Celine Dion delivers powerful comeback performance at Paris Olympics amid stiff person syndrome battle
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.
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.”
While she was rumored to be paid $2 million for her bombshell performance, the icon didn’t receive a check.
“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.”
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.”
Dion hasn’t taken the stage since 2021 when she stopped her Las Vegas residency due to ongoing muscle spasms.
In December 2022, the Canadian singer revealed she was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder — stiff person syndrome — that can lead to painful and worsening muscular stiffness, per Johns Hopkins Medicine.
She gave an insight into her health journey in her 2024 documentary, “I Am: Celine Dion,” which showed her experiencing a seizure.
At the time, Dion shared she was determined to “overcome” the disease and perform again.
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!”
