The Paris Olympics 2024 concluded with a grand closing ceremony at the Stade de France in Paris. This event marked the end of the sporting extravaganza and saw Paris, the host city of this edition, hand over the Olympic baton to Los Angeles, the host of the 2028 Olympics. During the LA28 handover, Californian singer H.E.R. delivered a performance of the U.S. national anthem, while actor Tom Cruise amazed the audience with a daring rappelling stunt.
French singer-songwriter Zaho de Sagazan, known for her performance of Modern Love at the Cannes Film Festival, kicked off the closing ceremony with a tribute to Edith Piaf, singing Sous le Ciel de Paris. The ceremony then transformed the stadium into a dark, mysterious setting, setting the stage for the introduction of The Golden Voyager, a character inspired by French historical references such as the Spirit of the Bastille.
As customary, the Greek flag was raised during the ceremony. French indie rock band Phoenix, formed in 1995, captivated the audience with their performance. French artist Kavinsky entertained the crowd with his hit song Nightcall. Pianist Alain Roche performed The Hymn to Apollo while suspended in the air, and opera singer Benjamin Bernheim joined him in the center of one of the circles.
Grammy Award-winning R&B singer H.E.R. initiated the transition to the LA2028 Olympics with her rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. Superstar Simone Biles, a standout of the Paris Olympics, appeared on stage with LA Mayor Karen Bass to receive the Olympic flag. Actor Tom Cruise executed another thrilling stunt by rappelling from the roof of the Stade de France.
Musician Billie Eilish performed her hit song Birds of a Feather. The Olympic Flag was carried through Los Angeles streets by Michael Johnson, Jagger Eaton, and Kate Courtney, followed by a performance by the Grammy Award-winning band Red Hot Chilli Peppers on the beach. American rapper Snoop Dogg also wowed the audience with performances of Drop It Like It's Hot and The Next Episode.
The ceremony concluded with Yseult's emotional performance of My Way. The USA topped the medal tally at the Paris Olympics 2024 with 126 medals, including 40 gold, 44 silver, and 42 bronze. China secured second place with 91 medals, and Japan finished third with 45 medals. The Indian contingent concluded at the 71st position, bringing home one silver and five bronze medals.
