Lady Gaga has defended her surprising performance at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics from critics.
As athletes and flag bearers traveled by boat down the Seine through the French capital, Gaga appeared from behind a giant feather on the riverbank and delivered a powerful rendition of Zizi Jeanmaire's “Mon truc en Plumes.”
Her performance was greeted with rapturous applause from those gathered on the banks of the Seine, but many watching at home took to social media to express their confusion that she was performing at the ceremony.
One fan posed with X, writing: “Lady Gaga is a surprise. Didn't they spot the French singer? #OpeningCeremony.”
After the performance, Gaga defended her involvement and also revealed a secret about her attention-grabbing moment.
“I am incredibly grateful to have been asked to sing the opening of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 this year. I am also honoured to have been asked by the Olympic Organising Committee to sing a special French song celebrating the French people and their incredible history of art, music and theatre,” she wrote on Instagram.
The Grammy winner revealed his connection with Gigi Jeanmaire, explaining, “This isn't the first time we've met. Gigi was in the Cole Porter musical 'Anything Goes,' and that was my first jazz work.”
And she defended her selection, writing, “Though I am not a French artist, I have always felt a special connection to the French people and to singing French music. I wanted to create a performance that would warm the French heart, celebrate French art and music and, on such a memorable occasion, remind everyone of Paris, one of the most magical cities on earth.”
She added, “I rehearsed tirelessly and honed my old skills to study this delightful French dance. You would never know that when I started out I was dancing at 60's French dance parties on the Lower East Side. I hope you all love this performance as much as I do. And to the people of France, thank you so much for welcoming me into your country to sing in your honor. It's a gift I'll never forget!”
Performing on a set replicating the Grand Palais's grand staircase, the star detailed how eco-friendly his performance was, saying the pom-poms were borrowed from the archives of Le Lido cabaret theatre and his costume was made by Dior using naturally regrowing feathers.
She concluded by saying, “Congratulations to all the athletes competing in this year's Olympics! It is such an honor to sing for you and cheer you on!! I always cry when I watch the Olympics! Your talent is beyond belief. Let the competition begin!”