Kate Hudson has emerged as the latest artistic voice championing the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, lending her musical talents to a stirring new promotional video that captures the essence of California's Olympic dreams. The multi-talented performer, known for her work across film and music, delivered a soulful interpretation of the classic Mamas & the Papas anthem "California Dreamin'" in a clip that made its debut during the closing ceremony of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
The promotional video, which Hudson shared with her millions of Instagram followers, showcases the actress in an intimate performance setting, her voice breathing new life into the 1966 folk-rock classic that has become synonymous with the Golden State's mystique. The visual narrative masterfully intercuts Hudson's musical moment with dynamic footage of elite athletes in training, their focused determination echoing the song's themes of aspiration and longing. Sweeping shots of Los Angeles' diverse landscapes—from its iconic coastline to its vibrant urban core—complete the tapestry, creating a powerful sense of place and purpose.
In her social media post, Hudson captured the spirit of the collaboration with a simple yet evocative caption: "Built on California dreams, powered by Olympic and Paralympic champions." This message underscores the LA28 organizing committee's strategy of positioning the Games as both a celebration of athletic excellence and a manifestation of the state's innovative, forward-thinking culture.
The strategic timing of the promo's premiere during the Milan Cortina closing ceremony represents a carefully orchestrated handover moment, connecting the current Olympic cycle with the next Summer Games. This approach has become a tradition in Olympic marketing, creating continuity and building anticipation across the four-year intervals between events.
The Los Angeles Summer Olympics, officially designated as LA28, are scheduled to unfold from July 14 through July 30, 2028. The promotional campaign for these Games began in spectacular fashion during the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, when Los Angeles officially received the Olympic flag and the responsibility for hosting the next Summer Games.
That Parisian ceremony featured an impressive showcase of California-connected musical talent, including Billie Eilish, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Snoop Dogg, and H.E.R., each bringing their unique sound to the global stage. However, the most talked-about moment belonged to actor Tom Cruise, who executed a breathtaking stunt that saw him rappelling from the roof of Stade de France, sprinting across the field to greet athletes, seizing the Olympic flag, and making a dramatic exit aboard a motorcycle.
A pre-recorded segment then followed Cruise's journey from Paris to Los Angeles, where he was shown attaching the Olympic rings to the world-famous Hollywood sign—a symbolic gesture linking the Games to the heart of the entertainment industry. The ceremony then shifted to Venice Beach for a performance by Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, cementing the California vibe and setting the tone for LA28's cultural identity.
The Milan Cortina Winter Games that just concluded provided their own memorable moments of athletic brilliance and sportsmanship, including a stunning gold medal performance by American figure skater Alysa Liu. These displays of excellence serve as powerful reminders of what the Olympic movement represents, providing rich material for promotional campaigns that seek to connect different Games through shared values of dedication, perseverance, and achievement.
Hudson's involvement in the LA28 promotional efforts comes at a pivotal moment in her own artistic journey. The performer recently walked the red carpet at the 2026 BAFTA Awards as a nominee for Best Leading Actress for her powerful performance in "Song Sung Blue." While the award ultimately went to Jessie Buckley for her work in "Hamnet," Hudson's nomination places her among the year's most respected dramatic performers.
The recognition doesn't stop there—Hudson remains in contention for the Academy Award for Best Actress, marking another high point in a career that has spanned decades and genres. Yet despite this continued success in film, Hudson has been increasingly drawn to music as her primary mode of creative expression, a shift she describes as the most important artistic decision of her life.
In a candid interview with Rolling Stone, Hudson explored the motivations behind her creative evolution and the importance of pursuing authentic self-expression. The performer revealed that reaching a certain maturity prompted a profound reassessment of her artistic legacy and future direction.
"When you actually look at what you're putting out creatively and if you're satisfied with it, and ask as a creative, 'Am I happy with everything I've left if I died today?'" Hudson reflected. "My answer was a big no. Not that I haven't done things that I'm proud of, but I didn't feel like my output was as authentic or honest as it could be."
This period of introspection catalyzed Hudson's deeper commitment to her music career, resulting in a body of work that has struck a chord with listeners, particularly women navigating similar crossroads in their own lives. The response has exceeded her expectations, creating an unexpected community of fans who see their own aspirations reflected in her artistic courage.
"I was not expecting women to come up to me and be like, 'I've always wanted to do this thing in my forties. And you doing this makes me feel like I can do anything I want,'" Hudson shared. "I feel like I'm just getting started."
This powerful sentiment of renewal and possibility aligns seamlessly with the Olympic ethos, which celebrates not just victory but the journey of growth, transformation, and the pursuit of seemingly impossible dreams. Hudson's personal narrative of artistic evolution mirrors the stories of countless athletes who dedicate their lives to reaching the Olympic stage, often overcoming significant obstacles along the way.
The LA28 organizing committee's decision to feature Hudson in their promotional campaign reflects a sophisticated understanding of how to connect the Games with authentic California artistry. By selecting a performer who embodies both the glamour of Hollywood and genuine musical craft, the promo creates an emotional resonance that transcends typical sports marketing.
The video's aesthetic successfully captures the multifaceted nature of Los Angeles, balancing images of natural beauty with the energy of urban life, while celebrating the diverse community of athletes who will represent nations from around the globe in 2028. This approach reinforces the modern Olympic ideal that the Games are about more than competition—they represent a convergence of culture, community, and shared human aspiration.
As the countdown to LA28 continues, the promotional campaign will undoubtedly introduce more collaborations, celebrity partnerships, and cultural celebrations designed to capture the imagination of a global audience. The organizing committee faces the challenge of honoring Olympic traditions while infusing the Games with a distinctly Californian identity.
With performers like Kate Hudson helping to shape the narrative, the 2028 Olympics are already establishing themselves as a unique celebration that bridges athletic excellence with creative expression. Her performance of "California Dreamin'" serves multiple purposes: it pays homage to the state's rich musical heritage, invites global audiences to share in the Olympic dream, and embodies the personal courage required to pursue one's authentic path—whether that leads to a recording studio or an Olympic podium.
The promotional video stands as an early promise that LA28 will be an Olympics defined not just by world-class competition, but by the creative spirit that has made California a beacon for dreamers and doers across generations. As both Hudson and the Olympic movement demonstrate, it's never too late to pursue your true calling and inspire others to do the same.