A light show is displayed on the Eiffel Tower during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics on Friday.

A light show is displayed on the Eiffel Tower during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics on Friday. / AP

Images from the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games offer a stunning glimpse into the dramatic and heavily Parisian-themed day.

Set against the rainy backdrop of iconic French landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Seine River, thousands of athletes poured into the nation’s capital to compete for their chance at Olympic gold.

The day included musical performances, starting with Lady Gaga, who performed a cabaret-style performance, including massive pink feathers and a brief piano number.

Later, French stars Aya Nakamura and Rim’K performed.

The musical performances continued with a moving performance of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” rendered by pianist Sofiane Pamart and singer Juliette Armanet.

The Olympic rings were displayed on the Eiffel Tower as a light show illuminated the Paris sky.

French leaders, including the nation’s President Emmanuel Macron, officially launched the ceremony.

And for the prestigious honor of passing the Olympic torch, France broke tradition, allowing French soccer legend Zinedine Zidane to pass the torch to Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal—a symbol of France’s dedication to using the Olympic games to unite the world.

Later, Nadal left the temporary stadium by boat, where he was joined by Olympic legends Serena Williams and Carl Lewis of the United States, and Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci.

A general view inside an apartment as Parisians wait for Opening Ceremony festivities to reach them for the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games.

A general view inside an apartment as Parisians wait for Opening Ceremony festivities to reach them for the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games. / USA TODAY Sports/Reuters

Athlete boats travel along the River Seine as spectators shelter from the rain.

Athlete boats travel along the River Seine as spectators shelter from the rain. / Getty Images

Security patrol by boat in Paris, France, before the opening ceremony.

Security patrol by boat in Paris, France, before the opening ceremony. / AP

Tightrope walker Nathan Paulin performs on a high rope during the athletes parade on the River Seine.

Tightrope walker Nathan Paulin performs on a high rope during the athletes parade on the River Seine. / Getty Images

Smoke billows near windows as performers participate during the opening ceremony.

Smoke billows near windows as performers participate during the opening ceremony. / AP Pool

Actors perform during the opening ceremony.

Actors perform during the opening ceremony. / Pool Photo via AP

Delegations boats navigate on the Seine past the Ile de la Cite Island.

Delegations boats navigate on the Seine past the Ile de la Cite Island. / Pool/Getty Images

Snoop Dogg carries the Olympic torch.

Snoop Dogg carries the Olympic torch. / AP

Team Marshall Islands are seen on a boat on the River Seine during the opening ceremony.

Team Marshall Islands are seen on a boat on the River Seine during the opening ceremony. / Getty Images

Athletes of Team Spain holding Spanish flags on their delegation boat during the opening ceremony.

Athletes of Team Spain holding Spanish flags on their delegation boat during the opening ceremony. / Pool via Reuters

A spectator gestures as the Olympic rings are seen dyed into their hair.

A spectator gestures as the Olympic rings are seen dyed into their hair. / Getty Images

Spectators cheer as Athletes of Team Great Britain pass under a bridge.

Spectators cheer as Athletes of Team Great Britain pass under a bridge. / Getty Images

Artists performing during the opening ceremony.

Artists performing during the opening ceremony. / Sports Press Photo via Reuters

Italy athletes aboard a boat in the floating parade on the river Seine.

Italy athletes aboard a boat in the floating parade on the river Seine. / Getty Images

The horsewoman walks with the Olympic flag past athletes at the Trocadero.

The horsewoman walks with the Olympic flag past athletes at the Trocadero. / AFP via Getty Images

General view as flags of participating countries are carried during the opening ceremony.

General view as flags of participating countries are carried during the opening ceremony. / Pool via REUTERS

A worker sweeps rain water at the Trocadero.

A worker sweeps rain water at the Trocadero. / Pool/Getty Images

Athletes of Canada wave their flags after arriving at the Trocadero during the opening ceremony.

Athletes of Canada wave their flags after arriving at the Trocadero during the opening ceremony. / Reuters

Rafael Nadal holds the Olympic torch alongside Serena Williams on a boat on the river Seine ahead of lighting the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony.

Rafael Nadal holds the Olympic torch alongside Serena Williams on a boat on the river Seine ahead of lighting the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony. / Reuters

The cauldron is lit by torch bearers Marie-Jose Perec and Teddy Riner.

The cauldron is lit by torch bearers Marie-Jose Perec and Teddy Riner. / AP

Athletes of France during the opening ceremony.

Athletes of France during the opening ceremony. / Reuters

Tags: USPS