Paris Olympics director defends David Guetta snub after DJ complains

• Published On: 04 July 2024 at 19:18

The number of CDs you've sold does not guarantee a spot at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.

That was the frank message delivered on Thursday by Thomas Jolly, creative director for the Paris Games, after superstar DJ David Guetta expressed surprise at not receiving a call.

Guetta was irritated when asked by AFP over the weekend why he was not performing at the opening ceremony on July 26.

"If you have the answer, please tell me, because I don't understand at all," he remarked before performing at the Chateau de Chambord in the Loire Valley.



"I am still between the fourth and 15th most listened to artist in the world," he announced.

"Artist—not DJ," he underlined.

"To give you an idea — for example, Beyonce, is around 40th to 50th — and yet no one called me."

Such figures vary greatly across platforms, with Guetta ranking 10th and Beyonce 28th on Spotify as of Thursday.

In any case, Jolly stated that popularity was not a factor in his decision to host the opening and closing ceremonies for the Paris Olympics.

"We do not base artistic direction solely on the number of album sales," Jolly told reporters.

"I don't have anything against David Guetta or anyone. I'm not here to share my tastes. And David Guetta's art does not relate to what we want to do."

It appears fairly guaranteed that R&B star Aya Nakamura will take part, not least since speculations of her performance sparked a racist outcry early this year, adding to pressure on the planners to include her.

According to one French daily, the Canard Enchaine, Celine Dion may be participating, though she has endured serious health troubles in recent years that may impede her appearance.


It is said that only about ten people know exactly how the show will unfold.

It will be the first Olympics opening ceremony held outside of a stadium, with over 3,000 dancers, musicians, actors, and circus artists performing along the banks and bridges in front of an estimated 326,000 people.

Thousands of athletes, out of a total of 10,500 competitors, will sail down the river in 85 boats.

It is hoped that more than a billion people would watch the telecast worldwide.

Musical director Victor Le Masne is set to handle the soundtrack, which would feature techno, pop, symphony orchestra, and choirs with a "French Touch".

Jolly stated that it would be diverse, with French music featuring opera vocalist Natalie Dessay, rapper Jul, and icon Edith Piaf.