Well that was a pleasant surprise! According to PEOPLE Beyonce gave the 2024 Olympic Games a big boost!
On Friday, July 26, the 32-time Grammy winner, 42, surprised millions of viewers when she introduced Team USA during NBCUniversal’s primetime coverage of the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony.
In the roughly 2-minute and 30-second clip, Beyoncé remixed her single “YA YA” from her Cowboy Carter album with the help of some of the best athletes representing the U.S.
“Hello, girls,” the superstar said.
“Hello, Beyoncé,” members of the women’s gymnastics team — including Jade Carey, Sunisa “Suni” Lee, Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles and Hezly Rivera — replied.
The pro athletes were decked out in navy blue bodysuits, ready for competition. Next up was the men’s gymnastics team, which includes Fred Richard, Brody Malone, Paul Juda, Asher Hong and Stephen Nedoroscik.
“Oui oui, Paris,” the “Jolene” artist said, adding, “We snappin.’”
The Houston native also wore a cowgirl hat and a statement kaftan with the Olympic rings on the back. Underneath was a white bodysuit with “USA” written in blue and outlined in red across her chest.
“We wanna welcome you to the 2024 Summer Olympic games! Ah!” Beyoncé said as the music grew stronger. “On behalf of Team USA, we ‘gon make it do what it do, YA YA! Put them hands together!”
Caeleb Dressel, LeBron James, Katie Ledecky, Noah Lyles, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Sha’Carri Richardson and many more Team USA members made cameos in the clip.
They all clapped and grooved as Beyoncé continued to dance to the track.
“Get a look at America, y’all,” she said. “These hopes and dreams, these superstars that represent us.”
As she talked, more athletes flashed across the screen, some holding the American flag.
“That pride, and that joy, that’s what gets me about this team. And that’s what makes me believe in this team. And that’s why I can’t wait to see what they pull off over these next 16 days. America, give it up for Team USA, the very best of who we are.”
Before the clip ended, there was a video montage of different Olympic qualifiers competing in various sports before they earned their place at the Paris Games.
“What a vision to behold. What a team to believe in. What a night to celebrate,” Beyoncé concluded.
Team USA’s Instagram account dubbed the surprise introduction as the “#Beylympics.”
watch:
Earlier in the day, Paris 2024 organizers transformed the River Seine into the world’s biggest stage as nearly 90 boats carrying thousands of athletes from around the world drifted past thousands of spectators for the Opening Ceremony.
@bleacherreport Coco Gauff just gave us a LEGENDARY video ???????? (Via @Coco Gauff) #nba #nbabasketball #basketball #olympics ♬ original sound – bleacherreport
Tennis star and 2023 US Open winner Coco Gauff made history as Team USA’s youngest flagbearer.
@bleacherreport LeTikTok ???? (Via @Coco Gauff) #nba #nbabasketball #basketball #olympics ♬ original sound – bleacherreport
it's a Beyoncé thing pic.twitter.com/Dj3H7C7lJW
— ᴀʀᴛʜ (@arthfobic) July 27, 2024
and
BEYONCÉ HOW DARE YOU LOOK THIS SICKENING LIKE OMFG??????????????? pic.twitter.com/dJw3e69qMY
— ???????????????????????????? (@beyoncegarden) July 27, 2024
and
Beyoncé has made three national broadcast appearances within the past year.
Thanksgiving Day
Super Bowl
Olympic Opening Ceremonies pic.twitter.com/UkgPXuaF5P— BEYONCÉ LEGION ???? (@BeyLegion) July 27, 2024