Phoenix and Air will perform at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games

The closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Gamesscheduled for the August 11is approaching amid growing speculation and controversy. The participation of drag queens The event has generated controversy, especially among the most conservative sectors of France and the rest of the world, unleashing a wave of criticism and death threats against the artistic director Thomas Jolly.

Despite the controversy, Jolly continues with preparations for the event, which will take place at the Stade de Francea stadium with capacity for 80 thousand people. The French Minister of Sports, Amélie Oudéa-Castérahas expressed his “absolute confidence” in the Jolly team, promising that the ceremony will dazzle the world once again.

Unlike the opening ceremony, which spanned four miles along the River Seine and resulting in the closure of much of central Paris under heavy rain, the closing ceremony will be much more manageable in logistical terms.

Rumors about the closure include the participation of prominent bands such as Phoenix y Airas well as the presence of the iconic actor Tom Cruise. According to the portal NMECruise will perform a segment of eight minutes which will include scenes of a chase filmed near the Champs Elysees.

Air/Photo: Special

Security remains a primary concern, especially given the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and the continuing tensions related to the invasion of Ukraine by Russiawhich led to this country being banned from this year’s Games. Deadline reported “acts of sabotage on key railway lines and cyberattacks on IT systems” that have heightened security concerns, although the culprits have yet to be identified.

The closing ceremony, titled “Records”will pay tribute to the sporting achievements and festivities of the 17 days of the tournament, while reflecting on the fragility of the Olympic Games. Jolly commented: “We want to celebrate, but consciously. This moment of celebration will also be an opportunity to reflect on the importance of the Olympic Games in our society.”

Phoenix/Foto: Especial

With a strong emphasis on music, the ceremony will feature hundreds of performers, acrobats, dancers and circus artists. Notable names include Jean Michel Jarre, Phoenix y Air are indicated as possible participants. In addition, there is speculation about the participation of big American stars such as Taylor Swiftwho could be available due to a gap in his schedule. Rumors also mention Ariana Grande y Beyoncéalthough the latter’s presence in Paris has not been confirmed recently.

The ceremony will also serve as a bridge between Paris 2024 y Los Angeles 2028with Cruise symbolising the passing of the Olympic flag. Jolly hopes the ceremony will reflect the human value of the Games and how they represent a shared experience.

“He August 11, 2024“The Olympic Games will end and the Olympic flame will be extinguished,” Jolly said. “That moment will remind us how precious these Olympic Games are: a unique monument to a shared – and therefore fragile – experience.”