Hoda Kotb predicted that the Olympics opening ceremony would be a party — and she was right!
The festivities kicked off Friday at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium, with Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira and Kotb serving as hosts of NBC's broadcast. Of course, the four-hour event had plenty of spectacles, samba and celebrity sightings.
Here are some of the biggest moments.
1. Baby, you're a firework
A dazzling display of sparklers exploded to spell "Rio."
2. Model behavior
Brazilian-born beauty Gisele Bundchen strutted her last catwalk, fittingly to "The Girl from Ipanema" (and later showed off some dance moves).
3. Stars and stripes
Michael Phelps repped Team USA in the Parade of Nations as the official flag bearer, which the 18-time Olympic gold medalist called "an honor and really a dream come true."
4. Slick moves
Tongan flag bearer Pita Nikolas Taufatofua's oiled-up appearance had Twitter buzzing.
5. Let there be light
Former Brazilian athlete Vanderlei Cordeiro lit the cauldron with the Olympic torch.
6. Warm welcome
The Olympic refugee team received a standing ovation.
7. Big reveal
The Olympic rings were finally formed in all their glowing, green glory.
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