Musical heavyweights Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are lined up to perform at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games, according to Diversity. The lineup underscores a cross‑generational moment in music and a strong American connection as the United States prepares to host the next Summer Games. The choice of artists mirrors a deliberate nod to the country that has historically dominated the spotlight in Olympic ceremonies, while also highlighting a broader, global audience drawn to contemporary sounds and iconic stage presence. Diversity notes this selection reflects the artists’ international appeal and the cultural reach they bring to an event watched by millions around the world.
Snoop Dogg, who carried the Olympic flame through the torch relay in a moment that captured global attention, continues to participate actively in various high‑profile competitions and public appearances. His involvement with the Games in Paris adds a familiar, aspirational energy for fans and audiences who follow both sports and music closely. The presence of a performer with such a recognizable persona helps bridge the worlds of sport and entertainment, creating a closing ceremony that aims to feel both celebratory and inclusive for diverse audiences.
Several weeks earlier, the opening ceremony drew significant criticism for its creative direction, with some observers feeling that certain artistic choices did not honor the beliefs of all attendees. Critics argued that a parody of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper in the ceremony’s visual storytelling came across as disrespectful to some faith communities. Event organizers issued an apology, emphasizing that the intention was not to offend anyone, and that the program aimed to be provocative in a way that sparked conversation rather than alienation. The episode sparked a broader discussion about balancing artistic expression with sensitivity in a global event that draws a broad, diverse audience.
France’s political leadership weighed in on the opening, with the Interior Minister describing the Paris ceremony as an expression of national freedom and artistic liberty. The minister framed the event as a showcase of France as a place where creative experimentation could take center stage, even as discussions about taste and interpretation continued in the public sphere. This framing reflected the country’s intention to present a multi‑faceted opening that highlighted both culture and democratic values on the world stage.
In a related development, the International Olympic Committee made a decision in early 2022 to exclude Russia and Belarus from competing under their national banners, citing the start of the conflict in Ukraine. As the Paris Games approached, the IOC decided that Russians and Belarusians could participate as neutral athletes, subject to a set of conditions and qualification standards. The approach was intended to balance the encouragement of athletic excellence with the political realities of the moment, allowing individual athletes to compete while avoiding national symbols in certain contexts. This stance has been a topic of ongoing discussion among athletes, national teams, and fans who watch the Games with a keen eye on geopolitics as well as sport.
Beyond the ceremonial debates, commentary from the United States continued to reflect a critical eye on Olympic traditions, including how medals and ceremonies are perceived and valued by athletes and spectators alike. An American athlete offered a pointed critique, prompting conversations about quality, performance expectations, and the evolving symbolism of Olympic medals in a modern, media‑savvy era. The discussion highlighted the tension between historic prestige and contemporary expectations, as athletes seek meaningful recognition in a landscape shaped by rapid media cycles and global reach.