Entertainment
My Performance At Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony A Gift I’ll Never Forget – Lady Gaga
American pop icon Stefani Germanotta, better known as Lady Gaga, captivated audiences with a stunning performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony on Friday.
The singer enthralled the crowd with a rendition of the French cabaret classic “Mon Truc en Plumes,” originally performed by Zizi Jeanmaire, from the base of the Eiffel Tower. Gaga’s performance was a tribute to French culture and artistry, blending history with her unique flair.
Expressing her gratitude in a statement via V, Gaga recounted the meticulous preparations for the event. “I feel so completely grateful to have been asked to open the Paris Olympics 2024 this year. I am also humbled to be asked by the Olympics organizing committee to sing such a special French song—a song to honor the French people and their tremendous history of art, music, and theatre,” she shared.
The choice of “Mon Truc en Plumes,” a song famously sung by Parisian ballerina Zizi Jeanmaire in 1961, held special significance for Gaga. “This song was sung by Zizi Jeanmaire, born in Paris. The title means ‘My Thing with Feathers.’ And this is not the first time we’ve crossed paths. Zizi starred in Cole Porter’s musical ‘Anything Goes,’ which was my first jazz release,” she noted.
Despite not being French, Gaga emphasised her deep connection with French culture. “I have always felt a very special connection with French people and singing French music,” she said. For the performance, Gaga and her team rented pom poms from the Le Lido archive, collaborated with Dior for custom costumes made with naturally molted feathers, and incorporated modern choreography inspired by classic French dance.
Reflecting on her journey, Gaga revealed, “I rehearsed tirelessly to study a joyful French dance, brushing up on some old skills—I bet you didn’t know I used to dance at a 60’s French party on the lower east side when I was first starting out! I hope you love this performance as much as I do.”
In her heartfelt message to France, Gaga expressed her appreciation for the warm welcome and the unforgettable experience. “To everyone in France, thank you so much for welcoming me to your country to sing in honor of you—it’s a gift I’ll never forget!” she wrote.
She concluded by congratulating the athletes, saying, “Congratulations to all the athletes who are competing in this year’s Olympic Games! It is my supreme honor to sing for you and cheer you on!”
Lady Gaga’s performance has already been hailed as one of the most memorable moments of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, a testament to her dedication and the deep cultural resonance of her chosen song.
The United Kingdom government has denied entry to controversial American rapper Kanye West, blocking his planned return to the European stage ahead of a highly anticipated comeback performance.
According to reports, the artist recently applied for permission to travel to the UK, where he was scheduled to headline the popular Wireless Festival in July.
SEE ALSO:Adidas, Kanye West Reach Settlement, Ending Legal Dispute
However, authorities turned down the request, citing concerns that his presence would not be in the interest of public good.
The decision is believed to be linked to widespread backlash over West’s past antisemitic remarks, which have sparked global criticism and strained his professional relationships in recent years.
The UK government’s move reflects a growing trend of holding high-profile figures accountable for statements considered harmful or divisive.
West was billed to perform across all three nights of the festival, set to take place at Finsbury Park in London, as part of what many fans saw as a major comeback tour.
His absence now leaves organizers scrambling to adjust the lineup for one of the summer’s biggest music events.
While officials have not provided further details beyond the decision, the development has stirred reactions across the entertainment industry, with fans and critics divided over the government’s stance.
As anticipation builds toward the festival, attention now shifts to how organizers will fill the void left by one of music’s most polarizing figures.
Nigerian entertainer Martin’s Ortse, popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM) has expressed skepticism over influencer Blessing CEO’s claims that she is battling breast cancer and seeking financial support for urgent surgery.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, VDM cautioned about the sensitive nature of cancer and the need for transparency before public appeals.
“I just hope what Blessing CEO is saying is true because cancer is a very sensitive matter globally. Cancer is not something that someone should joke with; it has claimed the lives of many people. A friend of mine lost his mother from cancer,” he wrote.
SEE ALSO: Blessing CEO Battles Breast Cancer, Appeals to Fans for Urgent Surgery Support
VDM questioned the authenticity of Blessing CEO’s claims, pointing out the absence of hospital documentation.
“I’m not convinced enough that Blessing CEO is telling the truth. Why? Because you did not post any proof from the hospital that diagnosed you. You did not provide the hospital or a doctor’s report.
“You said a lot of resources have gone into your health, yet you did not provide receipts for people to see. Instead, you came online appealing emotionally, saying this is the time for people to show you love,” he added.
Recall that Blessing CEO had shared in a video on Instagram that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and urgently needs surgery, including a possible amputation, to halt the progression of the illness.
She revealed that what initially seemed like a harmless lump in her right breast last year was later confirmed as cancer, and the illness has now spread to her left breast.
“I have not been able to work, and my resources have been exhausted. That is why I am appealing for support. If my words have ever had a positive impact on your life, and you are a fan, this is the time to show it. Nothing is too small. I just want to be well,” she said.
Nigerian influencer Blessing CEO has revealed that she is battling breast cancer and is seeking urgent financial support to undergo life-saving surgery.
In a video shared on Instagram, Blessing, who appeared bald, explained that she had exhausted her personal resources on treatment and felt “powerless,” prompting her to go public.
ALSO READ: I Make $40,000 Montly With Content Creation Says Blessing CEO
“I have been diagnosed with breast cancer. At this point, I urgently need surgery, including a possible amputation, to stop the spread and determine how far the tumour has gone, and whether one or both breasts will be affected,” she said.
Born Blessing Okoro Nkiruka, Blessing revealed that what initially seemed like a harmless lump in her right breast last year was later confirmed as cancer after further tests.
She disclosed that the illness has now spread to her left breast, making surgical intervention critical.
“It started last year as a lump, and I went to the hospital. Weeks after the tests, I was told it was not cancerous, so I decided not to remove it at the time because I had a lot going on.
“But when I was ready to have it removed, another test was carried out, and it was discovered that the lump was cancerous and had spread to the left breast. We are now considering an amputation,” she explained.
Blessing made a heartfelt appeal to her fans: “If my words have ever had a positive impact on your life, and you are a fan, this is the time to show it. Nothing is too small. I just want to be well.”
The influencer is urging anyone willing to offer support to contribute toward her medical expenses as she prepares for potentially life-saving surgery.
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