In an effort to boldly present French culture with a contemporary twist, Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, and French-Malian singer Aya Nakamura joined dancers, an opera diva, and even a heavy metal band during the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
The inaugural event, which took place on the Seine River instead of a stadium, had to contend with intense rain that shrouded the City of Light in a dismal mood.