After weeks of swirling rumors, it’s official: Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and Red Hot Chili Peppers will be lighting up the stage at tonight’s (August 11) Olympic closing ceremony in Paris. The star-studded event marks the grand finale of the 2024 Games and sets the stage for the next host city, Los Angeles, where the Olympics will be held in 2028.
The Paris Games kicked off with a bang on July 26, featuring a spectacular opening ceremony along the River Seine. Highlights included Lady Gaga’s sultry rendition of the French cabaret classic “Mon truc en plumes” and Gojira’s powerful performance of the French Revolution anthem “Ah Ça Ira!” alongside opera singer Marina Viotti. Fans were also treated to a rare appearance by Celine Dion, who moved the crowd with her rendition of Edith Piaf’s “L’Hymne A L’Amour,” her first live performance in four years.
Now, as the world turns its gaze to the closing ceremony, excitement is building for what’s to come. Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and Red Hot Chili Peppers—all proud Los Angeles natives—will headline the event, giving fans a taste of the LA vibe that will define the 2028 Games. H.E.R., another LA talent, will deliver a powerful rendition of the U.S. national anthem live from the Stade de France.
Casey Wasserman, chairperson of LA28, expressed his excitement about the ceremony, stating, “This is the biggest moment in LA28 history to date, as the Olympic flag passes from Paris to LA.” He added, “We are thrilled to feature the very best of LA with local artists and are grateful to Billie, H.E.R., the Chili Peppers, and Snoop for their collaboration on what will be an incredible show to a global audience.”
Billie Eilish shared her enthusiasm on Instagram, posting that she’s “so excited” to take the stage. The performance is rumored to be titled “Records” and is said to depict a “futuristic world where the Games have disappeared.” Speculation is also swirling that Charli XCX might join Eilish for a live performance of their new single, “Guess.”
The ceremony promises to be a night to remember, filled with surprises and star power. While earlier rumors hinted at appearances by French electronic acts Phoenix and Air, as well as a death-defying stunt by Tom Cruise, it’s clear that tonight’s show will be all about celebrating LA’s creative spirit as the city prepares to host the 2028 Games.
As always, safety is a top priority, with heightened security measures in place following a recently foiled terror plot aimed at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna.
Throughout the Games, Snoop Dogg has been a prominent figure in Paris, from his role as the final torchbearer to his viral moments with Olympic legends like Michael Phelps. He’s also made headlines for his stylish appearance at a dressage event alongside Martha Stewart, and for gifting a Death Row Records chain to gymnast Simone Biles’ father for his 75th birthday.
It was also reported that, despite false claims of her earning $2million (£1.5million), Celine Dion did not receive any payment for her opening ceremony performance, and Gojira saw a mammoth spike in listeners following their set.
With so much star power on stage, tonight’s Olympic closing ceremony is set to be a fitting finale to a spectacular Games, and a tantalizing preview of what’s to come in Los Angeles.
Photo: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images; Gregg DeGuire/WireImage
