World Cup 2014 Opening Ceremony Video Highlights (Youtube Videos)

Despite protesters in the streets of Rio and Sao Paulo, Arena de Sao Paulo shined under a bright blue sky, and in front of hordes of yellow clad fans, Brazil booted up the World Cup with a football-style Carnival Thursday.

Rapper Pitbull, pop star Jennifer Lopez, and home grown Claudia Leitte charged the crowds, from within a giant stage resembling a peeled melon. They sang the World Cup theme ''We Are One'', and started the premier soccer event in spectacular fashion.

JLo showed off her voice in a brazilian style sparkling green outfit, despite earlier reports that she wouldn't be able to attend the event. The giant party represented a culmination of struggles to bring the Cup to Brazil, and bring an emerging Brazil to the world spotlight.

At one point at the end of the ceremony, many in the stands chanted and booed against Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and soccer's governing body, FIFA. Many in the nation, and around the world for that matter, have complained that spending on the World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympics has diverted cash from the poor and infrastructure improvements in the otherwise strong nation. A CNN crew was apparently injured during an exchange at one protest in Sao Paulo.

Video highlights and memorable bloopers from past World Cups were shown on the big screens at either end of the stadium toward the conclusion of the 30-minute show, and most seemed happy to start play and put the preparations behind them. The program was choreographed by Paulo Barros.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.