Paris Olympics closing ceremony: Tom Cruise’s dramatic entrance; performances by Billie Eilish & more

Updated : Aug 12, 2024 12:56
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Editorji News Desk

The stars were out in full force in the City of Lights for the Olympic closing ceremony.

Hosted by NBC’s Mike Tirico and ‘The Tonight Show’ host Jimmy Fallon, the event was notably less controversial than the buzz-worthy opening ceremony. They were joined by popular figure skating commentators Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski, both Olympians themselves.

Team USA topped the medal count with 40 gold medals and a total of 126 medals. H.E.R. brought the Paris Games to a close, singing the U.S. national anthem at Stade de France.

A lineup of A-list performers, including Billie Eilish, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Snoop Dogg, dazzled at the closing ceremony.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers delivered a high-energy, rock 'n' roll performance on the beach, while Eilish followed with her new wave hit ‘Birds of a Feather.’

Snoop Dogg wrapped up the night with a cool rendition of his mid-2000s hit ‘Drop It Like It's Hot,’ featuring a special guest appearance by hip-hop legend Dr. Dre.

Tom Cruise took ‘Top Gun’ to new heights at the Olympics closing ceremony with a jaw-dropping skydiving stunt.

Joined by H.E.R. on electric guitar, the ‘Risky Business’ star rappelled down from the top of Stade de France, landing with action-hero style. Cruise then navigated through the crowd, grabbed the official Olympics flag, and sped off on a motorcycle.

Cruise wrapped up with a breathtaking segment, skydiving into L.A. and transforming the iconic Hollywood sign with the Olympic rings.

The closing ceremony took on a more sentimental tone compared to the lively opening event, which sparked controversies, including an apology from Olympic organizers and criticism over Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning's roles as NBC co-hosts.

The parade down the Seine River featured striking moments that ignited online debates—most notably, a scene that outraged many Christians. The tableau, resembling Leonardo Da Vinci's ‘Last Supper,’ featured a scantily-clad, blue-painted man singing at the center of a table, surrounded by dancing drag queens. Conservative and Christian leaders condemned the scene as a disrespectful parody of sacred imagery, while ceremony organizers defended it as inspired by an ancient pagan festival.

Also Watch | Shah Rukh Khan takes off to Switzerland with ₹7 lakh Hermes HAC backpack, leaves netizens in awe
 

Paris Olympics

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