 An average of 23 @.@ 2 million viewers in the United Kingdom watched the event , with an estimated 750 million worldwide . Critics were generally positive , but noted that it was not as good as the opening ceremony . Some of the foreign reviews questioned whether everyone would have understood the nods to British film and television . George Michael was roundly criticised for his song choice while Kate Moss , Naomi Campbell and Russell Brand were criticised for not demonstrating the Olympic ethos in their past behaviour . Some performers were initially reluctant to appear , and other high @-@ profile acts turned down invitations to perform at the ceremony . NBC in America and Prime TV in New Zealand were criticised by viewers for their broadcasts of the ceremony . There was also a concert in Hyde Park to close the Olympics , featuring Blur , New Order , and The Specials . 
