Despite the steady rain in Paris during the 2024 Summer Olympics opening ceremonies, Lady Gaga delivered a standout performance. Her rendition of Zizi Jeanmaire’s “Mon Truc en Plumes” (“My Thing With Feathers”) was pre-taped to avoid weather-related issues, according to choreographer Maud le Pladec, head of dance for the Olympics and Paralympics.
Le Pladec explained that Gaga‘s routine, recorded hours before the athletes’ boat journey down the Seine, prioritized safety due to the slippery conditions. Although Gaga’s vocals were performed live, her dance sequence, featuring stairs and dancers with oversized pom-poms, was pre-recorded to prevent any accidents.
The performance, one of twelve original acts by Le Pladec and artistic director Thomas Jolly, was the most artistically challenging. “We decided it was too dangerous to perform live in the rain,” Le Pladec said. Gaga, on-site during the ceremony, watched her pre-recorded segment from her dressing room before returning to her hotel.
Gaga later expressed her gratitude on X, stating, “I’m honored to sing a special French song to celebrate French art, music, and theatre.” She emphasized her connection with French culture and her aim to create a performance that resonated with the French audience.
Her team collaborated with Dior to design costumes with naturally molted feathers and rented pom-poms from a French cabaret theater. Gaga also added a modern twist to traditional French choreography, reflecting her early dance experiences.
Gaga thanked the French people for their welcome and congratulated the Olympic athletes. She shared her admiration for their talent and dedication.
Le Pladec praised Gaga’s dedication, describing her as a “perfectionist.” The singer worked tirelessly on her vocals and dance steps, training for weeks in Los Angeles with dancers from Paris. “She wanted to make a show in the French style,” Le Pladec noted, highlighting Gaga’s commitment to authenticity.
Over the weekend, Gaga surprised her fans by debuting two new songs from her upcoming album while dancing from her limo. No further details were available on the new tracks at the time of writing.
Gaga’s performance at the Olympic opening ceremony, despite the rain, highlighted her dedication and ability to captivate audiences.