The Olympics are all about the sports, but if you’re anything like us, the musical performances are also a big draw. Below, find our five favorite Olympic ceremony performances from the last couple of decades.
Videos by American Songwriter
5 of the Best Olympic Opening Ceremony Performances
1. Spice Girls (2012 – Summer Olympics in London)
The Spice Girls are English national icons. Naturally, when it came time to pick performers for the 2012 summer Olympics in London, it was worth asking the girl group if they were ready for a reunion. Luckily, they were and viewers were gifted this nostalgic performance. Riding in on traditional black cabs, the fivesome was as individual and powerful as ever. They made quick work of “Wannabe” and “Spice Up Your Life.”
2. Alanis Morissette (2010 – Winter Olympics in Vancouver)
While the Spice Girls opted to amp up the crowd with their anthem-ridden performance, Alanis Morissette decided to lead with a ballad. Morissette performed “Wunderkind”–her inclusion on The Chronicles of Narnia soundtrack. The intimate song had a unifying factor to it. Her vocals paired with soft snow falling down over the stage made for a memorable performance.
3. KISS (2002 – Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City)
After all is said and done at the Olympics, it’s good to unwind and have fun–for athletes and fans alike. KISS helped to close things out at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City. They performed a rousing rendition of “Rock and Roll All Nite” with the help of some figure skaters. It was the perfect marriage between the glam rockers’ hard-edged style and the delicate sport.
4. Stevie Wonder (1996 – Summer Olympics in Atlanta)
“Imagine” is one of those songs that brings everyone together. Stevie Wonder is one of those artists that brings everyone together. The pairing of the two was sure to excite. Wonder performed the John Lennon staple at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. With a chorus in tow, Wonder closed the sporting event out with a heart-swelling rendition of the rock classic.
5. Paul McCartney (2012 – Summer Olympics in London)
Coming to the end of our list, we have to close things out with Paul McCartney’s performance of “Hey Jude” at the 2012 Olympics in London. We can’t imagine anything more visceral then preparing to compete in the most important sporting event in the world by singing “Hey Jude” with your fellow athletes and McCartney. McCartney let the stadium take over singing duties in the bridge. One onus behind the Olympics is world unity. What better way to accomplish that than with this Beatles classic?
(Photo by Jo Hale/Getty Images)
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