2024-07-26 22:01:00
Céline Dion actually sang, at the top of the Eiffel Tower, this Friday, at the end of a grandiose opening ceremony of the Olympics. Relive the Hymn to Love on video.
Celine Dion he will therefore have actually sung. At the end of a long and moving opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics, on Friday evening in Paris, the Quebec diva appeared at the top of the Eiffel Tower from where she performed Hymn to Love byEdith Piaf. The apotheotic conclusion of a show that saw thousands of athletes parade on numerous boats on the Seine (and in the rain) and an incalculable number of spectacular settings before the protocol. The event concluded with the lighting of the Olympic cauldron by Teddy Riner and Marie-José Pérec, as a couple, surrounded by a dozen French and Paralympic athletes, at the Jardin des Tuileries. The cauldron took off from a hot air balloon and will remain suspended above the capital for the entire Olympic fortnight.
It was in this wonderful moment, overlooking the capital, that Céline Dion appeared at the top of the Eiffel Tower. Her first public performance after her serious health problems in 2020. Previously, Lady Gaga, in a black bustier and pink feathers, had sung My Thing in Feathers, an emblematic title of the French music hall, at the beginning of the ceremony. He was followed by Aya Nakamura, the most listened to French-speaking singer in the world, all dressed in golden feathers, for a medley of her hits Pookie and Djadja and a standard by Charles Aznavour, For me Formidable. As night fell, French singer Juliette Armanet took over with John Lennon’s Imagine, sung on a barge on the Seine, accompanied by Sofiane Pamart on a burning piano.
Other highlights: Gojira, a French metal band with an international aura, collaborated with French-Swiss opera singer Marina Viotti to perform Ah! Ca ira, French revolutionary song, in which Marie Antoinette with her severed head also appears. The artistic director Thomas Jolly had promised paintings that told the story of a country rich in its “diversity”, “inclusive”, “not one France but several Frenchwomen”, celebrating “the whole world united”.
#relive #interpretation #hymn #love
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we dive deep into the current events that shape our world. Today, we have the immense pleasure of speaking with Dr. Samuel Leclerc, a cultural historian and music expert. Dr. Leclerc has extensively researched the intersections of music and national identity. Thank you for joining us today!
Dr. Samuel Leclerc: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Exciting news from the world of music and global events! Céline Dion captivated audiences as she performed ”Hymn to Love” atop the Eiffel Tower during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics. What are your thoughts on this extraordinary performance, and its timing during such a significant global event?
Dr. Leclerc: It was truly monumental! Céline Dion is not just a star; she’s a cultural icon, especially in the francophone world. Singing “Hymn to Love”—a song that holds deep emotional resonance, particularly in France—against the backdrop of Paris and the Eiffel Tower created a powerful moment of connection during the Olympic festivities. It symbolizes unity and the shared human spirit that the Olympics aim to celebrate.
Editor: Absolutely! The Eiffel Tower is an iconic symbol of Paris. How do you think the choice of location and the song contributed to the impact of the performance?
Dr. Leclerc: The Eiffel Tower is synonymous with love, hope, and Paris itself. By performing there, Dion not only showcased her vocal talent but also tapped into the tower’s emotive power. “Hymn to Love,” originally performed by Edith Piaf—an emblem of French music culture—added layers of nostalgia and national pride. This combination created a moment that transcended mere entertainment and became a shared experience for millions.
Editor: It’s fascinating how music can revolve around such powerful themes. The opening ceremony, with its thousands of athletes and vibrant visuals along the Seine, must have been a spectacular sight. How do you think performances like this contribute to the overall atmosphere of such grand events?
Dr. Leclerc: Performances like Dion’s serve multiple purposes. They provide entertainment and foster a sense of community among people from various backgrounds. Music has the innate ability to evoke emotions and memories, tying spectators to the event and to each other. The combination of athleticism and artistry amplifies the spirit of competition and camaraderie that the Olympics represent.
Editor: Indeed, it’s all about connection. Given that Céline Dion had previously canceled tours due to health issues, her appearance must have been a significant moment for her fans and the industry. How do health challenges impact an artist’s public perception and their performances?
Dr. Leclerc: Health challenges can drastically affect an artist’s relationship with their audience. When someone like Céline Dion, known for her powerful voice and stage presence, faces such challenges, it can create a narrative of vulnerability and resilience. Her return to the stage, especially in such a significant format, not only reassures her fans but also invites them into her journey—making her performance even more poignant.
Editor: That makes perfect sense. Events like these, especially when they include beloved artists overcoming adversity, resonate deeply. Looking ahead, how might performances like Dion’s influence future Olympic ceremonies or large-scale events?
Dr. Leclerc: I think we can expect to see a greater emphasis on artistic representation and emotional narratives in future events. The success of Dion’s performance could inspire event organizers to be bolder in their choices, perhaps showcasing more diverse cultural elements and artists who can resonate with global audiences. The blending of sport and culture offers a powerful platform for storytelling and connection.
Editor: An inspiring vision for the future! Thank you, Dr. Leclerc, for your insightful reflections on this monumental moment in music and global events. It’s clear that performances like Céline Dion’s not only entertain but also weave together the fabric of our shared experiences.
Dr. Leclerc: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing this remarkable event with you.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. We’ll continue to bring you insights into the events shaping our world. Stay tuned!
Ge at such a prestigious event as the Olympics serves as a testament to her strength and dedication to her craft. It demystifies the celebrity experience by showing that even the most iconic figures face personal struggles. For fans, it can deepen their admiration and loyalty, as they witness not just the performance but the journey behind it. This moment not only celebrates her artistry but also resonates with anyone who has faced adversity, making it profoundly relatable.
Editor: That’s beautifully said. It seems like her performance wasn’t just about music, but about resilience and the human spirit. Reflecting on the artistic direction of the ceremony, which included a mix of genres and performers, how important do you think diversity is in these large events?
Dr. Leclerc: Diversity is critical. It broadens the narrative and allows for a richer representation of cultures and experiences. By showcasing a wide range of musical styles and voices, the ceremony echoed the Olympic ethos of bringing people together from all corners of the globe. This inclusivity not only enriches the event but also fosters understanding and appreciation among viewers, reminding us that while we may come from different backgrounds, we share the same emotions and passions.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Leclerc, for sharing your insights on this remarkable performance and the broader implications of music in such monumental events. It’s evident that music continues to play a crucial role in shaping our collective experience.
Dr. Leclerc: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing such an inspiring moment in music and culture.