WHAT ARE SINGERS OF THE 80S RECONVERTED INTO?
On July 26, Paris hosted the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games, a grandiose event that showcased French heritage and talent. International stars like Lady Gaga, who surprised the audience by performing a song in French, and Aya Nakamura, lit up this exceptional evening. Yet, one big absentee marked this ceremony: Mylène Farmer. Through the documentary The Great Seineavailable since December 19 on the official website of the Olympic Games, Thomas Jolly, director of the event, revealed that the famous singer had been approached to participate in this evening. Unfortunately for his fans, the artist refused the invitation.
“She was not available”
In the documentary images, Thomas Jolly explains with a touch of regret why Mylène Farmer did not respond favorably to this proposal: “As a great French singer, there is Mylène Farmer. But she was not available. So… (…) So she told me no“. The artist, known for her mysterious aura and her rigorous artistic choices, would have declined for reasons of schedule, which seems to have distressed the team in charge of the organization, in particular Daphné Bürki, also involved in the project.
The composer Victor Le Masne, who worked on the ceremony, wanted to temper this disappointment: “We're not going to lie, of course, it's the Olympics. The Olympic Games open doorsbut there were also refusals“. For him, this type of situation is common in events of such magnitude, where not everyone is available or interested.
Mylène Farmer and her artistic choices
Mylène Farmer, emblematic artist of French song, is no stranger to prestigious invitations. However, she is also known for carefully selecting her projectsfavoring commitments that resonate deeply with his artistic universe. This refusal to appear during the Olympics ceremony may come as a surprise, but it once again illustrates the consistency of his career. Far from trying to be everywhere, the interpreter of Disenchanted has always preferred to focus on projects that are close to his heart.
Another French star also declined
Mylène Farmer is not the only renowned artist to have refused to participate at this opening ceremony. The rapper Maître Gims also declined the invitation. In an interview given to the Belgian media Ciné Télé Revue last June, he explained why he had chosen not to perform at this very prestigious event.
“It was offered to me“, he first confirmed, before specifying: “I could have done it, but it was not my will. I have already had the chance to perform one of the anthems of the 2022 Football World Cup, during the closing ceremony. I don't think we can get any bigger. I don't want to be everywhere“. These refusals remind us that, even for renowned artists, it is sometimes necessary to make choices to preserve their image or focus on other priorities.
A successful ceremony despite everything
Despite these absences of weight, the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was praised for its creativity and audacity. Under the direction of Thomas Jolly, it has managed to combine modernity and homage to French heritage. The performances of Lady Gaga, Aya Nakamura, and many other artists offered a memorable spectacle, worthy of the global event that is the start of the Olympic Games.
If Mylène Farmer and Maître Gims were not there, their absence in no way tarnished the magic of this evening. The organizers, although disappointed, can congratulate themselves on having successfully met a colossal challenge. As for fans of Mylène Farmer, they will have to wait to discover the next appearance of their idol, always so elusive and faithful to her unique universe.
Source used:
Gala
