Spectacular star rumours are circulating around the graduation ceremony
Fireworks, acrobatics, and international music stars: Organizers aim to conclude the Olympic Games in Paris with a roaring finale, passing the baton to Los Angeles. As with the opening ceremony, few details are officially known ahead of the closing ceremony in the Stade de France in the evening. However, reports suggest that megastars could once again be part of the three-hour show for around 80,000 spectators.
What does the official part of the celebration look like? The event begins at 9 PM in the Stade de France north of Paris. The athletes of the Games will be celebrated, and as with the opening ceremony, there will be a parade. The German flag will be carried by triathlete Laura Lindemann and canoeist Max Rendschmidt, both of whom won gold. During the ceremony, the Olympic flag will also be passed from Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo to her Los Angeles counterpart, Karen Bass, who will host the next Summer Games in 2028. Bass said, "We will share a historic moment and send a message to girls all over the world that they can achieve anything." The Olympic flame will also be extinguished during the ceremony.
What kind of show can be expected? The "Records" celebration will feature several musical performances by renowned international artists, accompanied by more than 100 artists, acrobats, dancers, and circus performers. A part of the show is expected to take place in the air, although it's unclear if this means more than just fireworks. Thomas Jolly, who planned the spectacular opening ceremony on the Seine, is also responsible for the closing event. He describes the ceremony as acrobatic, lyrical, and very visual, aiming to travel back to the origins of the Games and into the future. "I have designed a performance in which the Games disappear once again, but someone finds them again."
Who will be there? Paris officials announced that actor Tom Cruise is expected to attend the closing ceremony. According to the French newspaper "Le Parisien," Cruise will be involved in the symbolic handover of the Olympic flag to LA. The action star is reportedly planning a stunt on the facade of the Stade de France and has already filmed a scene around the famous "Hollywood" sign in Los Angeles. French media has also reported performances by French bands Air and Phoenix.
What is known about the US part of the event? The LA28 organizers' segment will include a performance by rapper Snoop Dogg, as well as appearances by numerous American sports legends, including basketball legend Michael Jordan. Casey Wasserman, chairman of LA28, has promised "some surprises." The US entertainment portal "Variety" reported that performances by Billie Eilish and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are also planned, with the singer-songwriter and rock band appearing in a mix of recorded performance and live appearance from LA.
What about security? Security remains a priority during the final Olympic weekend. Around 30,000 personnel are deployed in the Greater Paris area, with 2,000 securing the closing ceremony.
The athletes' achievements will be celebrated during the closing ceremony of The Olympic Games, featuring a parade and the passing of the Olympic flag from Paris to Los Angeles. The event is expected to include a grand show with various musical performances by international artists, acrobats, and circus performers, possibly including an aerial component.
