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Gold-Medal Music: The Best Songs From the Olympics

Feb 6 2014 - 8:52am

The 2014 Winter Olympics [1] are upon us, and with The Voice [2] winner Danielle Bradbery providing this year's theme song, we're looking back on some popular tunes from past Games. Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Phillip Phillips, and Queen all have hits inexplicably tied to the Olympics — take a look back, and prepare to be inspired.

"One Moment in Time" by Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston's Emmy-winning tune was featured in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. Leave it to Houston's voice to inspire the nation.

"Barcelona" by Queen and Montserrat Caballé

Originally released in 1987, "Barcelona" became a sensation after it was used in the 1992 Summer Olympics, months after Freddie Mercury's untimely death.

"Reach" by Gloria Estefan

One of the two official songs of the 1996 Games held in Atlanta, GA, "Reach" was nominated for a Grammy.

"Power of the Dream" by Celine Dion

Celine Dion performed "Power of the Dream" live during the opening ceremony for the 1996 Olympics. The Canadian singer really brought down the house — and brought the nations together.

"Oceania" by Björk

"Oceania" was written specifically for the 2004 Olympics in Athens. During the opening ceremony, Björk performed the song as her dress dramatically unfolded to reveal a map of the world.

"Someday" by Flipsyde

Flipsyde's debut track, "Someday," was used as the theme song for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy. It's a little edgier than some of the songs that came before, but hey, the kids sure liked it.

"Survival" by Muse

"Survival" served as the official song of the 2012 Olympics in London. The band played it during the 2012 closing ceremony to mixed reviews.

"Home" by Phillip Phillips

Shortly after winning American Idol, Phillips' debut single, "Home," was featured in a video about the 2012 US women's gymnastics team. NBC used it in subsequent segments, and, soon enough, it was inescapable.

"My Day" by Danielle Bradbery

Bradbury's inspiring anthem will be the official theme song of the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia. If you haven't already, give it a listen.


Source URL
https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/Best-Songs-From-Olympics-33623494