H.E.R., the multi-talented artist from California, has been selected to perform at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics. The event, scheduled for August 2024, will feature the Grammy-winning singer performing the U.S. national anthem as part of the handover to Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Games.
Born Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, H.E.R. has achieved remarkable success in her career at the age of 27. Her accolades include five Grammy Awards, an Oscar, and an Emmy, showcasing her versatility as an artist. In 2021, she received the Grammy for Song of the Year for her powerful protest anthem "I Can't Breathe." That same year, she was awarded an Oscar for Best Original Song for "Fight for You" from the "Judas and the Black Messiah" soundtrack.
H.E.R.'s talents extend beyond singing and songwriting. She is proficient in multiple instruments, including guitar, piano, drums, and bass. Her debut album, released in 2017, marked the beginning of a successful musical journey that has led to 21 Grammy nominations as of 2024.
Recent projects have further solidified H.E.R.'s position in the entertainment industry. In 2023, she made her acting debut in the adaptation of "The Color Purple," produced by Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg. Earlier this year, she joined Usher as a guest performer during the Super Bowl halftime show, adding to her list of high-profile appearances.
The selection of H.E.R. for the Olympic closing ceremony performance aligns with her previous experiences at significant national events. In 2021, she performed "America the Beautiful" at Super Bowl LV and was part of the inauguration celebration for President Joe Biden.
Los Angeles, set to host the 2028 Summer Games, will be welcoming the Olympics for the third time, following previous editions in 1932 and 1984. Notably, it will mark the first time the city hosts the Paralympics, further emphasizing the event's inclusivity and global significance.
"Having Everything Revealed is what it stands for. It's about being anonymous but also being open. You don't know the age. You don't know the race. You don't know anything about me."
As the world anticipates the Paris Olympics, H.E.R.'s performance at the closing ceremony promises to be a memorable moment, bridging the gap between two iconic cities and celebrating the spirit of international unity through sport and music.