Lady Gaga’s spectacular Olympic performance: A night to remember

A dazzling start to the Olympics

Lady Gaga’s electrifying rendition of Zizi Jeanmaire’s “Mon Truc en Plumes” (“My Thing With Feathers”) set an unforgettable tone for the Olympic opening ceremony. The performance, which almost got canceled due to rain, was a testament to Gaga’s dedication and the meticulous planning of the event’s choreographer, Maud le Pladec.

Behind the scenes: The making of a masterpiece

Le Pladec, who collaborated closely with the artistic director of the Olympics’ ceremonies, Thomas Jolly, shared insights into the challenges and triumphs of orchestrating the four-hour showcase. Gaga’s performance, although only four minutes long, was described as the “most artistically challenging” of the evening.

For the first time in modern history, the ceremony took place outside a stadium, unfolding along the Seine and showcasing Paris’ iconic landmarks. Gaga’s performance was one of twelve created for the occasion, and it had to be pre-recorded hours before the festivities began due to safety concerns.

The rain dilemma

The decision to pre-record Gaga’s performance was made after minute-by-minute weather updates confirmed rain. Le Pladec explained, “The soil would have been slippery. She was wearing heels, very near the water, there were stairs… We had to be extremely cautious.” Despite the pre-recording, Gaga sang live, ensuring the authenticity of her performance.

Gaga’s dedication to French art

Gaga was present on-site during the ceremony, watching her musical number from her dressing room before returning to her hotel. She later expressed on social media her desire to create a performance that would “warm the heart of France, celebrate French art and music, and remind everyone of one of the most magical cities on earth – Paris.”

The idea of performing a Zizi Jeanmaire song came from Jolly, but Gaga was already familiar with the 1920s singer, having starred in Cole Porter’s musical “Anything Goes.” This connection added a personal touch to her performance.

Crafting an authentic cabaret experience

Le Pladec, along with choreographer Nicolas Huchard, worked tirelessly to ensure Gaga’s performance felt authentic and paid tribute to the revue Française. This involved a cabaret number that mixed singing, dancing, humor, and glamour. Gaga’s commitment to authenticity led her to work with archival costumes, with Dior creating her black bustier outfit and the now-closed cabaret Lido lending pom-poms.

Gaga’s dedication to her craft was evident as she trained for weeks in Los Angeles with dancers flown in from Paris. Le Pladec described her as a “workhorse and a perfectionist,” who put immense effort and thought into every detail of her performance.

A feminist tribute

Gaga’s performance, like the original Zizi Jeanmaire show, was feminist at its core. Le Pladec highlighted that “feathers have been a symbol of empowerment for women through history,” adding depth and meaning to the spectacle.

Looking ahead

Le Pladec’s work is far from over, as she prepares for three more ceremonies related to the games, starting with the Olympics’ closing bash at the Stade de France. Her dedication and creativity promise more unforgettable moments in the days to come.

For those who missed the live performance, you can watch the trailer for Lady Gaga’s Olympic performance here.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging look at Lady Gaga’s Olympic performance, offering personal reflections and in-depth analysis for cinema, TV series, and music enthusiasts. By integrating multimedia resources and additional context, readers can fully appreciate the artistry and dedication behind this spectacular event.