Rio Olympics 2016 Closing Ceremony Highlights: Kygo and Julia Michaels Perform ‘Carry Me,’ Simone Biles Makes History & More
Rain didn't stop athletes and artists from celebrating the end of this year's games at the Rio Olympics 2016 Closing Ceremony, held at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium Sunday night (Aug. 21). Below, see a few of the festive evening's highlights that were televised.
Brazilian culture & music honored
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To open the Closing Ceremony festivities, dancers adorned with colorful feathers danced into the formation of shapes including Sugarloaf Mountain and the official 2016 Olympics symbol. Among other notable moments later in the ceremony, ballet dancers from the Brazilian company Grupo Corpo performed a beautiful number.
Meanwhile, Samba legend Martinho da Vila serenaded the crowd with "Carinhoso" ("Affectionate"), along with his daughters and granddaughter. His performance was followed by an impressive choir of 27 children singing the Brazilian National Anthem. The kids represented Brazil's 26 states and Federal District, according to the official English-language Rio Olympics Twitter account .
Fan-favorite Simone Biles carries the U.S. flag
Simone Biles: incredible gymnast (in fact, the first female gymnast chosen to be the official flag bearer for Team U.S.A. in a Closing Ceremony), winner of four Olympic gold medals and one bronze … and No. 1 choice for fellow Olympic athletes to grab a selfie with while celebrating in Rio. Hey, why not?
Here, British gymnast Brinn Bevan is one of the lucky ones to pose with her.
Kygo & Julia Michaels, live in the rain
Norwegian DJKygo, who released his debut album in May, and singer-songwriter Julia Michaels, rocking a vibrant green jumpsuit, performed "Carry Me" as a light rain fell.
Before the ceremony, Kygo had described this moment as "the biggest performance of my life."
Michaels is a talent who has collaborated with a number of pop stars, including Selena Gomez, Gwen Stefani, Justin Bieber and Britney Spears.
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