Celine Dion performs for the first time in five years at the Olympic Opening Ceremonies
Following a performance at London’s Hyde Park in July 2019, highly decorated vocalist Celine Dion took a five-year hiatus from performing publicly. After COVID-19 forced her to postpone her North American Tour, Dion was diagnosed with a very rare condition known as Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS).
SPS is a neurological disorder that primarily affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. The condition prevented Dion from performing as sudden movements, cold temperatures, or unexpected loud noises could trigger progressive muscle stiffness and painful spasms.
She was forced to cancel her tour altogether in 2023, as her health was not improving. She announced:
“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.”
Every time I return to Paris, I remember there’s so much beauty and joy still to experience in the world. I love Paris, and I’m so happy to be back!
Thank you to our wonderful friends at The Louvre!
Celine xx…PC📸: Laura Gilli pic.twitter.com/Mg9LVs9X8q
— Celine Dion (@celinedion) July 24, 2024
Celine Dion closes the Olympic opening ceremonies with an emotional performance of “L’Hymne à l’amour”
On Friday, July 26, Celine Dion made a triumphant return to the stage to perform during the opening ceremonies of the Paris Summer Olympic Games. She exhibited great strength and courage as she performed Edith Piaf’s “L’Hymne à l’amour” from Paris’ iconic Eiffel Tower.
Host Kelly Clarkson was brought to tears by the performance and 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.”
I’m honored to have performed tonight, for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, and so full of joy to be back in one of my very favorite cities! Most of all, I’m so happy to be celebrating these amazing athletes, with all their stories of sacrifice and determination, pain and… pic.twitter.com/Ak6iKfhgzX
— Celine Dion (@celinedion) July 27, 2024
Celine Dion did not get paid for her Olympic performance
Despite rumors that the Grammy award winner would make $2 million for performing just one song, a spokesperson from the Olympics told Page Six that the speculation was false. They explained:
“Contrary to some media reports, the performers at the Paris 2024 Games ceremonies will not receive a fee for their performance. Their decision to perform under these conditions reflects their desire to be part of a historic event for France and for the world of sports.”
However, it was confirmed that the Olympics would cover “technical production” and “costs for the performances, as is customary.”
Watch Celine Dion’s incredible performance at the Olympic Opening Ceremonies below!