Ahead of this year’s Olympic Games, one of The Voice‘s brand-new coaches had the honor of carrying the iconic torch in Paris.
The 2024 Olympic Summer Games officially kick off Friday with the opening ceremony. But before the events are considered officially underway, the historic torch relay takes place, bringing the flame from Greece to this year’s host city.
The ceremonial torch was lit earlier this year in Olympia, Greece, before making its way across the Mediterranean Sea aboard the Belem, a historic 3-masted ship that first set sail in 1896.
Upon docking in France, this year’s host country, the Olympic Torch Relay brought together people from around the world. 11,000 people took a turn carrying the iconic flame as it navigated across “various regions and communities” of the country before arriving in Paris.
Among those honored to be a torchbearer this year was new The Voice coach, Snoop Dogg. The multi-talented musician and television personality was one of the final bearers of the flame as it made its way to the Olympic cauldron.
The 52-year-old danced his way through the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis as onlookers cheered him on.
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Snoop Dogg Said Being A Torchbearer Is “Special”
Ahead of the historical moment, Snoop Dogg told Mike Tirico of NBC Sports that he found inspiration when recalling the surprise moment boxing legend Muhammad Ali lit the Olympic cauldron at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
“It was emotional for all of us to see the champ holding that torch and walking up there. This is my own version of it,” Snoop shared of Ali who was suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. “I don’t want to get too emotional, but I know that this is special.”
Snoop added that he had never dreamed anything like this could happen.
“I look at this as a prestigious honor and something I truly respect. I would have never dreamed of nothing like this,” he said. “I’m going to be on my best behavior … I’ll be able to breathe slow, to walk fast and hold the torch with a smile on my face, because I realize how prestigious this event is.”
Snoop Dogg Will Also Be A Correspondent For The 2024 Olympics
In addition to being a torchbearer, the legendary rapper will be a correspondent for NBC Sports. The duties will take him behind the scenes with athletes and their families and friends. He will also be showing viewers some of Paris’ historical landmarks and offer coverage of Olympic events.
The torch-bearing role comes just two months before Snoop will be making his Voice coaching debut on the show’s 26th season. He will be joined by returning coaches Gwen Stefani and Reba McEntire, as well as fellow rookie coach Michael Buble. Tune into NBC on September 23, 2024, to see Snoop Dogg in action.
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