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Celine Dion delivers powerful comeback performance at Paris Olympics amid stiff person syndrome battle
By Vanessa Serna,
2024-07-26
Celine Dion made a powerful comeback at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Friday as she performed for the first time in years amid her battle with stiff person syndrome.
The six-time Grammy winner triumphantly took the stage to sing “Hymne A L’Amour” by Édith Piaf on top of the Eiffel Tower.
She appeared emotional for the performance, which closed the opening ceremony.
Celine Dion opened the 2024 Paris Olympics on Friday. Olympics/X The hitmaker, seen here in Paris Friday, held back tears. NBC
Dion, 56, wore a crystal-covered, high-neck gown that featured long sleeves and a cape with beaded tassels. She opted for a dark smokey eye and slicked her hair back into a low bun.
The singer’s performance brought Kelly Clarkson, one of the program’s hosts, to tears.
“I actually can’t talk,” Clarkson said. “That was really beautiful.”
“People who don’t know her story and what she has been going through physically,” she added. “It’s just incredible what she has overcome. To have that moment. She is a vocal athlete. She is incredible.”
She performed on top of the Eiffel Tower on Friday, as seen above. NBC Dion, pictured in Paris Friday, looked radiant. She wore her hair back and opted for full glam. Olympics/X
“Contrary to some media reports, the performers at the Paris 2024 Games ceremonies will not receive a fee for their performance,” a rep for the Olympics told Page Six.
“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.”
The Grammy winner, seen here at the Eiffel Tower, made a powerful comeback as she sang “Hymne A L’Amour” by Édith Piaf. Olympics/X
Her performance brought spectators to tears — including Kelly Clarkson, pictured in Paris on Friday. NBC
However, event coordinators covered the fees for the “technical production” and “costs for the performances, as is customary.”
On Monday, the “My Heart Will Go On” songstress arrived in the City of Love and checked into the Royal Monceau Hotel with sources telling Page Six she was expected to perform.
Dion last opened the Olympics in 1996 when the games were hosted in Atlanta, Ga. At the time, she sang “The Power of the Dream.”
Clarkson praised Dion, pictured in February 2017, as “a vocal athlete.” WireImage Dion arrived in Paris ahead of her performance, on July 23. Aissaoui Nacer / MEGA
Dion, pictured in Paris earlier this week, wasn’t paid for her performance. KCS Presse / MEGA The singer hasn’t performed since 2021 when she left her Las Vegas residency after experiencing muscle spasms. Prime Video
In April, the “I’m Alive” singer hinted she was preparing for her comeback during an interview with Vogue France , explaining she’s been working out and practicing vocal activities five days a week.
“Either I train like an athlete and work super hard, or I switch off and it’s over, I stay at home, listen to my songs, stand in front of my mirror and sing to myself,” she said.
“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!”
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