As part of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, on Friday (7.26) Lady Gaga performed on the River Seine.
Complete with over-the-top camp, the superstar singer/actress kicked off her appearance with a performance of the French song “Mon Truc En Plume” by Zizi Jeanmaire. Emerging from a collection of pink feathers and dancing about on a gold staircase in a skin tight black outfit, Gaga channeled Jeanmaire’s appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in January 1965.
Following her extravagant French dance number, Lady sat at the piano as her band paused, after which her dancers returned, their pink feather shields covering her for a moment before she re-emerged, wearing a back piece covered in a poof of white feathers.
Expressing her gratitude for performing at the Olympics, the musician (born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta) took to her X account stating that the moment with the Jeanmarie track was full-circle since Jeanmarie starred in Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes,” Gaga’s first jazz release.
“Although I am not a French artist, I have always felt a very special connection with French people and singing French music—I 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,” wrote Gaga.
“I studied French choreography that put a modern twist on a French classic.” “I rehearsed tirelessly to study a joyful French dance, brushing up on some old skills—I bet you didn’t know I used to dance at a 60’s French party on the lower east side when I was first starting out!” “I hope you love this performance as much as I do. And to everyone in France, thank you so much for welcoming me to your country to sing in honor of you—it’s a gift I’ll never forget!” Gaga wrote. “Congratulations to all the athletes who are competing in this year’s Olympic Games! It is my supreme honor to sing for you and cheer you on!! Watching the Olympic Games always makes me cry! Your talent is unimaginable. Let the games begin!,” she added.
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo; Royal Variety Charity