Ciara and Serena Williams Open the 2024 ESPYS with an Electric Live Performance made a superstar entrance at the 2024 ESPY Awards. The R&B singer, 38, served as the annual ceremony opening musical act at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday, July 11, and got the crowd jumping when she was joined by host Serena Williams. Ciara began her set with her 2004 single, “Goodies.” The hit record was not only her debut song as a professional artist, but also served as the title of her debut album. Next, the star transitioned into a medley of hits, featuring “1, 2 Step” and “Level Up” before the tennis legend, 42, entered through a line of girls dressed in her iconic performance outfits.
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Ciara and Serena Williams
The crowd-pleasing show earned a standing ovation with Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin and other NFL players cheering the ladies on. Ciara and Williams announced their performance a day before the ESPYs, posing for a selfie onstage in an Instagram post captioned, “This dynamic duo has something up their sleeves for the ESPYS this year .”In a selfie video from the same post, Williams, 42, teased that she had a “surprise” for the show’s opening slot before Ciara popped up from behind to greet fans. “We have some fun surprises up our sleeve,” the tennis icon shared while Ciara instructed folks to tune in to watch.
The latter’s husband, Russell Wilson, seemed equally excited about the duo’s performance as he reposted their selfie on his Instagram Stories — soundtracked to Ciara’s “Level Up” — and tagged them with a bunch of red heart emojis. This year’s ESPYS performer lineup also includes rapper/Louisiana State University basketball player Flau’jae Johnson. Meanwhile, famous faces like Glo Rilla, Quinta Brunson, Nikki Glaser and Rob Lowe, and athletes such as Draymond Green, Lindsey Vonn, Allyson Felix and Damar Hamlin will present.
Ciara’s participation in this year’s ESPYS comes amid her run with Missy Elliott on the latter’s Out of This World Tour, which kicked off in Vancouver, B.C., on Thursday, July 4. The “Get Up” singer also released a new collaboration with Christian rapper Hulvey in June, a remix of his 2023 song “Altar. “Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up to date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Speaking to PEOPLE about working together, Ciara said, “It was really important to me to be able to use my platform to share this song, because I believe songs like ‘Altar’ have the opportunity to inspire, instill hope in people, and spread love!”
She added, “This is honestly one my favorite features I’ve ever been a part of!”
The 2024 ESPY Awards are airing live on ABC beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
She added, “This is honestly one my favorite features I’ve ever been a part of!”
The 2024 ESPY Awards are airing live on ABC beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Serena Williams & Alexis Ohanian Make Rare Red Carpet Appearance With Daughter Olympia at 2024 ESPYS
It’s love all around for Serena Williams at the 2024 ESPY Awards. After all, the tennis champion brought her husband Alexis Ohanian and their 6-year-old daughter Olympia to the annual award show, which celebrates the best and brightest in the world of sports. (Click here to see all the celebs on the red carpet.)
For the family occasion, Serena—who is also serving as the ceremony’s host—donned a figure-hugging black gown by Armani Privet that featured a bejeweled neckline and straps. Meanwhile, her mini-me also brought her fashion A-game, walking the red carpet in a patterned white frock from Dolce & Gabbana and metallic silver sandals.
As for Alexis, he kept it classic with a black Gucci suit. However, the Reddit co-founder did add a splash of color to his for black-tie attire with a pair of turquoise Nike sneakers. “It comes to a point where women sometimes have to make different choices than men, if they want to raise a family,” Serena told Time in 2022. “It’s just black and white. You make a choice or you don’t.”
And though the 42-year-old holds “no anger” about the transition, she was admittedly taken aback when Olympia shared her excitement in her retirement. “Olympia doesn’t like when I play tennis,” Serena explained, noting that the little one was fist-pumping when she heard the news. “It’s hard to completely commit when your flesh and blood is saying, Aw.”
Who will be at the ESPYS in 2024?
The 2024 ESPY Awards are being held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday, July 11 starting at 8 p.m. EST. This year’s exciting host is Serena Williams, and expected attendees include Jennifer Garner, Quinta Brunson, Lindsey Vonn, Drew Bree’s and more.
Is an espy award voted by fans?
Currently, award winners are selected entirely through online fan voting from a pool of candidates chosen by the ESPYs Select Nominations Committee. The ESPYS continue to be a significant event in the sports world, blending celebration, recognition, and entertainment in one star-studded evening.
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