Wearing a massive white plume, the American star performed the popular French song Mon truc en plumes, which translates to ‘My thing with feathers,’ originally sung by dancer and singer Zizi (Renée) Jeanmaire in 1962.

The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games began with the 'Parade of the Nations' in Paris with athletes from 205 countries sailing down the iconic Seine river on boats, marking a dreamy break from tradition despite rain threatening to play spoilsport.

At the first modern Olympics in 1896, in Athens, athletes simply entered the stadium to hear speeches and a specially composed hymn – though more than 50,000 spectators still attended.

They are coloured a rather sporty red and represent the French Phrygian cap, often seen on Marianne, the embodiment of the French Republic, who represents the country’s values of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.

With spectators watching from the quays, 94 boats carrying national delegations will sail past the heart of the city where key games centres and arenas are located for athletes to test their skills and prowess against their competitors.