Who sang 'Imagine'? What song did Celine Dion sing? All interesting questions from the Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony answered

Modified Jul 27, 2024 07:53 GMT

The 2024 Paris Olympics is officially underway following the glamorous Opening Ceremony that has caught the attention of the world.

For the first time in the history of the quadrennial event, the Opening Ceremony was not held in a stadium. Instead, dozens of boats carried all the athletes and performers on a six-kilometer floating parade on the River Seine.

With there being many talking points from the event, we answer some of the most asked queries below:

Who sang 'Imagine'?

There were several interesting things in the Opening Ceremony for the Paris Olympics and one of the most talked about moments was a song by French singer Juliette Armanet. She performed on a boat going down the river, with pianist Sofiane Pamart by her side.

The singer-songwriter sang 'Imagine' by John Lennon, a song that has become part of the Games tradition over the years. It speaks about a world without global conflict, which stands in line with the unifying values of the Olympics.

What song did Celine Dion sing?

Celine Dion performed at the Eiffel Tower to bring the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics to an end. It was her first public performance since 2020.

The Canadian singer performed 'Hymne à l’amour' by the French singer Edith Piaf. The song is considered a timeless tribute to a lost love.

Who lit the Olympic flame at Paris Olympics?

Teddy Riner (R) and Marie-Jose Perec light up the Olympic cauldron in Paris - Getty Images

French judoka Teddy Riner and sprinter Marie-Jose Perec were the athletes who had the honor of lighting the Olympic cauldron at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Cauldron is located in the Jardin des Tuileries which is aligned with the Louvre, Place de la Concorde, the Champs-Elysees, and the Arc de Triomphe.

Which country has the most Olympic athletes?

The International Olympic Committee has stated that over 10,500 athletes take part in 32 sports and 329 events at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The United States of America has the biggest contingent, with 592.

Host France (573) is the only other nation with more than 500 athletes at the Games. Australia, with 460 participants, rounds up the top three.

Which countries are banned from the Olympics?

The two countries not taking part in this year's Olympic Games are Russia and Belarus. The International Olympic Committee had voted to suspend both nations due to the ongoing war with Ukraine.

Russian and Belarusian athletes will not take part under the flags of their countries. Some, however, are set to participate in the SummerGames as Individual Neutral Athletes.

Has North Korea ever won an Olympic medal?

North Korea, which is officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, made its Olympic debut in 1964 when it took part in the Winter Games. Their first appearance at the Summer Games came in 1972.

Since then, they have taken part in 10 editions, winning 55 medals in all — 16 gold, 16 silver and 23 bronze.

Did Beyonce introduce Team USA in the promo for the 2024 Paris Olympics?

Team USA during the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics - Getty Images

Renowned American singer and songwriter Beyonce Knowles introduced Team USA in a promotional video before her compatriots made their way down the river Seine.

She even named checked some of the athletes, including Simone Biles, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Katie Ledecky, as a song her latest album 'Cowboy Carter' played in the background.