The 2024 ESPY Awards kicked off with a bang as Ciara took the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, delivering an electrifying performance of her greatest hits. The Grammy-winning artist set the tone for the evening with a medley that included “Goodies,” “1, 2 Step,” and “Level Up,” captivating the audience and setting the stage for a night of celebration and recognition in the world of sports.
Ciara, known for her dynamic stage presence and powerful vocals, did not disappoint. She showcased her post-baby body in a stunning black leather custom Rey Ortiz jumpsuit, complete with a chain-covered half-peplum and FENDI combat boots, all selected by her stylist Marni Senofonte. Her look was completed with a middle-parted blonde wavy wig styled by Davontaé Washington and a smoky eye makeup look by Yolonda Frederick, giving her a fierce and glamorous appearance.
The performance was a fitting start to an evening hosted by tennis legend Serena Williams, who brought her own brand of charisma and humor to the event. Williams, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, kept the audience entertained with her witty monologue, which included playful jabs at celebrities like Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Taylor Swift, and Travis Kelce. She also made sure to congratulate Ciara’s husband, Russell Wilson, who was in the audience, adding a personal touch to the evening.
The ESPY Awards are known for honoring not just athletic excellence but also the inspiring stories and achievements of athletes off the field. This year was no exception, with several special awards highlighting the courage, perseverance, and humanitarian efforts of individuals in the sports community.
Former NFL safety Steve Gleason was presented with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage. Gleason, known for his iconic blocked punt in the New Orleans Saints’ first home game back in the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina, has been a tireless advocate for those dealing with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) since his diagnosis in 2011. His emotional acceptance speech, filled with humor and gratitude, was a highlight of the evening.
University of South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. Staley, who led her team to a national championship and has been a vocal advocate for cancer research and bone marrow donors, spoke about drawing inspiration from those who continue to fight cancer.
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, was honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service for his creation of The Invictus Games, a sporting event for wounded, injured, or sick servicemembers. Accompanied by his wife, Duchess Meghan, Prince Harry delivered an emotional speech, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the struggles faced by military personnel.
The Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award was given to the Maui Surfing Community for their efforts in helping the Hawaiian island recover from devastating wildfires. Surfer Kai Lenny accepted the award on behalf of the community, highlighting the resilience and unity of the people of Maui.
In addition to these special awards, the ESPYs also celebrated the best in sports over the past year. The South Carolina women’s basketball team was named Best Team after an undefeated season and a national championship victory. Simone Biles, preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympics, was named Best Comeback Athlete, while Caitlin Clark won Best Record-Breaking Performance for her scoring achievements in college basketball.
Patrick Mahomes, who led the Kansas City Chiefs to back-to-back Super Bowl titles, was named Best Athlete in Men’s Sports. A’ja Wilson, coming off consecutive WNBA titles with the Las Vegas Aces, took home the award for Best Athlete in Women’s Sports. Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics was recognized for Best Championship Performance, and Juju Watkins of USC was named Best Breakthrough Athlete.
The evening also included a tribute to athletes who passed away in the past year, including legends like Willie Mays, Bill Walton, and Jerry West. The Icon Award was presented to Nick Saban, the legendary college football coach who has achieved unparalleled success with Alabama.
As the night progressed, the audience was treated to performances and appearances by various celebrities and athletes. Rapper and LSU women’s basketball player Flau’jae Johnson delivered a powerful rap performance, and the Williams sisters, along with Quinta Brunson, spoke about the growth of women’s sports.
Ciara’s performance was not just a highlight of the evening but also a testament to her enduring talent and stage presence. Despite recently welcoming her fourth child, she delivered a high-energy performance that set the tone for a night of celebration and recognition.
Immediately following the ESPY Awards, Ciara and her dancers rushed to the Crypto.com Arena in Inglewood, CA, to perform the next stop on Missy Elliott’s “Out of this World: The Experience Tour,” which also features Busta Rhymes and Timbaland. The tour is a testament to Ciara’s dedication and work ethic, as she continues to balance her career and family life.
Ciara and her husband, Russell Wilson, recently celebrated their eighth wedding anniversary, with both sharing heartfelt messages on social media. The couple, who are parents to three children, continue to support each other in their respective careers and personal lives.
The 2024 ESPY Awards were a night to remember, filled with inspiring stories, emotional moments, and outstanding performances. Ciara’s opening act set the stage for an evening that celebrated the best in sports and the incredible individuals who make a difference both on and off the field.
Source: USA Today, Getty Images
