“1, 2 Step” into the spotlight! The 2024 ESPY Awards kicked off with a bang that would make even the Steelers‘ legendary “Steel Curtain” defense proud. R&B queen Ciara and tennis titan Serena Williams teamed up to deliver an opening act that had the crowd jumping in excitement at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
On Thursday, July 11, Ciara, 38, took center stage and unleashed a hit parade. She started with her debut smash “Goodies,” then seamlessly transitioned into fan favorites “1, 2 Step” and “Level Up.” But the real touchdown came when Williams, 42, made her grand entrance through a lineup of dancers dressed in her iconic tennis outfits. Talk about a perfect alley-hoop!
The tennis icon, who also served as the host for the evening, emerged through a line of dancers dressed in her iconic on-court outfits. The crowd went wild, with NFL players like Damar Hamlin leading the standing ovation.
The duo had teased their performance a day earlier, posting a selfie with the caption, “This dynamic duo has something up their sleeves for the ESPYS this year 🏆.” Serena hinted at “fun surprises,” while Ciara urged fans to tune in for the spectacle.
The performance wasn’t just a treat for the audience; it was a dream come true for Ciara. She later gushed on Instagram, “Truly an honor to be a part of such a special night to support my dear friend @SerenaWilliams. Thank you for the endless inspiration you’ve given us all!” This dynamic duo shares a bond stronger than the Steelers’ offensive line.
Speaking of the Black and Gold, while Ciara was lighting up the stage, her husband Russell Wilson was busy putting in work that would make even the most die-hard Steelers fan proud. The quarterback, newly minted in Pittsburgh’s colors, shared a series of photos from his training sessions, captioned simply: “Blacked Out.”
Wilson’s dedication is no joke. With the Steelers set to kick off their preseason against the Houston Texans on Friday, August 9, 2024, at Acrisure Stadium, every rep counts. As head coach Mike Tomlin would say, “The standard is the standard,” and Wilson is aiming to meet it.
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Wilson’s intense preparation comes at a crucial time for the Steelers. After a rollercoaster 2023 season that saw them sneak into the playoffs with a 9-8 record (thanks to a miraculous 9-2 run in one-score games), expectations are high for 2024.
