Canadian music icon Celine Dion made a stunning comeback to the stage at the Paris Summer Olympics opening ceremony on Friday.
The superstar performer closed the ceremony with a breathtaking rendition of Edith Piaf’s “L’Hymne à l’amour” from the first stage of the Eiffel Tower, showcasing her vocal prowess in a beaded white gown.
Dion’s performance, which followed the lighting of the Olympic cauldron, was met with high praise. NBC commentator Kelly Clarkson described Dion as “a vocal athlete,“ reflecting the moment’s awe.
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
This performance marks Dion’s first live concert since her diagnosis of stiff person syndrome—a rare, progressive condition affecting the nervous system. Dion announced in December 2022 that she was stepping away from professional commitments to focus on her health, citing difficulties with singing due to the condition.
Before this, Dion’s last live performance was in March 2020 in New Jersey. Despite her diagnosis, Dion remains determined to continue performing, as she revealed in her recent documentary, “I Am: Celine Dion,“ which premiered on Amazon. The documentary details the challenges of living with the syndrome, including painful muscle spasms and rigidity.
Let the games begin!Sending love and luck to all competitors.
– Celine xx… #paris2024 #openingceremony pic.twitter.com/84aJP9AGjw— Celine Dion (@celinedion) July 26, 2024
Dion’s resilience was evident earlier this year when she appeared at the Grammy Awards to present the final trophy. Her return to the stage in Paris underscores her unwavering commitment to her music career.
The opening ceremony also featured Lady Gaga, who launched the event with a “Mon truc en plume“ performance by Zizi Jeanmaire along the Seine River.
