H.E.R. to sing U.S. anthem at Paris Olympics closing ceremony; LA28 emblem unveiled.
Grammy-winning artist H.E.R. will be among the key performers at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, set to take place on Sunday, August 11, at Stade de France.
The 27-year-old musician will have the honor of singing the U.S. national anthem as part of the official handover ceremony from Paris to Los Angeles, marking the transition to the 2028 Summer Olympics in LA.
In addition to her performance, H.E.R. will also unveil a custom LA28 emblem that embodies her unique style. The emblem, designed specifically for the LA28 Games, features an electric guitar and her signature sunglasses, elements that reflect her personal brand and artistic identity.
The LA28 emblem campaign, which began in 2020, has been a platform for capturing the diverse stories of Angelenos, athletes, artists, and activists.
According to the organizers, “The LA28 emblem represents a collection of voices that reflects the host city’s vibrant culture of creativity, sport, and self-expression.”
The closing ceremony will return to the Stade de France, the venue for several Olympic events, including Track and Field, after the opening ceremony was held along the Seine River.
This stadium-based closing ceremony will be a significant moment, featuring the formal handover from Paris to Los Angeles, which will host the next Summer Olympics in 2028.
This handover segment will also include a special appearance by actor Tom Cruise, who will perform a skydiving stunt as part of the transition.
In a pre-recorded segment, Cruise, known for his daring stunts in the “Mission Impossible” series, will descend from above the Stade de France, carrying the Olympic flag, adding a cinematic flair to the ceremony.
Team USA has also announced that Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky and rower Nick Mead will serve as flag bearers for the U.S. during the closing ceremony.
Both athletes have had successful runs in the Paris Games, each winning gold medals in their respective sports.
Ledecky, 29, expressed her excitement in a statement released by Team USA, saying, “I am so proud of this team’s accomplishments in Paris. And [I’m] excited to celebrate with my teammates on Sunday.”
Mead echoed her sentiments, noting the special honor of sharing the flag-bearing duty with Ledecky. “To share this privilege with Katie makes it all the more special,” Mead said. “My experience at the Paris Games has been the dream of a lifetime, and I’m filled with immense pride, gratitude, and joy.
I also wish to thank the city of Paris and the entire country of France for hosting an incredible Games. I’ll cherish these memories forever.”
The 2024 Paris Olympics have been a memorable event, and the closing ceremony promises to be a fitting finale, celebrating the achievements of athletes and marking the beginning of the journey to the 2028 LA Games.