Paris Olympics opening ceremony showcases French culture with modern flair

The Paris Olympics kicked off with a dazzling opening ceremony on Friday that celebrated French culture with a contemporary twist. The event featured an impressive lineup, including international stars Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, and French-Malian singer Aya Nakamura, alongside dancers, an opera diva, and even a heavy metal band. In a historic first, the ceremony took place outside a stadium, unfolding along the River Seine, despite battling relentless rain that added a somber tone to the City of Light.

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Renowned French theatre director Thomas Jolly masterminded the fast-paced, multi-location spectacle, designed to captivate both the global television audience and the brave spectators who faced intense security and adverse weather to witness the event live.

A poignant moment arrived when Canadian singer Celine Dion, who has been fighting a rare illness, made a triumphant return. She delivered a stirring rendition of Edith Piaf's "Hymn to Love" from the Eiffel Tower, marking the climax of the ceremony.

The four-hour ceremony began with a humorous clip of French actor Djamel Debbouze carrying the Olympic torch into the Stade de France, only to realize he was supposed to bring it to the river, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening.