The Paris 2024 Olympics commenced in a stunning and unique fashion as athletes Marie-José Perec and Teddy Riner ignited the Olympic cauldron, which was elevated by a balloon from the Tuileries Garden, capping off an extraordinary opening ceremony despite the rain.

Canadian singer Céline Dion made a special appearance, performing a powerful rendition of Edith Piaf's "Hymne à l'amour" from atop the Eiffel Tower. As Dion's voice filled the Parisian night, the Olympic flame soared into the air after a memorable final relay involving sports legends such as Zinedine Zidane, Rafael Nadal, and Nadia Comaneci.

The cauldron, a seven-meter ring, was attached to a 30-meter-diameter hot air balloon stationed in the Tuileries Garden. This breathtaking spectacle marked the climax of a historic and unforgettable sequence, symbolizing the rich heritage and enduring spirit of the Olympics.

The cauldron's flame ignited instantaneously as the athletes approached the balloon, and Céline Dion's voice echoed through Paris, making the night truly magical. This innovative and remarkable ceremony set a new standard for Olympic openings, celebrating the fusion of sport, culture, and history.