Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony kicks off with a bang as Lady Gaga wows crowd with Seine-side cabaret performance
HUNDREDS of thousands of fans lined the River Seine as the Paris 2024 Olympics kicked off with a stunning opening ceremony.
Nearly 7,000 athletes sailed down the French capital’s famous waterway on 85 boats.
GettyThe Olympic 2024 opening ceremony is underway[/caption]
GettyTeam GB joined other countries as they sailed down the Seine[/caption]
PALady Gaga put on a vocal masterclass with a French cabaret act[/caption]
ReutersThe American singer wore a dazzling black dress[/caption]
ReutersHundreds of thousands lined the streets of Paris[/caption]
PAThe French capital was awash in a party atmosphere[/caption]
GettyAthletes waved to fans as they took to 85 boats[/caption]
GettyTom Daley and Helen Glover flew the flag for Team GB[/caption]
AFPThe British ensemble were full of smiles as they sailed down the Seine[/caption]
And spectators were treated to a raucous party featuring fireworks, dancing and live music from some of the world’s biggest stars, with Lady Gaga wowing the crowd by performing a French cabaret act.
The evening, which came in at £100million and cost FOUR times as much as London 2012’s opening ceremony, kicked off with a brilliant video of the torch making its way to Paris.
National hero Zinedine Zidane raced along the streets of the capital, overcoming various amusing scenarios to deliver the precious flame.
The athletes then came down the river, with Greece leading the way as is customary.
NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo waved the flag of the Games’ originators.
And they were followed swiftly by the Olympic Refugee team.
The countries then went in alphabetical order, led by Afghanistan.
And the boat parade was split up with entertainment, with Lady Gaga providing some music as she sang in French.
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The American songstress received a rapturous round of applause with a sultry cabaret ensemble as she cavorted with dancers while wearing a sleek black dress completely with a fluffy pink scarf.
And performers decided to spice things up with a raunchy rendition of the famous French Can-Can dance.
What’s happening today at The Games?
WHAT TO WATCH TODAY…
Paris 2024 Olympics – Opening Ceremony
Only one show in town today.. just about!
The historic Opening Ceremony which is taking place on the River Seine rather than a stadium ends proceedings on Friday evening.
While there has been football and rugby sevens among events which started before the ceremony this week, they will not be taking place on the day of the big bash.
Only shooting pre-event training will take place on the day of the Opening Ceremony.
Click here for all the events taking place at Paris 2024 today.
Follow all the action as it unfolds with our Paris 2024 Olympics LIVE blog.
AFPSpectators were left captivated by the incredible scenes[/caption]
GettyFrench performers did a raunchy rendition of the Can-Can[/caption]
GettyThe Seine looked magnificent on Friday evening[/caption]
AFPSir Keir Starmer watched from the stands[/caption]
This was topped by a man flying across the Seine on a zip wire before metal band Gojira played a face-melting set in tribute to the French Revolution.
Before things kicked off, top names from the world of sport and entertainment gathered in Paris.
Team GB icons Rebecca Adlington and Sir Chris Hoy were joined by US legend Michael Johnson outside the Eiffel Tower.
While there were appearances from pop stars including Ariana Grande, Pharell Williams and John Legend.
And German tennis legend Boris Becker was in tow as well.
PARebecca Adlington and Sir Chris Hoy were present at the Eiffel Tower[/caption]
Legendary sprinter Michael Johnson was also presentGetty
Boris Beckers was all smiles ahead of the opening ceremonyEPA
GettyAriana Grande struck a pose[/caption]
PAJohn Legend was joined by wife Chrissy Teigen[/caption]
GettyPharell Williams clutched the torch[/caption]
