WASHINGTON — French singer-songwriter Juliette Armanet and pianist Sofiane Pamart gave a captivating rendition of John Lennon's "Imagine" during the Opening Ceremony in Paris.
Following the Parade of Nations, Armanet and Pamart performed a duet of the 1971 anthem while atop a stage on the Seine River as rain poured down from Paris skies.
To add drama to the already powerful moment, Pamart was playing on a flaming piano.
Co-written by the Beatles' John Lennon and Yoko-Ono, "Imagine" has been a common feature of opening ceremonies at the Olympics.
It is the sixth time Lennon's "Imagine" has been used for an Opening Ceremony at the Olympics.
Lennon's song is one of several symbols representing peace at the Summer Games, alongside white doves and olive branches.
“The Olympic Games must always build bridges. The Olympic Games must never erect walls. Imagine. You may say we are dreamers. We are not the only ones,” IOC president Thomas Bach said exactly one year ago Friday, borrowing from the song.
There have been memorable musical performances from Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, French metal band Gojira and others throughout the Opening Ceremony.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
