This weekend’s Olympics closing ceremony is shaping up to be a spectacular event, featuring over 100 acrobats and aerial performers. The final Olympic champions will receive their medals, and there will be a sneak peek at what’s coming in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, including a rumored stunt by Hollywood star Tom Cruise.
Key Details:
The closing ceremony is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. EDT at Stade de France, the country’s national stadium, which has hosted rugby sevens and track and field events. On Thursday, Team USA announced that swimmer Katie Ledecky and rower Nick Mead would carry the American flags during the ceremony. Grammy-winning artist H.E.R. will perform the U.S. national anthem as part of the handoff to the 2028 Los Angeles Games, with speculation about other big-name performers also in the air.
Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris 2024 committee, described the ceremony as “solemn and emotional, but it will also be a time for celebration… Innovative, surprising, and brilliant, these ceremonies already promise to be very powerful.” However, many details about the ceremony remain under wraps.
When and Where to Watch:
The live coverage of the ceremony starts at 2 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Aug. 11, with the main event beginning at 3 p.m. It will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock, and re-aired during primetime coverage at 7 p.m. EDT on NBC and Peacock.
What to Expect at the Closing Ceremony:
The closing show, named “Records,” is directed by Thomas Jolly, who also oversaw the much-talked-about opening ceremony. The performers will include acrobats, circus artists, dancers, gymnasts, and aerial ballet dancers performing atop metal structures representing the Olympic rings. The ceremony will also feature the traditional parade of flags and athletes, speeches, the final medal ceremony, and the extinguishing of the Olympic flame. The Olympic flag will then be handed over to Los Angeles, which will host the 2028 Summer Games, with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in attendance.
Who’s Performing?
“World-renowned singers” are slated to perform, according to the official Olympics website. American R&B singer H.E.R., an Oscar and five-time Grammy winner, is set to sing the American national anthem. According to Variety, Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are also expected to perform. These artists will be featured in a mix of live and pre-taped performances.
Tom Cruise’s Role:
Reports have surfaced that Tom Cruise, who is currently filming “Mission: Impossible 8” in Europe, will perform a stunt during the closing ceremony. A clip of Cruise skydiving to the Hollywood sign is expected to be part of the handoff to Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics. Cruise was reportedly seen filming a scene in May, possibly for the ceremony, involving a motorcycle and a large flag.
Rumors About Beyoncé:
There’s been speculation that Beyoncé might perform at the closing ceremony, though no evidence supports this. The rumor gained traction after hosts of Britain’s “This Morning” mentioned it on-air. However, no official performers have been confirmed. Earlier rumors also suggested that Celine Dion or Lady Gaga might perform at the opening ceremony, but these turned out to be untrue.
Flag Bearers for the U.S.:
Katie Ledecky has had a remarkable Olympics, winning gold in the 800m and 1500m freestyle, silver in the 4x200m relay, and bronze in the 400m freestyle. She became the most-decorated U.S. female Olympian ever and the second-most decorated U.S. Olympian of all time, only behind Michael Phelps. Nick Mead, a former Princeton rower, won his first gold medal in the men’s four rowing competition in Paris this year.
Who’s Hosting the Ceremony?:
Jimmy Fallon of “The Tonight Show” and longtime sports reporter Mike Tirico will co-host the ceremony. Former Olympians Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski, who have become popular commentators since retiring, and NBC Sports’ Terry Gannon will also provide commentary.
Medals at the Closing Ceremony:
The final medal ceremony is expected to honor the winners of the women’s marathon earlier in the day.
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Romanian Prime Minister’s Boycott:
Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced he would boycott the closing ceremony after a controversial score change kept Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu from winning bronze in the women’s floor exercise. Barbosu had already begun celebrating when American coaches appealed to judges to raise Jordan Chiles’ score, which pushed Barbosu off the podium. Ciolacu called the decision “absolutely dishonorable” and promised that Romania would honor Barbosu as an Olympic medalist despite the outcome.
