10 Notable Musicians Who Performed During Olympic Opening Ceremonies

The 2016 Olympic Games will kick off tonight in Rio de Janeiro with the traditional opening ceremony with all its grandeur. Some details have already emerged as to how the events will unfold tonight, but much will be a surprise as the world focuses on Rio over the next three weeks. Music is a big component of the opening ceremony and tonight will have performances from Brazilian stars Caetano Veloso, Anitta and Gilberto Gil, according to Billboard.

They join a tradition of notable musicians who have performed during opening ceremonies over the years. Below are 10 who have also lent their talents to the Olympic celebrations.

1. Etta James - The legendary singer performed "When The Saints Go Marching In" at the opening ceremony of the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.

2. Sir Paul McCartney - The Beatles member was part of a star-studded musical affair during the 2012 opening ceremony in London. He and his band performed the classics "Hey Jude" and "The End."

3. Julie Anthony - The award-winning and celebrated Australian singer sang what is considered by many to be the greatest rendition of the Australian National Anthem during the opening ceremony of the Sydney Games In 2000.

4. Bjork - The Icelandic star performed her song "Oceania" during the 2004 opening ceremony in Athens wearing a dress that revealed a 10,000 foot map of the world.

5. Bryan Adams & Nelly Furtado - The two Canadian artists joined forces at the 2010 winter games opening ceremony in Vancouver to sing "Bang The Drum."

6. Luciano Pavarotti - The ill and celebrated opera tenor delivered one of his final great performances at the 2006 winter Olympic opening ceremony in Turin. He would pass away in 2007, so this was a final time to see the great singer.

7. LeAnn Rimes - On an emotional night in Salt Lake City, just five months after the 9/11 attacks, LeAnn Rimes sang the opening the official song for those games "Light The Fire Within."

8. Dizzee Rascal - The UK grime pioneer gave a memorable performance at the 2012 Olympics in London that acted as a tribute to the British youth.

9. The Dixie Chicks - The group continued the emotional night performing "Ready To Run" at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

10. Tiesto - While DJs don't do all that much in these types of highly choreographed situations, it is important as he was the first of his kind of ever perform at an Olympic ceremony. The Dutchman guided the Parade of Nations.

Tags

2016 Rio Olympics, Paul McCartney, Bjork, Bryan Adams, Nelly Furtado, Luciano Pavarotti, LeAnn Rimes, Dixie Chicks, Tiesto