Music and sports are now two connected industries. Whether it is the NBA finals, Super Bowl halftime, or the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup; musical performances are the greatest charm of these sports events. The Olympics also reflect the same picture by providing some of the most exciting musical performances through all these years. With the 2024 Olympics taking place in Paris; let’s find out the top musical performances at the Olympics till now that took place in different parts of the world.
1. 2004 Athens Summer Olympics – Björk’s Performance
When Björk performed at the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics, she took everyone in an artistic paradigm. The artist performed the track ‘Oceania’ while wearing a crystal-emblazoned dress which was made from more than 10,000 feet of fabric that stretched over and created an ocean that covered the whole ground. With the co-dancer’s help, the whole act seems like Björk is a Greek God yet she is from Iceland. The song was co-written by poet Sigurjon Birgir Sigurdsson to make it more focused on the games.
2. 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics – Stevie Wonder
At the closing ceremony of the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics, Stevie made everyone cry with his powerful and highly emotive rendition of the track “Imagine”. He was paying tribute to his late friend John Lennon who had written and performed the track. While he offered a hefty dose of blues through that rendition the essence was further intensified by the choir.
3. 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics – Céline Dion
The opening ceremony for the Atlanta Summer Olympics was truly heightened by Céline Dion’s magical vocal prowess. Joined by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and David Foster at the piano, Dion’s performance of “The Power of the Dream” was immaculate. It was one of the most striking performances as the lyric of the track went quite well in the games.
4. 2012 London Summer Olympics – Spice Girls
Spice Girls was long lost but they made an epic comeback at the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Summer Olympics which took the crowd by storm. Each member of the band arrived in a taxi on stage to reflect London and offered a captivating medley of “Spice Up Your Life” and “Wannabe”.
5. 2012 London Summer Olympics – Queen and Jessie J
UK pop singer Jessie J made sure to bring the hype at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics when she joined forces with the Queen. There was also a hologram of Freddie Mercury to offer a tribute. Nobody could keep still in the stadium when they performed the song “We Will Rock You,” and it echoed through the audience.
6.2000 Sydney Summer Olympics – Kylie Minogue
Kylie Minogue’s performance at the closing ceremony of the Summer Olympics 2000 in Sydney was truly mesmerizing. She offered a charming cover of “Dancing Queen”, a classic hit by ABBA from 1976. She was wearing a vibrant pink dress that brought out more showmanship in the event where she represented her home country.
7. 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics – k.d. lang
Talented music artist k.d. lang increased the energy among the audience when he performed Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” at the opening ceremony of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. The artist’s hypnotic vocal texture made the song more intriguing and the audience seemed to be interacting with the performance by swaying lighters in their hands.
8. 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics – Leona Lewis and Jimmy Page
The closing ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics finale was quite exciting with an unusual collaboration between Leona Lewis and Jimmy Page. The talented singer-songwriter performed with the legendary guitarist and they offered audiences a beautiful rendition of Led Zeppelin’s 1969 hit classic, “Whole Lotta Love”.
9. 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics – KISS
KISS is well-revered for its iconic stage appearance and powerful performances. They rocked at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics in 2002 with an ecstatic rendition of 1975’s hit track “Rock and Roll All Nite.” The background dancers skated around them while fireworks lit up. It felt more like a rock concert rather than the Olympics.
10. 2012 London Olympics – Paul McCartney
The Beatles never failed to tantalize the audiences and Paul McCartney knows that better than anyone else. The musical legend got the whole crowd singing along with him at the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics and it was quite an invigorating moment for all. It was quite special to witness McCartney on his home turf.
11. 2006 Turin Winter Olympics – Luciano Pavarotti
Luciano Pavarotti is a legend who is revered for his unparalleled contributions. When he performed at the opening ceremony of the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics, it was quite a bone-chilling moment for everyone. It took place before his cancer diagnosis it was his final public performance that he executed with power, passion, and love.
12. 2016 Rio Summer Olympics – Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil and Anitta
Rio Summer Olympics 2016 was fascinating and what intrigued the audience more was the captivating performance by Anitta at the opening ceremony. She joined forces with activist-turned-politician Gilberto Gil as well as music artist Caetano Veloso and they offered a voice of protest and celebration. The trio offered the authentic taste of samba fête at the Maracana Stadium. They performed “Isso Aqui, O Que É?”
13. 2012 London Summer Olympics – One Direction
At that time, One Direction was at its peak of popularity and their performance at the closing ceremony of the summer Olympics was one of the sweetest experiences for the audiences. The five members together performed “What Makes You Beautiful” and the young guys also threw some awkward moves while riding on a truck.
14. 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics – Alanis Morissette
The performance of “Wunderkind” at the Vancouver Winter Olympics 2010 was one of the special moments for Alanis as well as the audience. She carefully offered a delicate version of The Chronicles of Narnia soundtrack which amazed everyone.
15 . 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics – Olivia Newton-John and John Farnham
When it comes to Olympic collaborations, Olivia Newton-John teaming up with John Farnham was perhaps the best thing. Their captivating performance for “Dare to Dream” lit up the Sydney Summer Olympics. But what was even fun to see was their amazing chemistry.
Olympics will keep coming back with more wonders and musical performances will be an integral part of it.