Best and worst from the 2024 Paris Olympic opening ceremony

The Paris 2024 Olympics kicked off with the Games' opening ceremony on Friday. Here's the best and worst of the event.

Best: Paris hits the mark with first-of-its-kind opening ceremony

The kickoff to the Olympic Games is always a must-see, but Paris achieved a lofty aesthetic to set itself apart from the others. In the process, they made history, as this year's opening ceremony was the first to occur outside the Olympic stadium.

Instead of having athletes announced in front of a crowd of spectators, they took a parade-like route down the River Seine, passing historic landmarks along the way. The result was a unique and breathtaking backdrop.

Worst: Commentators dropped the ball

In fairness, this wasn't a typical opening ceremony in Paris, but the NBC broadcast had its issues. The combination of seasoned commentator Mike Tirico, singer/television personality Kelly Clarkson and Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning held promise but ultimately came up short.

The trio often sounded unprepared, as if they were merely along for the ride with viewers at home. Likewise, when they did interject, it sometimes stepped on the performances they were supposed to elevate.

Best: LGBTQ inclusion

France has long embraced LGBTQ ideals, and with more than 150 athletes competing in Paris identifying as such, they were well represented.

The most backlash has been directed at what some deciphered as a recreation of Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper, performed by members of the LGBTQ community. Many misinterpreted it, viewing it as an attack on religion, but it was more a show of artistry from a group that has and continues to deal with much worse than mockery.

After all, the Olympic motto is "Citius, Altius, Fortius, Communiter," which means faster, higher, stronger, and, most importantly, together.

Worst: Flag mishap

Paris fumbled the ceremonial raising of the Olympic flag.

Traditionally raised before the Olympic oath, it features perhaps one of the most recognizable symbols in the world. But it looked slightly different as it rose into the Paris sky, as the iconic rings flew upside down.

Mistakes happen, but in settings such as the opening ceremony, it simply can't happen.

Best: Heavy metal/opera mash-up stole the show

Multiple-time Grammy winner and actress Lady Gaga set the stage with a stirring tribute to France with her rendition of “Mon Truc en Plumes." But, soon, the mood changed dramatically.

Longtime French metal band Gojira became the heaviest act to perform at the Olympics, joined by Swiss opera singer Marina Viotti. The unlikely pairing performed a doomy version of "Ah! Ca Ira," a French Revolutionary tune, on the outskirts of a castle alongside a headless Marie Antoinette depicted by Viotti.

Worst: The ceremony's length

Not everyone agrees on taste regarding art or music, so opinions on the entertainment during this year's opening ceremony will vary. But if there's anything about the event that most can agree upon, it's that it was too long.

The ceremony moved slowly, with several acts and 85 boats sailing down nearly four miles of the Seine. It took roughly four hours to complete, which likely caused those with short attention spans to check out early.

Best: Celine Dion's epic return

Almost two years after being diagnosed with SPS (stiff person syndrome), a rare neurological disorder that sidelined her career, Dion made a triumphant return to close out the opening ceremony. While rain fell, she performed in front of a massive crowd and didn't disappoint.

Dion completed her comeback by singing Edith Piaf's Hymn to Love. It was a courageous performance and a fitting way to cap off the spectacular cavalcade of culture and art.