The 2024 Paris Games are coming to a close — and now spectators are looking toward L.A. 2028.
California artists H.E.R., the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish and Snoop Dogg performed as a nod to the next host city. Actor Tom Cruise also did a stunt for the handover.
R&B artist H.E.R. played the U.S. national anthem as the host city duties were handed over from Paris to Los Angeles.
“Mission: Impossible” actor Cruise was lowered from the top of the Stade de France in a harness after the host city handover.
The action star took the Olympic flag from Simone Biles and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. He attached the flag to the back of a motorcycle and drove away, starting the flag’s journey to the U.S.
A video then played showing him driving the motorcycle into a plane and jumping out in Los Angeles, where he affixed Olympic rings to the Hollywood sign. The video was soundtracked by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The performance then transitioned back to a live feed in Los Angeles, in which the band played “Can’t Stop” at Venice Beach.
Eilish then performed “Birds of a Feather” with her brother, Finneas, on top of a lifeguard tower, further playing into iconic Los Angeles imagery.
Snoop Dogg then came out to the beach to perform “Drop It Like It’s Hot.” He brought out Dr. Dre to play “The Next Episode.”
Earlier in the closing ceremony, iconic indie rock band Phoenix kicked off the farewell to the athletes. The band was tapped to perform at the closing ceremony in a celebration of French artists and their influence on music.
Following the athletes’ parade and acrobatic performers, Phoenix began a celebration of French artistry with a performance of “Lisztomania.” It also performed “If I Ever Feel Better” and “1901.” The band also brought out Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig and Cambodian rapper VannDa onstage.
Kavinsky, a French electronic artist, also came onstage to perform “Nightcall” with Angèle.
Meanwhile, Air, a band associated with the house music subgenre known as French touch, also played “Playground Love” during the ceremony.
