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The Olympic flame was officially extinguished during an elaborate closing ceremony Sunday, officially ending the 2024 Paris Games as Los Angeles takes over for 2028.
In a display of Hollywood showmanship, Tom Cruise descended from the top of the French stadium to the “Mission Impossible” theme song before taking the Olympic flag from star gymnast Simone Biles, putting it on the back of a motorcycle and driving out of the stadium.
Here’s what to know:
- Who performed?: Singer Billie Eilish, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, rapper and Paris Olympics mainstay Snoop Dogg — plus longtime collaborator Dr. Dre — performed at Venice Beach as part of the handover from the City of Light to the City of Angels. Crowds of athletes rushed the stage to watch French pop-rock band Phoenix.
- Who won the 2024 Olympics?: The U.S. beat host France in the women’s basketball final, the last event of the Summer Games. The U.S. is tied with China for the most gold medals, but leading the overall medal count.
- When are the next Summer Games? The Olympics will always have Paris. But next up for the Summer Games: Los Angeles 2028. The baton will be handed from one third-time Olympic host city to another, and much will be different in four years’ time.
Yseult stuns in Dior Haute Couture
French singer Yseult delivered a breathtaking performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games closing ceremony, dressed in an exquisite Dior Haute Couture ensemble that paid homage to the iconic fashion house’s rich history. The outfit, crafted by Maria Grazia Chiuri, featured a black silk New Bar jacket—a modern reinterpretation of the signature Bar jacket that debuted in the 1940s as part of Christian Dior’s revolutionary “New Look.” This look is characterized by its structured, cinched waist and elegant silhouette, symbolizing the timeless elegance of Dior.
Yseult paired the jacket with a flowing black silk skirt, adding a contemporary twist to the classic ensemble. Her look was completed with a Dior hat, gloves, and shoes, embodying the epitome of French haute couture.
Her performance, as stunning as her attire, was a fitting finale to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, blending high fashion with a powerful musical presence.
Next up for the Summer Games: LA, Brisbane and then TBD
The focus now shifts to Los Angeles, which will host the 2028 Games. Beyond that, Brisbane, Australia will take the stage in 2032, bringing the Olympics back Down Under. As for 2036, the host city remains undecided, with contenders like Ahmedabad in India, Berlin — potentially marking 100 years since the 1936 Games — and even Santiago in Chile.
The rings at Stade de France have been lowered
About half an hour after the closing ceremony ended, the Olympic rings were lowered, marking the final moments of the Games. Confetti still covered the floor, while the once-crowded stands were now completely empty.
The stadium stood silent, disturbed only by the clings and clangs of stage workers in helmets dismantling the set.
Is the Hollywood sign actually decorated with Olympic rings?
Nope — not at the moment, at least.
During the cinematic handover between Paris and LA, the double O’s in the sign appeared to be topped with three additional rings, making the full Olympics emblem.
But it was just a bit of Hollywood magic. For now, the Hollywood sign is just its normal iconic self.
Next up: The Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo
The Paris Olympics are over and fans are disappointed the Games have come to an end.
They will have a nearly two-year wait for more action — from the Winter Olympics in 2026 in Italy that will be co-hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Cortina was unable to go ahead with the scheduled 1944 Winter Olympics because of World Wat II, but did host the Winter Games in 1956. The next Games will mark the 20th anniversary of the Winter Olympics in Turin.
Cortina is home to professional ice hockey team SG Cortina and the start and end point of the annual Dolomites Gold Cup Race. It will be the first Olympics in Milan. Events will also take place in seven other north-northeastern Italian cities. The next Summer Games are in 2028 in Los Angeles.
Who won the Olympics? The US had the most medals
The U.S. women’s basketball team held off France on Sunday to win gold in the final event of the Paris Olympics, and that hardware was needed for the Americans to tie China for the most with 40.
The U.S. easily won the total medal count with 126. Aside from the 40 gold, the Americans won 42 silver and 44 bronze.
“I saw the medal count beforehand so I knew,” said U.S. women’s coach Cheryl Reeve, who thought to herself, “that’s what we need — more pressure.”
▶ Read more about the final medal count
Yseult was a worthy choice to close out the Olympics
As the Games drew to a close, the final moments were marked by an unforgettable performance from French singer Yseult. Known for her powerful voice and striking presence, Yseult took the stage to deliver a moving rendition of “My Way,” the classic anthem popularized by Frank Sinatra in 1969.
“My Way,” set to the music of the French song “Comme d’habitude,” composed by Jacques Revaux with lyrics by Gilles Thibaut and Claude François, carries deep cultural significance. Originally performed by Claude François in 1967, the song was later adapted into English by Paul Anka for Sinatra, becoming one of the most iconic songs of all time.
As Yseult’s soulful voice filled the Stade de France, the audience was captivated by both the emotional depth of her singing and the striking fashion statement she made. The choice of “My Way” was particularly poignant, echoing themes of personal triumph and reflection that resonated throughout the Games.
Yseult’s performance was a fitting end, embodying the spirit of individuality and perseverance that the Games celebrated. Her powerful rendition left a lasting impression, bringing the ceremony to a close with the same elegance and strength that had characterized the entire event.
Paris closes out the 2024 Olympics with a final star-studded show
Paris closed out two and a half extraordinary weeks of Olympic sports and emotion with a boisterous, star-studded show in France’s national stadium on Sunday, handing over hosting duties for the Summer Games to the next city in line: Los Angeles in 2028.
In a display of Hollywood showmanship, Tom Cruise descended from the top of the French stadium to the “Mission Impossible” theme song, shaking hands with athletes, before taking the Olympic flag from star gymnast Simone Biles, putting it on the back of a motorcycle and driving out of the stadium.
In a prerecorded ride past the Eiffel Tower, Cruise drove his bike onto a plane and then skydived out of it over the Hollywood Hills. Three rings were added to the O’s of the famed Hollywood sign to create five interlaced Olympic rings.
▶ Read more about the Paris Olympics closing ceremony
Athletes are snagging some last photos before heading out
All that’s left for the athletes in Stade de France are the last-minute selfies on stage and photos with the leftover confetti on the floor.
The closing ceremony finishes with firework smoke lingering in Stade de France
Heavy smoke descended on the stadium after a grand finale of golden fireworks as fans and athletes streamed out of the stadium.
It’s not a closing ceremony without one last fireworks display
Fireworks are going off atop the stadium to give the Paris Olympics a grand finale as Yseult hits her finale.
And that’s a wrap on the 2024 Olympics.
‘My Way’ was adapted from a French song
Yseult, a French R&B singer, performed ‘Comme d’habitude,’ the song famously adapted into ‘My Way’ by Frank Sinatra.
Yseult sends us out with ‘My Way’
The lights dimmed once more as singer Yseult serenaded the stadium singing Frank Sinatra’s classic “My Way.”
Dupont hands over French flag to Paralympian
Antoine Dupont, the French rugby star and one of the two flag bearers for France during the closing ceremony, passed the French flag to Nantenin Keita, a Paralympic track and field runner. This handover symbolizes the transition from the Olympics to the Paralympics.
JUST IN: The Olympic flame goes out in Paris, officially ending the 2024 Games as Los Angeles takes over for 2028
Many fans have already headed for the exits
Streams of people are now leaving — so many that a bridge leading away the stadium is shaking.
Meanwhile in Paris…
In an abrupt transition from the party on-screen in LA back to the floor in Stade de France, the Olympic torch was carefully brought on stage by Léon Merchand as athletes rushed back toward the center of the stadium.
Fans have greeted him with chants of “Léon! Léon!”
IN PHOTOS: A closer look at Tom Cruises’ iconic closing ceremony entrance
Snoop Dogg has the mic
Although he was in Paris for the duration of the 2024 Games, Snoop Dogg is performing his iconic “Drop it Like It’s Hot” from LA on the big screen. He’s from Long Beach, Californai.
And now Dr. Dre is on the stage with him.
From RHCP to Billie Eilish
The vibe is now set to classic Americana.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers performed along on a beach on LA’s famous coastline. Palm trees are gently swaying in the background, the sun is shining bright. It’s all eyes ahead to 2028.
And now Billie Eilish is performing.
Red Hot Chili Peppers are rocking in Long Beach — and in France
Fans in the Stade de France are being treated to a performance from the Red Hot Chili Peppers playing “Can’t Stop” on the beach in Los Angeles.
Even though it’s only appearing on the jumbotrons, members of the audience are dancing and cheering
Red Hot Chili Peppers are playing, and now we’re in LA
The show has left Paris and is now in Los Angeles, with Michael Johnson grabbing the flag and running through the streets.
Tom Cruise has reached the Hollywood sign
Cruise is now at the Hollywood sign, which has been made to show the Olympic rings.
Some details on Tom Cruise’s Olympic stunt
The black wire cables above the stadium have revealed their purpose: to safely bring Tom Cruise from the heavens to the stadium floor. In true Hollywood fashion, the actor, rocking a black leather jacket, descended from the roof of the stadium to grab hold of the Olympic flag. A motorcycle waited for him on the stadium floor and he rode out.
Tom Cruise has the Olympic flag
No stunt man needed: It was Tom Cruise doing it himself, landing and being greeted by athletes, some taking selfies and one even kissing him on the cheek.
He ran on stage and took the Olympic flag from Biles, and now he’s off.
Tom Cruise is here and atop the stadium
Tom Cruise is rappelling down from the roof of the stadium to the field.
Simone Biles holds the Olympic flag while H.E.R. performs
LA mayor Karen Bass gave the Olympic flag to Simone Biles to hold as H.E.R. sang the U.S. national anthem.
The Olympic flag is LA-bound
From the City of Love to the The City of Dreams and Hollywood: The Olympic flag is officially being handed over to the next host city. Los Angeles will host the Olympic Games in 2028.
Biles is there — and in a walking boot
Simone Biles is wearing a boot on her left foot while walking with L.A. mayor Karen Bass.
We’ve hit the 2 1/2-hour mark, and a preview of LA 2028 is up next
Some athletes rose from laying on the floor as speeches came to a close. The closing ceremony is now at the two-and-a-half-hour mark and the stadium is on its feet for the Olympic Anthem.
Bach calls for ‘culture of peace’
IOC President Thomas Bach calls to carry a “culture of peace” after the Olympic Games. It comes amid soaring global tensions, some which has permeated the Games.
Ukrainians and Palestinians have used the Games to raise attention to their causes. Afghan women have used them to call for freedom amid a clampdown by the Taliban. Meanwhile, Israel’s team has faced jeering and threats as it grows more isolated on a global stage.
While leaders often call for the Olympics to be apolitical, a gathering of countries across the world has been anything but.
What’s up with all the Olympic marriage proposals?
Several athletes offered up or received and accepted marriage proposals during the Olympic Games.
French runner Alice Finot proposed to her boyfriend with an Olympic pin after her steeplechase race.
“Since he hadn’t done it yet, I thought maybe it was up to me,” she said.
China badminton player Huang Ya Qiong celebrated with gold and diamonds after her boyfriend proposed to her following her win.
Video screens are helping translate Estanguet’s speech — including in sign language
Along with subtitles in English and French, the speech is being shown in sign language on video screens for any deaf or hard-of-hearing fans in the stadium.
Closing ceremony reflects on Coubertin’s legacy
The legacy of Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympics, was front and center.
The ceremony referenced Coubertin’s 1894 speech at the International Congress for the revival of the Olympic Games, in which he articulated his vision for the Olympics as “international competitions, true championships of the world,” aiming to unite diverse nations through “friendly struggles of sport.”
Coubertin envisioned the modern Games as a continuation of the ancient Greek Olympiads, emphasizing the importance of a “sacred truce” during the Games to promote peace. He believed that the loyal observance of the rules would open athletes’ souls to “mutual respect,” which he saw as the foundation for maintaining peace between nations.
However, Coubertin’s legacy is complicated by his exclusionary views, particularly his opposition to women’s participation in the Games. His reputation is further questioned due to a letter he wrote to Adolf Hitler, in which he praised the Nazi leader and the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
‘You made us feel alive’
Estanguet changed to English to speak to the Olympians, saying, “To you, dear athletes, what can I say. We knew you would be brilliant. But you were magic. … You made us happy. You made us feel alive.”
He added they had “the most marriage proposals ever” during the Olympic Games.
‘Paris became a party’
Big cheers rose in the stadium when Paris Olympics organizing chief Tony Estanguet hailed multi-medal-winning swimmer Léon Marchand and other French Olympic champions — and a whale that breached during a surfing competition in Tahiti, for its own Olympic moment.
‘’Paris became a party and France lifted up,’’ during these Olympics, he said.
Two female mayors are about to have a moment
When the Olympic flag is passed to Los Angeles during the opening ceremony, it will mark the first time in Olympic history the exchange will be between two women.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo is expected to give the flag to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. The flag was to be lowered by members of the French Army as the Olympic Anthem is played by the Maîtrise de Fontainebleau and the Orchestre Divertimento. Bass is scheduled to fly the flag home to California on Monday on a LA 2028-branded Delta flight. She was to be accompanied by several athletes.
The Olympic Refugee Team is represented on stage
The Olympic Refugee Team once again gets highlighted in the closing ceremony. The biggest team since it was created for the 2016 Rio Games, the 37 athletes have stood as a symbol of hope for refugees everywhere. Cameroonian boxer Cindy Ngamba, the first person on the team to ever medal, stands on stage during speeches with top athletes.
‘We got Léon Marchand’
“We wanted excitement, we got passion,” Estanguet said, as the crowd gave a round of applause. “We wanted to be inspired, we got Léon Marchand.”
More athletes are headed out
Tony Estanguet’s speech is happening entirely in French here in the stadium. More athletes are heading to the exits. Thomas Bach is up next.
And now we get 15 minutes of speeches
It’s almost time for the speeches by Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris 2024 committee, and Thomas Bach, president of the IOC. Estanguet is a three-time gold medalist in canoeing. Bach is an Olympic champion in fencing. A podium is being set up in the middle of the stage.
Some Olympians are heading out
Some of the athletes began to leave the stadium giving a final waive to the crowd. Others started playing with the confetti on the ground, picking it up in their hands and throwing it in the air, LeBron James style.
Thomas Mars crowd surfs — maybe on real surfers
Lead singer Thomas Mars is leaning into it, jumping into the crowd, slapping hands and now throwing his jacket in the air as confetti falls.
The athletes are back in place — and still jamming
A big group of American athletes are jumping up and down next to the stage as Phoenix jams out. They’re enjoying the concert from up close.
Ezra Koenig joins the stage
Shazam is getting a workout in here. Phoenix is now playing “Tonight” with Ezra Koenig joining on stage.
Angele, Justice, Kavinsky… but no Daft Punk
Angele performed a cover of Nightcall from Kavinsky, a classic of the French electro music. Justice earlier, Kavinsky now. The French touch is on display tonight. Only group missing? Daft Punk!
Meanwhile, Stade de France is definitely rocking
Most of the athletes have cleared the stage as the band rocks on. The stadium has been transformed into a giant concert, with fog machines, laser beams and all.
Security is still trying to get the Olympians off the stage
Security and a crew of volunteers were still trying to clear the stage of athletes as Angele walked towards Phoenix, which is now starting its third song.
Overmatched security is trying to corral the Olympians
Security officials are walking up the platform to the stage, trying to usher athletes away. They’re not much of a match — there are at least a hundred athletes still swarming around the band.
Olympians are jamming up close to ‘Listomania’
First the crowd-surfing French, now this. Hundreds if not thousands of the Olympians have gone rogue and are enjoying Phoenix up close on the stage.
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