Closing Ceremony 2012: Why Spectacle Won't Top Beijing

The 2012 Summer Olympics is nearing the finish line.

There have been many great performances on the United States' side: from Alex Morgan's clutch goals in soccer, to Michael Phelps' usual greatness that led to a record number of career Olympic medals, to gymnast Gabby Douglas' inspiring routines in the team and individual all-around to bring home gold medals.

On Sunday afternoon, London will once more put on its best show in front of the world's viewing audience. The Closing Ceremony will highlight Great Britain's taste in music in what is called "A Symphony of British Music."

However, it will be hard-pressed to live up the last one we saw in Beijing in 2008.

The ceremony in Beijing was an incredible spectacle, as traditional dancers and performers wowed the crowd with their pageantry and skill.

The lighted costumes of the performers were aesthetically pleasing, and the routines of the cyclists, drummers, dancers and others were met with immense appreciation from the crowd.

The amazing fireworks presentation is what topped it all off. While every Closing Ceremony will look like the Fourth of July on steroids, the colors and synchronization of them at the National Stadium was breathtaking.

On to this year, where everyone in the United States will get their first opportunity to hear Adele sing (excuse my joke of the played-out radio music artist).

The musical slate lists a few talented performers, like The Who, but unless you're dying to hear George Michael sing "Careless Whisper", then this ceremony may not be for you.

The Spice Girls will also make an appearance. Here's to bringing back dreaded memories of elementary school girls singing their songs on end during my childhood in the '90s.

All kidding aside, I'm sure that the ceremony will be great, but I think the target audience will be smaller than that of the 2008 version.

Great Britain has seen its fair share of good musicians, but The Beatles aren't walking through that door.