PARIS, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Friday in Paris was the day that the stars began to shine before the sporting events began, with a host of celebrities and political leaders seen in the city and at the ceremony.
Performers such as Lady Gaga, Celine Dion and French-Malian R&B star Aya Nakamura all took part in the ceremony itself, with Lady Gaga photographed as she practiced her routine on steps leading down to the River Seine.
Presidents and Prime Ministers from around the world traveled to Paris, with newly elected British Prime Minister Keir Starmer making the short crossing to France, even though he was forced to swap the Eurostar train for a flight.
Rapper Snoop Dogg carried the Olympic torch through the streets of Paris' Saint-Denis district and singer Pharrell Williams also did his spell as the torch reached the Parisian streets, something that no doubt made him 'happy'.
French football hero Thierry Henry was a popular torch carrier, while many people from the world of entertainment were also seen on the Parisian streets and in VIP areas.
Legendary footballer Zinedine Zidane helped keep the flame moving as the ceremony got underway.
American signer John Legend and his wife Chrissy Teigen strolled along the red carpet at the Trocadero, as did singers Kelly Clarkson and Ariana Grande and the British actress Cynthia Erivo.
They were joined by a host of former sporting stars, such as former athlete Michael Johnson, track cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, sprinter Carl Lewis, gymnast Nadia Comaneci, tennis stars Serena Williams, Amelie Mauresmo and Rafael Nadal, as well as basketball aces Tony Parker and Pau Gasol, many of whom took part in the relay of the Olympic flame in the closing minutes of the ceremony.
Perhaps just one person was missing: the pop singer Rihanna, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty. Given the awful weather conditions that athletes, artists and public endured during the ceremony, she could have sung her best-known song: Umbrella. ■
