Celine Dion has been working tirelessly to make her return to the stage, after not performing for five years.
The iconic singer last sang on stage at British Summer Time at Hyde Park in London, England in July 2019.
At the time, neither fans nor Dion knew that this was the last time she would sing for many years. She had just wrapped up her 16-year las Vegas residency, and was slated to tour North America. COVID halted those plans and when she eventually had dates scheduled again, she announced in December 2022 that she had been diagnosed with the incredibly rare Stiff Person Syndrome (SDS).
What is Stiff Person Syndrome?
SPS is a rare neurological disorder characterized by progressive muscle stiffness and painful muscle spasms. It primarily affects the central nervous system, particularly the brain and spinal cord. The exact cause of SPS is not fully understood, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues.
People with SPS can experience progressive muscle stiffness and painful spasms triggered by sudden movements, cold temperatures, or unexpected loud noises. Dion documented her battle with SPS in her Prime Video documentary I Am Celine.
“I am working hard every day,” she says in the trailer. “But I have to admit, it’s been a struggle. I miss [performing] so much. The people. I miss them. If I can’t run, I’ll walk. If I can’ walk, I’ll crawl. But I won’t stop.”
When she revealed her diagnosis, she pushed all her 2023 dates to 2024. But in May 2023, she cancelled the tour altogether, as she was not getting better.
In her announcement cancelling the tour, she said, “The spasms profoundly affect my daily life, hindering my ability to walk and restricting the use of my vocal cords for singing as I’m accustomed to. I must admit it has been a struggle. Singing is all I’ve known, it’s been my lifelong passion.”
But, miraculously, she has made her triumphant return to the stage!
Celine Dion performed at the Opening Ceremony for the 2024 Olympics, held in Paris, France. Her appearance at the event has been rumored for a few days, especially after she was seen greeting fans in Paris earlier this week.
Additionally, in April, she told Vogue France, “I’ve chosen to work with all my body and soul, from head to toe, with a medical team. I want to be the best I can be. My goal is to see the Eiffel Tower again!”
As she performed in front of the Eiffel Tower on Friday (July 26), she made two of her dreams come true.
Celine Dion was rumored to be performing after being spotting in France throughout the week. Her much-anticipated performance was worth the wait as she stood in front of the Eiffel Tower to conclude the 4-hour-long opening ceremony.
Celine sounded stronger than ever as she performed Edith Piaf’s “L’Hymne à l’amour.” The appearance was an emotional one for the artist and for those watching. Kelly Clarkson, who was in attendance as a host, couldn’t speak through her tears following Dion’s performance. After regaining her composure, Clarkson said:
“If you know anything about Celine right now, she feels…this is her purpose. And if you know anything about what she’s going through right now, I’m so sorry. I’m trying to hold it together. That she got through that is incredible. In my field, she is the gold [medal] winner for vocal athletes.”
Watch her incredible comeback performance below.