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Tonight (July 7th), The World Games 2022 opened in Birmingham, AL to a night of unforgettable performances and artistry. Hosted at Protective Stadium in the heart of the city, the 2-hour+ spectacular was a stirring tribute to the host state of Alabama and to the diverse musical heritage of the American South.
Emceed by funk great Bootsy Collins, the evening – titled Unlocking The Magic: Celebrating The Power of The One - explored Birmingham’s past, present and future through the eyes of the Four Girls, a tribute to the girls who lost during Birmingham’s Sixteenth Street Baptist Church and featured musical and theatrical performances spanning a broad range of genres and generations.
The Opening Ceremony performance highlights included:
- Spoken-word artist and actor Sharrif Simmons performing an all-new original poem, titled “The Journey”
- Yolanda Adams performing a new arrangement of The National Anthem during the raising of the flags
- American soul group Tony! Toni! Toné! performing “Let’s Get Down” with The World Games Color Guard and Alabama State University Ballet
- Yolanda Adams returns to the stage to perform “We Shall Overcome” and “The Battle is the Lord’s”
- Alabama American Idols Taylor Hicks and Bo Bice, gospel musician & 5x Stellar Award winner Pastor Mike Jr., and The Voice’s Worth The Wait perform The World Games official theme song, “Hope of Alabama.”
- Tony! Toni! Toné! and Sheila E. performed their hits “Feels Good” and “The Glamorous Life.”
- Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry from Country group Alabama were the Grand Finale, performing their hits “My Home’s in Alabama” and “Mountain Music,” along with Nelly, performing “Hot In Here.”
VIEW/DOWNLOAD IMAGES FROM TONIGHT'S OPENING CEREMONY HERE
Photo Credit: Michael Hickey / Getty Images for The Music of The World Games
This year’s Opening and Closing Ceremonies will be a feast for the eyes and ears. The choreographed presentation of synchronized lights and immersive sound will feature a cast of over 700 combined performers across the two nights (including dancers, field pageantry artists and more), a 75-piece orchestra, and an array of choral ensembles including gospel, classical, and youth choirs, all embarking on a journey across the history of Birmingham, from its incorporation in 1871 into its future.
Stevie Wonder collaborator, GRAMMY Award-winning composer, The World Games Artist Director Dr. Henry Panion composed more than 40 new compositions and arrangements to be performed across the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, including the National Anthem and the Olympic theme.
“A lifetime of memories were captured in to this one production. As an Alabamian, I am honored and proud to have been allowed to serve as Artistic Director,” notes The World Games Artistic Director Dr. Henry Panion.
Randy Owen – who co-wrote The World Game theme song “Hope of Alabama” says, “After the difficulties of the last few years, it was a magical moment to help kickoff the celebration of some of the world’s best athletes. It was so great to be together again!”
“Sharing the stage with this group of artists at the kick off to such a meaningful global event was a dream,” adds Sheila E. “I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to show the world the diverse culture and music that Alabama has to offer!”
Following 11 days of athletic competition across Birmingham, AL, fans and athletes will gather once again at Protective Stadium on July 17th for One World-One People: Celebrating Legacy, Achievement & Unity, the grand finale of The World Games 2022. The evening will commemorate The Games with incredible performances and the opportunity for athletes, fans and volunteers to bid farewell to Birmingham. Global superstar and Tuskegee, AL-native Lionel Richie will headline the evening, joining some of the most iconic performers from the state of Alabama for a series of once-in-a-lifetime moments, including: the legendary group Alabama; a special duet between Blind Boys of Alabama and Jamey Johnson; Alabama’s American Idols Taylor Hicks, Ruben Studdard, and Bo Bice on stage together for the first time; the renowned Martha Reeves performing “Dancing in the Streets,” plus performances by The Voice’s mother/daughter trio Worth The Wait, gospel musician & 5x Stellar Award winner Pastor Mike Jr., and rising rap sensation Yung Bleu. The Closing Ceremony will cap with the ceremonial passing of The World Games flag to representatives of the 2025 host city: Chengdu, China.
Don’t miss your chance to see The Closing Ceremony on July 17th, 2022. Purchase tickets here.
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