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[Western Music] Official Olympic Theme and Cheer Song
The Olympics, the world’s largest sporting event, has the power to move people’s hearts in any era.
We’re deeply stirred by the sight of athletes who have trained their minds and bodies with incredible discipline for this very day, giving their all on the stage of the present—and their efforts give courage even to those of us who are only watching.
What elevates those emotions even further is the presence of a great theme song.
In this article, we’ve selected renowned international tracks, focusing on official Olympic theme songs while also including commercial tunes from Olympic sponsors and other related songs.
Regardless of genre, we’ll bring you a variety of classics and fan favorites—enjoy!
[Western Music] Official Olympic Theme and Cheer Songs (1–10)
One Moment In TimeWhitney Houston
Just hearing the grandeur of the intro makes you imagine that some special event is about to take place! This is a lyrical ballad masterpiece released in 1988 by Whitney Houston, a name etched in music history.
It was produced as the opening theme for NBC’s broadcast of the Seoul Olympics held that same year, with lyrics by John Bettis—renowned for his work with the Carpenters—and music by singer-songwriter Albert Hammond, known for songs like “It Never Rains in Southern California.” True to the title, the lyrics inspire athletes locked in battles decided in a single moment, and they carry a unique persuasiveness precisely because they’re delivered by a diva like Whitney.
By the way, the song is also included on the compilation album “1988 Summer Olympics Album: One Moment in Time,” released in 1988, so definitely check it out if you’re interested!
Hall of Fame ft. will.i.amThe Script
Does anyone remember the commercial that Omega, the world-renowned Swiss watch brand, aired in 2016, the year of the Rio Olympics? Titled “Recording Olympic Dreams Since 1932,” the beautifully shot ad alternates between the movement of watch hands and athletes, and many viewers were curious about the song sung by a boy’s clear voice.
The original track is a 2012 hit by the popular Irish band The Script, featuring will.
i.
am of The Black Eyed Peas.
It’s a quintessential song of theirs, built on a beautiful piano accompaniment and brilliantly fusing an emotional melody with elements of rap and R&B.
Its powerful message about the importance of mustering the courage to take on challenges and never giving up will surely give a strong push not only to current athletes but also to those aspiring to become future Olympians.
LightsEllie Goulding
Starting with a quiet intro and moving into the melody of the chorus, the way the chorus is refrained makes it easier to enjoy, doesn’t it? Thanks to the recording engineer’s arrangement, the sound pressure has increased—and although people might not usually pay much attention to it, their work lets us enjoy a more powerful and interesting sound, doesn’t it?
BarcelonaFreddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé
The theme song for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics was “Barcelona” by Queen’s Freddie Mercury and the soprano singer Montserrat Caballé.
It’s a grand, beautiful piece based on opera—so quintessentially Freddie.
I was stunned to realize there was a rock star who could perform so brilliantly with a soprano; his talent leaves me speechless all over again.
However… Freddie passed away before the Barcelona Olympics, so he couldn’t appear at the opening ceremony.
It’s such a shame.
Not Gonna Get Ust.A.T.u.
They performed at the opening ceremony of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
Speaking of t.
A.
T.
u.
, they’re a Russian female duo, and their 2002 hit “All The Things She Said” was a worldwide smash that got tons of airplay in Japan as well.
Their doll-like, cute looks were also popular.
The song they performed at the opening ceremony is a love song, but it conveys an unwavering sense of power.
When it comes to an Olympics hosted by Russia, they’re an essential act.
Hello World (Song of the Olympics™)Gwen Stefani, Anderson .Paak
The collaborative work “Hello World (Song of the Olympics™)” by Gwen Stefani and Anderson .
Paak was produced through a partnership between The Coca-Cola Company and the International Olympic Committee for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic also contributed to the songwriting, resulting in a very catchy tune.
It’s said the song will be used not only in Paris but in future Olympic Games as well, so it may become a track that symbolizes history.
You and MeLiu Huan and Sarah Brightman
Here is the official theme song of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
It is sung by Liu Huan, a nationally beloved Chinese singer, and Sarah Brightman, a soprano diva and Olympic regular.
Their goosebump-inducing vocal power is absolutely breathtaking! This majestic song is a perfect fit for the Olympics, whose theme is bringing the world together.