Shankul Bhandare
Celine Dion made a triumphant return to the stage at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, marking her first performance since disclosing a serious health condition. The Canadian icon delivered a powerful solo performance atop the Eiffel Tower, closing the four-hour event on a high note.
Dion had previously been rumored to be collaborating with Lady Gaga, but instead took the stage alone for a memorable finale. This performance was her first in four years and followed her announcement a year and a half ago that she had been diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare neurological disorder that causes muscle spasms and affects her distinctive, powerful voice.
The 56-year-old, hailed as the “queen of power ballads,” has been undergoing therapy to “rebuild” her voice, as she shared with the BBC in June. Her performance of Edith Piaf’s classic “L’Hymne à l’Amour” on Friday showcased promising results from her treatment.
Accompanied by a pianist on the first level of the Eiffel Tower, beneath the giant illuminated Olympic rings, Dion delivered an impressive performance.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised her, stating, “She is a Canadian icon, an incredible talent, and she overcame a lot to be there tonight.” He added, “Celine, it’s great to see you singing again.”
Italian singer Laura Pausini also expressed her emotions, writing, “My hands were shaking and my eyes were crying as I listened and saw my beloved Celine Dion.” Dion’s appearance had been eagerly awaited, with crowds of fans gathering outside her hotel in the city in recent days.
Celine Dion has a large following in France, with her 1995 album “D’eux” being the best-selling French-language album of all time. Friday’s appearance marked her second time participating in an Olympic opening ceremony, the first being at Atlanta 1996.
Her comeback performance came six months after she made a surprise appearance at the Grammys to present an award. Dion has also hinted at a new residency in Las Vegas, saying in June, “We have been working so hard to put this show together—because I’m back.” She currently holds the record for the most successful residency of all time on the Las Vegas strip.
Last month, she opened up about her struggles with SPS in the film “I Am: Celine Dion,” which Amazon Prime Video announced on Thursday has become its most successful documentary ever.
