Kanye West and friends close out the Pan Am Games in Toronto
After two weeks of fierce competition, the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto came to a roaring conclusion on Sunday (July 26) with a spectacular show at the Rogers Centre. Headliners Kanye West, Serena Ryder and Pitbull entertained thousands of athletes, - including Team Canada, who walked away from the games with 217 medals - before a show-stopping fireworks display on top of the CN Tower brought the Games to a close.
Kanye performed seven of his hit songs during the closing ceremony. Photo: © Getty Images
After much debate and an online petition to have him removed from the lineup, rapper Kanye West rocked the stage, performing a medley of his hits, including “Power”and “Touch the Sky.” Even with his microphone cutting out due to a technical malfunction, Kanye had the nearly 40,000-person crowd on their feet, proving that his talent and music catalogue outweigh his often-polarizing reputation. His wife, Kim Kardashian, did not make the trip to Canada to watch her husband’s performance, instead opting to stay home with their two-year-old daughter, North.
Canadian singer Serena Ryder kicked off the celebrations with an inspiring live performance of the Games’ official song, “Together We Are One.” Prior to the show, the Toronto native shared a picture on Instagram of a special guest that stopped by to wish her good luck, captioning it, “Thank you Jason Priestley for coming to say hello!”
Also on hand was hit-maker
Pitbull, who was a ball of energy as he showcased some of his best party anthems, including the Latin-flavoured “Fireball.” The singer, who frequently collaborates with
Jennifer Lopez, wore all white as he danced around the stage and encouraged the crowd to sing along. “Thank you @TO2015 it was a true honor #PanAmGames,” tweeted the Miami-based singer after leaving the stage.
Thank you
@TO2015 it was a true honor #PanAmGamespic.twitter.com/PBcIo3hrd1
— Pitbull (@pitbull)
July 27, 2015
