H.E.R. To Perform National Anthem At Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony in Paris
The closing ceremony of the Summer Olympic games will feature a performance from H.E.R. The five-time Grammy winner will take the stage at the Stade de France on Sunday (August 11) to sing the U.S. National Anthem as part of the elaborate handover to the next host city, Los Angeles in 2028.
NBC’s most viral special correspondent, Snoop Dogg, announced the news on Thursday night (August 8), when he chatted up Olympics broadcast host Mike Tirico about LA28. “We got a lot of super talented people that’s going to be gettin’ down, doin’ what they do, makin’ it come true… for the red, white and the blue,” Snoop said.
Snoop then said he’s a fan of H.E.R. and he would love for her to perform the “Star Spangled Banner.” “Yeah, H.E.R. will also be performing the National Anthem,” Snoop said of the 27-year-old who is already just a Tony away from notching EGOT status.
A statement from LA28 confirmed the news on Friday morning (August 9), along with the news that LA28 has revealed the new custom LA28 emblem that has been designed to celebrate the next host city’s vibe. The colorful logo features the Olympic rings underneath a bold black L and 28 with a purple guitar adorned with blue sunglasses making up the A portion.
“I can’t wait to bring this experience to Los Angeles,” said Long Beach native Snoop, who has been having the very best time in the City of Light learning the ins-and-outs of equestrian competition and fine French dining while hopping in the pool with Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps, carrying the Olympic torch and hanging with pal Martha Stewart.
“This was amazing, but I just feel like L.A. is gonna be a supersize version of what we just did,” Snoop said of the city’s third go hosting after first bringing the world to the west coast in 1932 and then again in 1984.
The closing ceremony begins at 3 p.m. ET live and will then re-run at 7 p.m. ET. Unlike the unique opening ceremony that took place along the Seine River with performances from Lady Gaga, Celine Dion and French metal band Gojira, the closing will be in the stadium that has hosted the track and field and other events. Team USA swimmer Katie Leadecky and rower Nick Mead will be the flag bearers at the closing, which will be heavily focused on the hand-over to the L.A. games.
The closing ceremony will also reportedly include performances from Snoop, as well as fellow L.A.-based stars Billie Eilish and the Red Hot Chili Peppers in a mix of live and pre-taped bits. Tom Cruise is also reportedly slated to rappel from the top of the Stade de France with the Olympic flag and skydive onto the iconic Hollywood sign in a pre-taped segment.
Check out Snoop’s announcement here and the LA28 logo below.
Gil Kaufman
Billboard
