Beyoncé is bringing excitement to the 2024 Olympics!
On Friday, July 26, the 32-time Grammy Award winner, 42, wowed millions of viewers when she introduced Team USA during NBCUniversal’s primetime coverage of the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony.
In the roughly 2 minute 30 second clip, Beyoncé remixed her single “YA YA.” Cowboy Carter Album produced with the cooperation of America’s top athletes
“Hey guys,” the superstar said.
NBC Sports
“Hi Beyoncé,” members of the women’s gymnastics team, including Jade Carey, Sunitha “Suni” Lee, Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles and Hesley Rivera, replied.
The professional athletes changed into navy blue body suits and got ready to compete. Next up was the men’s gymnastics team, consisting of Fred Richard, Brodie Malone, Paul Judah, Asher Hong and Steven Nedorosic.
“Yeah, Paris,” the “Jolene” artist said, adding, “We’re taking pictures.”
The Houston native also wore a cowgirl hat and a striking kaftan with the Olympic rings on the back, underneath which was a white bodysuit with “USA” written in blue across the chest and bordered in red.
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“Welcome to the 2024 Summer Olympics! Yeaaah!” Beyoncé said as the music intensified. “I’m gonna represent Team USA and do what I have to do, yaaaah! Put your hands together!”
Many members of Team USA make cameo appearances in the clip, including Caleb Dressel, LeBron James, Katie Ledecky, Noah Lyles, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Sha’Carey Richardson.
As Beyonce continued to dance to the song, everyone started clapping and getting into the groove.
NBC Sports
“Look at America,” she said, “these hopes and dreams, the superstars who represent us.”
As she spoke, more players appeared on the screen, some holding American flags.
“That pride and joy, that’s what this team is about. And that’s why I believe in this team. And that’s why I can’t wait to see what they accomplish over the next 16 days. America, Team USA, let’s applaud the best of us.”
Before the clip ended, a video montage of various Olympic qualifiers competing in different sports was shown before qualifying for the Paris Games.
“What a vision to see. What a team to believe. What a night to celebrate,” Beyoncé concluded.
Team USA’s Instagram account dubbed the surprise introduction “#Baylympics.”
Earlier in the day, Paris 2024 organisers transformed the River Seine into the world’s biggest stage, as some 90 boats carrying thousands of athletes from around the world passed by in front of thousands of spectators for the opening ceremony.
Tennis star and 2023 U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff made history as the youngest flag bearer for the U.S. team.
To learn more about all of the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, visit people.com for ongoing coverage before, during and after the Games. And sign up for our Olympics newsletter, “Going for Gold,” to get the biggest stories from the Games delivered straight to your inbox. Tune in to the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games starting July 26 on NBC and Peacock.
