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The 15 Best Olympic Musical Performances

Unforgettable moments from the opening and closing ceremonies

15 best Olympic musical performances

MICK HUTSON/REDFERNS/GETTY IMAGES; LAURENCE GRIFFITHS/GETTY IMAGES; JAMIE SQUIRE/GETTY IMAGES

While the Olympics have consistently delivered some of the most epic sports moments, they’ve also had a rich history of unforgettable musical performances. Through empowering anthems and unrivaled collaborations between some of the best artists in the world, many of the opening and closing ceremony performances have remained highlights of the Summer and Winter Olympics over the years. From London to Rio to Seoul, from Celine Dion to One Direction to Stevie Wonder, here are the best of the best.

5

Queen and Jessie J at the 2012 London Summer Olympics (Closing Ceremony)

In 2012, UK pop singer Jessie J performed with Queen and Freddie Mercury’s hologram at the opening ceremony of the London Summer Olympics. Together, they did a raucous version of the sports-stadium standard “We Will Rock You,” with J’s throaty belt stealing the show.

4

Spice Girls at the 2012 London Summer Olympics (Closing Ceremony)

Spice Girls fans were treated to a pop spectacle when the band reunited at the 2012 London Summer Olympics. The Olympic Stadium turned into the streets of London as the pop group pulled up in individual taxis before they launched into lovably kitschy medley of “Wannabe” and “Spice Up Your Life.”

3

Céline Dion at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics (Opening Ceremony)

Joined by David Foster on piano and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Céline Dion performed the sweeping ballad “The Power of the Dream” at the opening ceremony of the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics. With Dion’s stunning soprano lilt, the David Foster, Linda Thompson and Babyface-penned song served as a true empowerment anthem ahead of the games. We’re hoping that we’ll get an encore at the 2024 Olympics.

2

Stevie Wonder at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics (Closing Ceremony)

During the closing ceremony of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Stevie Wonder delivered a tearful rendition of “Imagine” in honor of his late friend John Lennon. As if his performance couldn’t be any more striking, he was joined by a choir that elevated his bluesy spin on the idealistic anthem.

1

Björk at the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics (Opening Ceremony)

Björk turned her performance at the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics into art. The Icelandic artist appeared in a crystal-emblazoned dress made of 10,000 feet of fabric that swelled over the athletes in the crowd as she sang “Oceania,” which was co-written with the poet, Sigurjon Birgir Sigurdsson and crafted for the Games. As Björk metaphorically appeared as the ocean, she was joined by dancers posing as Greek Gods.