The 2012 Summer Olympics officially begin on Friday (July 27th) from London, and the world will be watching who takes home the gold, silver and bronze medals. No country artist will be more psyched than Darius Rucker, who is a self-admitted sports junkie. In fact, his “man cave” features a number of televisions tuned in to different stations so he can watching multiple games or events. He enjoys watching the Olympics, not only because of the sportsmanship and competition, but because of a much deeper meaning for him and the nation. “Everybody watches the Olympics because you want to see America beat everybody else in the world,” says Darius. “I mean it sounds crazy, but that’s why you’re watching it; that’s why I’m watching the 100, because I want to see an American cross the line first. You know, that’s why we watch basketball, because we want to see America blow everybody out.” 

Be looking out for a new single from Darius in the coming weeks. It will be the first release from his third album from Capitol Nashville. 

London will become the first city to officially host the modern Olympic Games three times, having previously done so in 1908 and in 1948.

The Opening ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics will be held on 27 July 2012 and be called “The Isles of Wonder”. Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle will be the artistic director for the opening ceremony and the music directors will be Rick Smith and Karl Hyde of the electronic music duo Underworld.

The games will be officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. A short film starring Daniel Craig as secret agent “James Bond” will be screened during the television coverage of the ceremony. Sir Paul McCartney has announced he will perform at the end of the ceremony. 

Darius Rucker (Olympics) OC: …I love ‘em both. :30

The Olympics, still today – I don’t think as much as we were younger – but today it’s more than about sports, it’s about the country. Everybody watches the Olympics because you want to see America beat everybody else in the world. I mean it sounds crazy, but that’s why you’re watching it; that’s why I’m watching the 100, because I want to see an American cross the line first. You know, that’s why we watch basketball, because we want to see America blow everybody out – I mean, that’s why I’m watching it; I think that’s why the Olympics do such great business. I love it every two years…with the winter and the summer – I love ‘em both.”