Olympics fans were left unimpressed by the opening ceremony in Paris (Picture: Reuters)
Olympics fans have blasted the 2024 opening ceremony in Paris as a ‘mess’ as they yearned for the glory days of London 2012.
Viewers complained the first night of the sports competition was underwhelming in comparison to the theatrics in the UK capital including a comedy sketch with the Queen and Daniel Craig as James Bond.
The French ceremony included moments such as 85 boats carrying the team delegations on a six-kilometre journey through the Seine and a music performance of Les Miserable.
However, fans have been left feeling cold by the unfolding event, with @EmiEleode fuming on X: ‘I’m sorry but the Paris Olympics #OpeningCeremony is bad. I can’t believe the mess I’m watching. Nothing so far has matched the London 2012 one which was spectacular. Also the Beijing one in 2008.’
Echoing their sentiment, @Laura_StyleBuzz lamented: ‘All the best intentions and there are some beautiful artsy bits but it’s just so dull and depressing #OpeningCeremony I think Paris need to take a leaf out of our book.. London 2012 absolutely smashed it!
@Saintsmadmomma raged: ‘This literally wet blanket #OpeningCeremony is making me long for the 2012 one. Sorry Paris, but you’re a long way off London standards.’
Lady Gaga was the first performer at the Olympics opening ceremony in Paris (Picture: Best Image/Backgrid)
Over 80 boats transported the athletes through the centre of Paris (Picture: ANNEGRET HILSE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Celebrities including Ariane Grande were at the opening ceremony (Picture: Reuters)
@nickw84 also added: ‘Seeing lots of “You’re just comparing it to 2012” tweets and just to be 100% clear I think this is bad compared to ALL Opening Ceremonies I’ve seen and not just the London 2012 Olympics one. #OpeningCeremony.’
However, many viewers watching the ceremony from home disagreed, particularly after watching performances from the likes of heavy metal band Gojira.
On X, @nchamp62 heaped praise on the Olympics opening night, saying: The opening ceremony for Paris 2024 was bloody great. On a par with London 2012. As quintessentially French as London 2012 was British
@vnlbeans agreed and added: ‘The London ceremony was great but to be fair so is this. Very Stylish and Paris looks beautiful, even in the rain. #OpeningCeremony.’
Lady Gaga was the first singer to perform at the opening ceremony and surprised viewers by singing in French during her performance, which saw her deliver a burlesque take on the French classic Mon Truc En Plume.
The 38-year-old emerged from a plume of pink feathers as she sang alongside a group of dancers while wearing a black bodice with a detachable black and pink ruffled skirt.
The Poker Face singer performed next to the River Seine, near the Notre Dame cathedral, during what is the first-ever opening ceremony to be staged outside a stadium.
More to follow.
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