The Queen’s Return
Tell a friend, to tell a friend, she’s back! Céline Dion shined brighter than the City of Lights as she gave a powerful, inspiring, and monumental performance at the 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies.
Céline performing on the Eiffel Tower (@NBCOlympics / Instagram)
As the ceremony concluded, just after the Olympic torch lit the Olympic flame, cameras panned back to the Eiffel Tower. Awaiting on the tower was Céline, performing live for the first time since 2020. Céline stunned viewers with her flawless rendition of Edith Piaf’s “L’Hymne à L’amour,” dressed in a dazzling, white-beaded gown. The moment was nothing short of beautiful.
Céline showing her love (@celinedion / Instagram)
Céline’s performance marked a huge milestone for the French singer. In December 2022, Dion revealed she was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome, which led her to postpone her 2023/2024 tour. After this video, Céline stepped back from the public eye to tackle the incurable disease. Here and there, the queen appeared - one of the most notable was presenting Taylor Swift with Album of the Year at the 2024 Grammys.
With the recent release of her documentary, I Am: Céline Dion, fans everywhere were given an exclusive glimpse into her commitment, strength, and determination to return to the stage. Before the documentary aired, Céline discussed her treatment with French Vogue: “Five days a week, I undergo athletic, physical, and vocal therapy. I work on my toes, my knees, my calves, my fingers, my singing, my voice.”
Céline days before her performance at the Louvre (@celinedion / Instagram)
The diagnosis, while scary, lit a fire inside of Céline. In I Am: Céline Dion, the Grammy award-winning singer stated, “If I can’t run, I’ll walk; If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl. I won’t stop.” Céline shared that she “trained like an athlete” to perform again, making it even more remarkable that her first performance back was at the Olympic Games.
The historic performance left millions watching emotional. After her performance concluded, Kelly Clarkson, an NBC Opening Ceremonies co-host, said, “I actually can’t talk.” Kelly spoke for everyone adding, “I’m trying to hold it together right now. But then she got through that. That was incredible. In my field, she is the gold winner for vocal athletes.”
Céline expressed multiple times that she never knew if she would sing again. In an interview with Hoda Kotb, Céline described the pain she experienced when trying to sing: “It's like somebody is strangling you. It’s like somebody is pushing your larynx/pharynx.” She felt locked in place when trying to do anything.
Fans supporting Céline (@celinedion / Instagram)
Fans of the once-in-a-generation singer have been by her side throughout her entire health journey. They shared their excitement seeing Céline not only on stage again but also looking healthy and singing powerfully. Céline went out of her way to thank fans, stopping to greet them at her hotel.
If Céline's performance is any indication, these games mean more than just sports. They represent power, resilience, and perseverance. It is clear now, more than ever, our hearts will always go on for Céline. While her health remains the priority, we hope this is Céline coming back to us now!