[Western Music] Official Olympic Theme and Cheer Song [2026]

One Moment In TimeWhitney Houston

Whitney Houston – One Moment In Time (Official HD Video)

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!

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Spice Up Your LifeSpice Girls

Spice Girls Reunion at London 2012 Olympics | Music Monday

Many of you probably went wild seeing the five of them arrive in London taxis at the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics.

“Spice Up Your Life” is a classic by the Spice Girls, the iconic British girl group, memorable for its Latin-flavored samba rhythm.

It overflows with positive energy and has an exhilarating vibe that makes your body move without thinking.

Released on the 1997 album Spiceworld and featured in the film Spice World, it’s known as a work that symbolizes the group’s unstoppable momentum.

Their performance at the closing ceremony was a legendary moment in the history of British pop.

It’s perfect for when you want to boost your mood or get everyone hyped.

Give it a listen!

The FlameTina Arena

Tina Arena – The Flame | Sydney 2000 Olympics Opening Ceremony

Tina Arena is one of Australia’s leading divas.

A powerhouse who’s been inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, she drew worldwide attention with The Flame, performed at the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympics in September 2000.

Composed by John Foreman, the piece is characterized by its majestic orchestral pop sound, perfectly suited to the theme of the Olympic flame.

Her vocals, which crowned the ceremony’s climax, combined strength and elegance, captivating not only the stadium audience but countless viewers as well.

This historic track is also included on the album The Games of the XXVII Olympiad 2000: Music from the Opening Ceremony, so if you’d like to relive the excitement of that time, be sure to check it out.

Heroes Live ForeverVanessa Amorosi

Vanessa Amorosi – Heroes Live Forever | Sydney 2000 Olympics Opening Ceremony

Heroes Live Forever, sung by the Australian singer Vanessa Amorosi.

It’s a track of overwhelming scale that lit up the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympics in September 2000.

Co-written by John Gillard and Trevor White, the fusion of Amorosi’s powerful vocals and the orchestra resonates as if honoring the spirit of heroes—truly magnificent.

It’s included on the official album released at the time, “The Games of the XXVII Olympiad 2000: Music from the Opening Ceremony.” When you need that extra bit of courage, give it a listen—it’s sure to give you a push.

One Day Like ThisElbow

Elbow – One Day Like This

Many of you likely remember vividly the scene performed with a grand orchestra at the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics.

“One Day Like This,” included on the acclaimed 2008 album The Seldom Seen Kid by the popular British band Elbow, is an anthem whose beautiful strings and gradually intensifying chorus stir the listener’s heart.

Its uplifting message about the joy of special moments found in everyday life can gently encourage not only athletes taking on the grand stage, but also all of us facing our own daily challenges.

Listening to this work, full of stadium-scale grandeur and sheer euphoria, might be just the thing to rouse your spirits.

Remember ThisJonas Brothers

Remember This (NBC Olympics Edition)

A pop anthem with a powerful, stadium-filling chorus and an exhilarating beat that sets your heart on fire! Its message—urging us to etch this irreplaceable moment into our hearts—gives courage to athletes giving their all and to those of us cheering them on.

Released as a single in June 2021, it was chosen as the official theme song for NBC’s coverage of the Tokyo Olympics.

This work by the popular sibling band the Jonas Brothers—who also used it as the title for their tour that same year—perfectly matches moving highlight scenes in sports.

It’s also recommended as background music for precious time spent with family and friends, or for sports viewing when everyone wants to come together and get pumped up.

Anywhere in the WorldMark Ronson, Katy B

Mark Ronson, Katy B – Anywhere in the World (Official Video)

Are you familiar with the track produced as the anthem for Coca-Cola’s “Move to the Beat” campaign, launched in 2012 when the London Olympics were held? This piece pairs global producer Mark Ronson with London songstress Katy B.

Its standout feature is that it weaves the sounds of five athletes’ sports—such as archery and table tennis—into the beat.

The exhilarating sound, where sports and music are seamlessly fused, evokes the thrill of being in a stadium just by listening.

Although it was released in 2012, its experimental yet pop finish still feels utterly fresh today.

If you want to get pumped up before watching sports, give it a listen.