It’s been a short 16 days since our TVs were taken over by the bright lights of the Summer Olympics and sadly, it is already coming to an end.
The Closing Ceremony took place tonight in London, and by all accounts, was just as exciting as the Opening Ceremony a little over two weeks ago.
“We lit the flame, and we lit up the world,” London organizing committee chief Sebastian Coe told the Washington Post. “When our time came, Britain, we did it right.”
British musicians and performers came out in droves to perform at the ceremony, lead by the Spice Girls and Monty Python’s Eric Idle.
The Spice Girls were one of the few confirmed acts to perform, but the organizing committee was very hush hush with the lineup otherwise.
“It all made for a psychedelic mashup that had 80,000 fans at Olympic Stadium stomping, cheering and singing along,” said the Washington Post. “Organizers estimated 300 million or more were watching around the world.”
Other acts that made appearances include Madness, the Pet Shop Boys, Russell Brand, Fatboy Slim, One Direction, Liam Gallagher of Oasis, Muse, Jessie J and Queen guitarist Brian May. The night was ended with an appropriately epic performance by The Who.
Music from The Beatles, John Lennon, Pink Floyd and David Bowie was also featured.
Just as in the Opening Ceremonies, each performer was paid 1 British pound, which comes out to a little more than $1.50, said the Washington Post.
One guest who was notably missing was Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen was undoubtedly one of the most popular performers at the Opening Ceremony, so her absence was noticed by all.
However, her grandson, Prince Harry, was in the crowd along with Prince William's wife, Kate Middleton.
The Olympics Games came in three-times over budget, with a price tag of $14 billion. For the people of London, as well as many around the world, the money spent was well worth it.
As the final medals were awarded, the United States came out on top for 2012, with 104 total medals, including 46 golds. China came in second with 87 medals, with Russia in third and Great Britain in fourth.
As the Olympics come to an end this year, the athletes, and in fact the world, are looking forward to the next Summer Games in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
As the saying goes, the torch has been passed.
