Lady Gaga is living for the applause, applause, applause in France.
The “Bad Romance” singer dazzled while taking the stage along the Seine River at the Opening Ceremony during the 2024 Olympics in Paris July 26.
Gaga channeled a Moulin Rouge Can-can dancer in a skintight, black corset, black tights and black gloves for the show-stopping performance as backup dancers dressed in all black fluttered pink, frilly pom-poms around her. She topped off her look with a fascinator of black features.
As for her glam, the Grammy winner looked stunning in bold, red lipstick with her blond hair up in a tight bun.
Making her performance even more impressive was that she sang entirely in French while captivating the audience with a cover of Zizi Jeanmaire's "Mon Truc En Plumes."
"I feel so completely grateful to have been asked to open the Paris @Olympics 2024 this year," Gaga wrote on X (fomerly known as Twitter) afterwards. "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, and theatre."
Gaga also revealed they "rented pom poms from Le Lido archive—a real French cabaret theater" and worked with French designer Dior on the outfits.
"I hope you love this performance as much as I do," she concluded. "And to everyone in France, thank you so much for welcoming me to your country to sing in honor of you—it’s a gift I’ll never forget!"
The Opening Ceremony marks Gaga’s first televised performance since her stripped-down rendition of “Hold My Hand” from Top Gun: Maverick at the 2023 Academy Awards, which was nominated for best original song. The “Bloody Mary” singer, who’s teased an upcoming album, hadn’t been on stage as of late since she was busy filming Joker: Folie à Deux, which will be in theaters Oct. 4.
But the A Star is Born actress isn't the only star performing, with R&B star Aya Nakamura taking the stage ahead of Gaga. And Celine Dion is expected to make her first musical appearance since canceling her tour and taking a step back from the spotlight after being diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome in 2022.
This year’s Opening Ceremony will be one to remember: After all, it’s being held outside for the first time in history. Instead of athletes walking out, they weighed anchor, taking the parade onto the Seine River. The nautical tour will begin at the Austerlitz Bridge and conclude by the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower, adorned with the iconic Olympic rings.
And there will be several familiar faces stepping out for the Paris Games: Two decades after entering the Olympics, LeBron James is serving as flag bearer for Team USA, co-leading the team with tennis star Coco Gauff, who becomes the first tennis player to hold the honor.
“I never thought in a million years I would have the honor of carrying the American flag for Team USA in the Opening Ceremony,” the U.S. Open champion said in a July 24 statement from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. “I could not be more proud to lead my teammates with LeBron as we showcase our dedication and passion on the biggest stage there is - at a moment where we can bring athletes and fans together from around the world.”
Read on for more photos from the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony.
Red, White and Blue
The Eiffel Tower and Opening Ceremony stands are illuminated with color in honor of the French flag.
Burning Bright
The Olympic Cauldron takes flight after being lit at the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony.
Iconic Night
Céline Dion closes out the show with a powerful performance atop the Eiffel Tower.
Comeback Moment
The singer beautifully belted out "Hymne A L'Amour" during her return to the stage.
The GOATs
Serena Williams, Carl Lewis, Nadia Comaneci and Rafael Nadal light up the night with the Olympic torch.
Sporting Greats
French soccer star Zinedine Zidane passes the Olympic torch to Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal.
Laser Focus
The Eiffel Tower lights up the night.
Let the Games Begin
Athletes from around the world gather in front of the Eiffel Tower for Opening Ceremony.
Wave Your Banner
The mystery horse rider carries the Olympic flag to the Place du Trocadero.
Light Up the Night
The Parade of Nations travel along the Seine river.
The World Stage
Flags from countries competing in the Olympics fly high.
Sharing All the World
Pianist Sofiane Pamart and singer Juliette Armanet perform "Imagine" from a float on the Seine.
Athletic Spirit
The Refugee Olympic Team—which is made up of 37 athletes representing millions worldwide who have been forcibly displaced—share a loving message.
Play On
Musicians at the Opening Ceremony keep dry in their rain ponchos.
Race to the Finish Line
The Olympic flag is carried down the Seine on a galloping metal horse.
Scenes From the Seine
Team Australia is all-smiles as their boat passes by the Eiffel Tower.
Fanning the Flames
The masked torchbearer runs along the Musee d'Orsay during the Opening Ceremony.
Can't Rain on Their Parade
Despite the wet weather, Team Spain marches forward to the Place du Trocadero.
Smile for the Camera
Team Italy's flag bearers Arianna Errigo and Gianmarco Tamberi snap a selfie together.
Heart of Paris
The Eiffel Tower is decorated with the Olympic rings.
Hej!
Swedish athletes greet the crowd during the Parade of Nations.
Making Memories
Team Liberia captures all the sights and sounds from their boat.
The City of Lights
The Eiffel Tower awaits the arrival of the world's athletes.
Teamwork
Jordan's Rama Abo-Alrub and Saleh Elsharabaty bear their country's flag together.
Hometown Pride
The Bahamian flag waves atop the country's boat on the Seine river.
Ready for the Competition
Switzerland is ready to bring the heat to this summer's Games.
Here Come the Red, White and Blue
Team USA makes their debut on the Seine.
Raindrops Keep Falling on Their Heads
But that didn't stop these rooftop dancers from turning out a spectacular performance.
When It Rains it Pours
Yet the Cabo Verde Olympic team didn't let it dim their joy.
Fine Art
Reproductions of some of the most famous paintings from Paris' Louvre Museum decorate the River Seine.
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