In a spectacular yet somewhat surprising turn of events, Lady Gaga launched the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics on Friday in grand style, albeit through a pre-recorded performance. The Grammy Award-winning artist captivated audiences along the Seine River with a tribute to the legendary French entertainer, Zizi Jeanmaire, performing an enchanting rendition of “Mon Truc en Plumes.” What viewers might not have realized, however, was that the breathtaking spectacle they were witnessing had been filmed hours before the official commencement of the ceremony.
According to the Associated Press, Lady Gaga was seen warming up on stage approximately three hours prior to the start of the ceremony. She performed for about an hour, delivering a mesmerizing set before leaving the stage and waving to an enthusiastic crowd of fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of the international superstar.
Maud le Pladec, the Olympic and Paralympic opening ceremony choreographer, spoke to Variety to explain the rationale behind pre-recording Gaga’s performance. Pladec cited safety concerns as the primary reason, revealing that they had been closely monitoring minute-by-minute weather updates due to an impending storm. “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.
The decision ultimately boiled down to the hazardous conditions that rainfall would have introduced to the performance. The slippery surface, high heels, close proximity to water, and the presence of stairs all contributed to the risks involved. “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 added. The safety of the artists, crew, and all involved was paramount.
Following her pre-recorded performance, Lady Gaga watched the remainder of the opening ceremony from her dressing room before retreating to her hotel.
. Demonstrating her commitment to the event and her appreciation for the opportunity, she later took to social media to share her sentiments about the memorable experience.
In a heartfelt post, Gaga expressed her gratitude for being selected to open the 2024 Paris Olympics and highlighted the honor she felt performing a song that pays homage to the rich cultural history of France. She wrote, “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…”
Lady Gaga continued, emphasizing her deep connection to French music and culture despite not being a French artist. “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,” she added.
The decision to pre-record was met with understanding from fans and critics alike, many praising the organizers and Gaga for prioritizing safety without compromising the artistic integrity of the performance. The event served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of outdoor performances and the importance of adaptability in ensuring that the show can go on, even under less-than-ideal conditions.
As the Paris Olympics officially began, Gaga’s electrifying performance set a high bar for the festivities to follow. Her tribute to Zizi Jeanmaire was not just a nod to the past, but a celebration of French artistry that resonated with spectators around the world, kicking off the global event with a blend of glamour, talent, and cultural reverence.
The 2024 Paris Olympics, now officially underway, promise a series of thrilling competitions and celebrations that will captivate the world. Lady Gaga’s opening act, despite being pre-recorded, has already set a precedent for a series of events that aim to honor the tradition and spirit of the Olympics in one of the world’s most enchanting cities.
