Paris, July 27, 2024 — Lady Gaga captivated audiences at the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony with a dazzling performance that was as flamboyant as it was heartfelt. Dressed in Barbie-pink feathers and performing on a grand staircase along the Seine River, Gaga’s rendition of Zizi Jeanmaire’s “Mon Truc En Plumes” was a tribute to French art and culture, leaving many wondering about her connection to the French language and culture.
A Showstopping Performance
The Opening Ceremony, directed by Thomas Jolly, marked a historic first: an Olympic ceremony staged on a river rather than in a conventional stadium. Lady Gaga’s performance, highlighted by her vibrant pink attire and the French classic song, was a standout moment in the evening. However, contrary to earlier reports, the anticipated duet with Canadian singer Céline Dion did not occur. Instead, Dion delivered an emotional solo performance of “Hymne à l’amour,” which resonated deeply with the audience amid her battle with stiff-person syndrome.
Is Lady Gaga French?
Despite her show-stopping performance and her deep appreciation for French culture, Lady Gaga is not of French descent. Born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, she is Italian-American and was raised in New York City. Her mother, Cynthia Louise, is a well-known philanthropist, and her father, Joseph Germanotta, is an internet entrepreneur. Gaga’s roots are firmly planted in Italian-American heritage, not French.
Gaga’s Connection to French Language and Culture
Though not French herself, Lady Gaga has expressed a profound connection to French culture. She shared her admiration for France in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter) after her performance, stating, “Although I am not a French artist, I have always felt a special bond with French people and music. I wanted to create a performance that honored French art and celebrated Paris, one of the most magical cities on earth.”
Does Lady Gaga Speak French?
Lady Gaga's French skills are limited. In an October 2018 interview with Stephen Colbert, she revealed that while she studied French at the Convent of the Sacred Heart, her fluency was less than perfect. Her candidness about her language abilities was evident when she humorously admitted in a 2009 interview with Fun Radio, “No, my French is sh*t.”
Despite her self-professed lack of fluency, Gaga’s fascination with French culture is apparent. She has incorporated French lines into several of her songs, such as “Love Game” and “Bad Romance.” For her performance at the Paris Olympics, she prepared extensively, studying French choreography and revisiting skills from her early career, including her time performing at French-themed parties.
Looking Forward
The 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony, featuring Lady Gaga’s memorable performance, is currently airing on NBC and Peacock. As the world watches, Gaga’s tribute to French culture stands as a testament to her appreciation and respect for global artistry, transcending language barriers with her dynamic and heartfelt performance.
