Lady Gaga’s electrifying Olympic performance: A behind-the-scenes look

Lady Gaga’s dazzling performance of Zizi Jeanmaire’s “Mon Truc en Plumes” (“My Thing With Feathers”) set an irreverent tone for the Olympics’ opening ceremony on Friday night. However, the performance almost didn’t happen due to rain, according to Maud le Pladec, the choreographer responsible for all Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies who collaborated with Gaga for several months.

A performance against the odds

Le Pladec, who worked closely with the Olympics’ ceremonies artistic director Thomas Jolly to orchestrate the four-hour showcase, revealed that Gaga’s performance had to be filmed hours before the festivities started for safety reasons. Despite this, Gaga still sang live.

For the first time in modern history, the ceremony took place outside a stadium, unfolding along the Seine River, which runs through the city, highlighting Paris’ iconic landmarks. Gaga’s performance was one of 12 created for the occasion, and while it ran “only four minutes,” Le Pladec says it was the “most artistically challenging” number of all.

The weather challenge

“Unfortunately, it was the only performance that, for safety reasons, we had to pre-record late in the afternoon, once we knew for sure that it was going to rain — we had minute-by-minute updates, we had never watched the weather forecast so closely in our lives… We assessed that it was going to be too dangerous for performers, even with a few drops of rain. Gaga wanted to do it absolutely, so we preferred to pre-record it rather than cancel it,” Le Pladec explained.

There were plenty of reasons it wouldn’t have worked in bad weather. “The soil would have been slippery. She was wearing heels, very near the water, there were stairs… We had to be extremely cautious,” Le Pladec added.

Gaga’s dedication to the craft

While she couldn’t perform during the ceremony, Gaga was on-site during the show. She watched her musical number on screen from her dressing room before returning to her hotel, Le Pladec said. Shortly after, Gaga wrote on X that she “wanted nothing more than to create a performance that would warm the heart of France, celebrate French art and music, and on such a momentous occasion remind everyone of one of the most magical cities on earth – Paris.”

While Jolly came up with the idea of a Zizi Jeanmaire song, Gaga said on X that she was familiar with the 1920s singer who starred in Cole Porter’s musical “Anything Goes.” That’s because that show’s signature song was Gaga’s first jazz release.

Crafting an authentic tribute

Le Pladec, who tapped Nicolas Huchard to work with her on the choreography, says Gaga was adamant about delivering a spectacle that would feel authentic and pay tribute to the revue Française. That meant doing a cabaret number mixing singing, dancing with a dash of humor and some glamour. As Gaga “really wanted to work with archival costume,” Le Pladec said organizers connected with Moulin Rouge to work with their teams. Dior created Gaga’s black bustier outfit, and the now-closed cabaret Lido let them borrow pom-poms.

The choreographer says Gaga, whom she described as a workhorse and a perfectionist, worked until the last moments on her vocals and legwork. She also trained for weeks in Los Angeles with several dancers who flew in from Paris. “She wanted to make a show à la Française. She puts so much effort and thought into everything she does and she has a very developed creative process.”

A feminist statement

Like the original Zizi Jeanmaire show, Le Pladec describes Gaga’s performance as feminist at its core, notably because “feathers have been a symbol of empowerment for women through history.”

Le Pladec won’t get a break any time soon. She’s already back to work preparing for three more ceremonies related to the games, starting with the Olympics’ closing bash which will take place indoors at the Stade de France.

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

Personal reflections for cinema, TV series, and music enthusiasts:

As a cinema and music enthusiast, witnessing Lady Gaga’s dedication to her craft is nothing short of inspiring. Her ability to blend historical homage with modern flair is a testament to her versatility as an artist. The meticulous planning and execution behind her performance highlight the often-overlooked efforts that go into creating such memorable moments. For those who appreciate the intersection of music, fashion, and performance art, Gaga’s act is a masterclass in artistic dedication and innovation.

For more insights into the world of cinema and TV series, check out the trailers for some of the latest releases here. And for music lovers, explore new albums and songs on Spotify.

Keywords: Lady Gaga, Olympics opening ceremony, Zizi Jeanmaire, Mon Truc en Plumes, Paris landmarks, cabaret performance, Moulin Rouge, Dior, feminist performance, artistic dedication.