Celine Dion was one of the numerous singers who performed at the 1996 Summer Olympics. (Photo property of Getty Images)
By: Jacob Elyachar
Over a billion pair of eyes will be watching the Opening Ceremonies of the 30th edition of the Olympic Games. While one of the highlights of the ceremony is the Parade of Athletes that showcases each of the participating countries, everyone is anticipating the ceremony performance that will feature a performance by Sir Paul McCartney.
Several of these ceremonies have had some spectacular performances ranging from a solo singer to a show stopping performance featuring a cast of thousands.
Celine Dion-Power of the Dream (1996 Summer Olympics)
One of the world’s best voices performed the David Foster and Babyface-penned song with a dozens of musicians and a monstrous choir behind her. To watch this performance, click here: http://youtu.be/6VlSwcMFdtY
Gladys Knight-Georgia On My Mind (1996 Summer Olympics)
The Empress of Soul brought the house down with her impressive cover of the Ray Charles classic. http://youtu.be/e4n7EcDt2kE
Stevie Wonder-Happy Birthday (1996 Summer Olympics)
Stevie Wonder led an all-star group of performers including Gloria Estefan, B.B. King, Al Green and the Pointer Sisters in a special rendition of his 1981 single “Happy Birthday” to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Olympics. http://youtu.be/aXc-G4ZnZKw
Gloria Estefan-Reach (1996 Summer Olympics)
If there was an anthem for the 1996 Summer Olympics, it would Gloria Estefan’s inspirational song “Reach.” Accompanied by a choir and a drumline, Gloria’s powerful song was an important moment in Olympics history. http://youtu.be/z46npmtTNpI
Olivia Newton-John and John Farnham had the distinguished privilege to be the first singers to perform at the first Olympics of the New Millennium. (Photo property of the Associated Press)
Olivia Newton-John and John Farnham-Dare to Dream (2000 Summer Olympics)
Global superstars Olivia Newton-John and John Farnham performed the Australian Olympics anthem in Sydney during the first Olympics of the New Millennium. http://youtu.be/cZoLQcVQwcI
Bjork-Oceania (2004 Summer Olympics)
Icelandic songstress sang her song “Oceania” at the 2004 Athens game. This was an interesting vocal performance and it was one of the highlights of the ceremonies. http://youtu.be/uUp9IKBRR_Y
The Beijing Opening Ceremony (2008 Summer Olympics)
A cast of thousands of Chinese performers took the stage to show the evolution of China that reflected on the past and the present. To watch parts of the Opening Ceremony, click here: http://youtu.be/JsDY1Ha83M8
To learn more about the Olympic games, visit their Website: http://www.london2012.com/
