Juliette Armanet performs ‘Imagine’ tradition with message of peace
Since the 1996 Atlanta Games, a rendition of “Imagine” by John Lennon and Yoko Ono has been played at numerous Olympics opening ceremonies.
During the delayed Tokyo Games, artists like John Legend and Keith Urban sang the song for the ceremony.
This year, Juliette Armanet performed the song alongside pianist Sofiane Pamart.
‘We stand and call for peace’
After a rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” played on a piano engulfed in flames, the NBC broadcast displayed a message in English, followed by the French translation: “We stand and call for peace.”
Joel Embiid is a whole vibe
Star Philadelphia center Joel Embiid seemed unbothered by the fact that the opening ceremonies of the Paris Games were happening around him as he chilled on Team USA’s boat as it floated down the Seine.
Asked about his Olympic rings sunglasses during the broadcast, he said: “I look good in everything but I just thought these look pretty good so I thought I might as well try.”
Spectators along the Seine marvel at Eiffel Tower’s sparkle
As Team USA passed under the Eiffel Tower in the pouring rain, onlookers watched as the tower began to sparkle.
From under umbrellas, a group of fans from New Jersey whooped and cheered.
Susan Godun, 60, called out as the athletes came past, “Who cares about the rain? It’s really fun.”
The City of Light is officially aglow
Paris may be the City of Light, but the Eiffel Tower shines brightest.
The iconic Parisian symbol typically sparkles every hour on the hour from sundown until 1 a.m.
Tonight, the tower sparkled as the French delegation sailed along the Seine River.
Bluer skies in Tahiti
As rain pours down in Paris, the Olympic surfers competing in Tahiti waved to the camera during a brief cameo during the opening ceremony.
Last, but not least, here comes France
The host country is traditionally the final country in the parade. That’s why France became the final boat to make its way down the Seine River.
There are 571 athletes competing on behalf of France.
The masked torchbearer returns
As Team USA made its way down the river, the masked torchbearer returned. The person was captured on video dancing down a runway while holding the torch.
Future host countries bring up the rear of the Parade of Nations
Team Australia came down the river followed by Team USA. They preceded Team France.
The 2032 Games will be held in Brisbane. Meanwhile, the 2028 Games will be hosted in Los Angeles.
Aye aye, USA!
The Team USA boat, the penultimate vessel to sail into view in the opening ceremony, represents 594 athletes from 46 states. The U.S. will host the next Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in four years.
They looked drenched, but joyous.
Read More
