Lady Gaga set the stage alight at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony on Friday, delivering a spellbinding performance that has captivated audiences across the globe. However, what many may not have realized is that the pop sensation’s stunning performance was actually pre-recorded. Despite what appeared to be a seamless showcase amidst technical challenges and turbulent weather conditions along the Seine River, Gaga’s set was filmed earlier in the day to ensure safety and precision.
The Grammy Award-winning artist paid a heartfelt tribute to French icon Zizi Jeanmaire with her powerful rendition of “Mon Truc en Plumes.” According to reports from the Associated Press, Gaga was spotted warming up on stage around three hours before the commencement of the opening ceremony. She performed for about an hour, showcasing her dedication and artistry before gracefully exiting the stage and acknowledging her fans.
“Mon Truc en Plumes 🩷🖤 @Olympicshttps://t.co/8shm2QFsy1pic.twitter.com/RoG9zkzXvO,” tweeted Gaga, illustrating her enthusiasm and connection with the event.
The rationale behind the decision to pre-record the performance was outlined by the ceremony’s choreographer, Maud le Pladec. Speaking to Variety, Pladec emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of everyone involved. “For safety reasons, we had to pre-record late in the afternoon, once we knew for sure that it was going to rain – we had minute-by-minute updates, we had never watched the weather forecast so closely in our lives,” said Pladec.
“We assessed that it was going to be too dangerous for performers, even with a few drops of rain. [Gaga] wanted to do it absolutely so we preferred to pre-record it rather than cancel it,” Pladec continued, highlighting the diligence and caution the team employed. “The soil would have been slippery.
. She was wearing heels, very near the water, there were stairs… We had to be extremely cautious.”
After delivering her inspiring performance, Gaga retired to her dressing room to watch the remainder of the ceremony before heading back to her hotel. In subsequent social media posts, she expressed her gratitude and elation at being part of such a monumental event.
“I feel so completely grateful to have been asked to open the Paris @Olympics 2024 this year. I am also humbled to be asked by the Olympics organizing committee to sing such a special French song—a song to honor the French people and their tremendous history of art, music, and culture,” shared Gaga on Twitter, accompanied by a heartfelt statement pic.twitter.com/FMNyiosHUR.
“Although I am not a French artist, I have always felt a very special connection with French people and singing French music—I wanted nothing more than to create a performance that would warm the heart of France, celebrate French art and music, and on such a momentous occasion remind everyone of one of the most magical cities on earth—Paris,” Gaga elaborated, underscoring her deep appreciation for French culture and her commitment to delivering a meaningful performance.
The decision to pre-record significant portions of live events is not uncommon, especially when weather conditions or technical challenges pose a threat to the safety and quality of the performance. In this instance, the organizers’ keen foresight ensured that the artistic integrity and grandeur of the opening ceremony were preserved while prioritizing the well-being of its participants.
Olympic and Paralympic events are no strangers to meticulous planning and execution, often involving thousands of participants and a myriad of logistical considerations. The 2024 Paris Olympics are poised to be a remarkable celebration of athletic prowess and cultural heritage, with Gaga’s performance setting a high benchmark for the festivities to follow.
Lady Gaga’s involvement in the opening ceremony not only highlights her global appeal and versatile talent but also reinforces the spirit of inclusion and diversity that the Olympics strive to embody. Her seamless blend of American pop culture and French artistry serves as a testament to the unifying power of music and performance art.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics continue to unfold, spectators and participants alike can look forward to more moments of brilliance, innovation, and unity, echoing the powerful message set forth by Gaga’s unforgettable opening act.
