Paralympic Games Fans were mesmerized by the soundtrack to the 2024 closing ceremony, with some “brought to tears” and others “given goosebumps.”
However, this was the case until Channel 4 The commentator was criticized for “discussing” the most sensitive moments. The ceremony, held at the Stade de France in Paris, began with popular French singer Santa's operatic rendition of Johnny Hallyday's “Vivre pour le Meilleur”.
Then came the band's rendition of “Chariots of Fire” during the final flag parade and a moving rendition of the French national anthem led by disabled trumpeter André Faydy. A version of Gloria Gaynor's disco classic “I Will Survive” was also performed – and that's just the beginning, with a host of electronic artists set to showcase their skills later in the evening.
Meanwhile, one fan tweeted: “It's not just athletes who have broken world records. Today's legendary performer @jeanmicheljarre set the record in 1979 when he had 1 million people attend his open-air concert at Place de la Concorde and broke it in '97!!” However, despite the obvious interest in musical entertainment, not everyone was happy with the way the Channel 4 presenter presented the coverage.
“Trying to listen to the band but all I can hear is the commentator telling us about his night last night. #paralympics #closingceremony,” one fan groaned on Twitter. Another exclaimed: “Can this guy shout over the music? #paris2024 #paralympics #closingceremony.”
The third one pleaded: “Please stop talking, we want to hear the music!!! Jesus was crying!!!!!!”
Others agreed, with one lamenting: “I can't believe they're discussing I Will Survive #paralympics.”
Another chimed in sarcastically: “Will the @C4Paralympics team be chatting during the music tonight? Not at all annoying @Channel4.”
It comes after fans shared emotionally how part of the performance brought them to tears, with one saying: “The Chariots of Fire theme will never make me cry. #Paralympics”
Despite the miss, fans hailed it as an “absolutely incredible” moment for Great Britain after they finished second in the medal table at this year's Paris Paralympic Games behind China.
A truly dramatic closing ceremony at the Stade de France marked the end of 11 days of fighting that filled hearts with patriotic pride.
Ellie Simmonds and Rose Ayling-Ellis were named “chief experts” as they symbolically flew the flag for British diversity.
Meanwhile, the pouring rain did not stop the game for a second: singing, dancing and celebrations for the healthy and disabled continued despite the harsh weather.
One fan wrote: “Our British athletes at the 2024 Paralympics have shown what true willpower and courage is. Your performances have been absolutely inspiring. So proud of every step you have taken to reach these heights. #Paralympics2024.”
Another echoed: “So proud of how the GB Paralympic team have performed over the last 11 days. They are all such inspiring athletes! Only two countries have won more than 40 gold medals and we are one of them!”