceremony’s musical backbone was provided by the immensely talented H.E.R., who delivered a powerful performance on her electric guitar. Her set, including a stirring rendition of the US national anthem, set the tone for an evening that showcased a diverse array of entertainment. Her performance was complemented by the high-energy presence of the Red-Hot Chili Peppers, who took to a palm-fringed beach in Los Angeles for a vibrant rendition of their hit “Can’t Stop,” marking the handover to the 2028 Games.
In a pre-recorded segment, Cruise was seen traversing Paris, taking in the iconic sights before journeying to Los Angeles. His path culminated at the Hollywood sign, where he unfurled the Olympic colors, symbolizing the transition of the Games from Paris to LA. This cinematic transition was accompanied by the music of California natives, adding a quintessentially American touch to the ceremony.
The closing remarks from Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, underscored the significance of the Paris Games. Bach lauded the athletes for their extraordinary performances and their role in fostering a culture of peace and unity. “You created a culture of peace,” he said, “which inspired all of us and billions of people around the globe.”
Artistic director Thomas Jolly, known for his ambitious and visually stunning productions, once again delivered a memorable spectacle. The stadium was darkened as a troupe of dancers rolled five giant rings across the stage, assembling the Olympic logo in a scene reminiscent of a sci-fi epic. This was followed by a spirited performance from French band Phoenix, who electrified the crowd with their hits, while athletes joyfully joined them on stage.
The closing ceremony also saw performances from Billie Eilish and a collaboration between Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, adding to the star-studded lineup. Snoop Dogg, a familiar face throughout the Games, was particularly notable as LA’s own representative. The ceremony, set against the backdrop of a dramatic final event where the US clinched the top spot in the medals table with a win in the women’s basketball final, encapsulated the grandeur and global unity of the Olympics.
Tom Cruise’s participation had been one of the worst-kept secrets of the Games, with the actor spotted throughout Paris and cheering on American athletes. His stunt at the closing ceremony was not only a nod to his reputation for performing his own stunts but also a fitting send-off for Paris as the host city.
As the Olympic flag was passed to Los Angeles, the night was a celebration of both Paris’s remarkable hosting of the 2024 Games and a thrilling preview of what’s to come in 2028. The Paris 2024 closing ceremony, with its mix of breathtaking stunts, stellar musical performances, and a grand handover, left an indelible mark on the memories of those who witnessed it.
