Kelly Clarkson has tears behind those hazel eyes. The "Since U Been Gone" singer broke down crying while watching Céline Dion 's comeback performance at the Eiffel Tower during the 2024 Paris Olympics' Opening Ceremony . "I actually can't talk," Kelly said while co-hosting NBC's coverage of the July 26 event.
"A one-of-a-kind Opening Ceremony." The American Idol alum went on to praise Céline—whose been battling stiff-person syndrome for over two years—for delivering an "incredible" rendition of Édith Piaf 's "Hymne A L'Amour" during her first live performance since 2020 . "I was not ready for that," Kelly continued.
"If you know anything about Céline right now, she feels this is her purpose." And the Kelly Clarkson Show host wasn't done getting choked up about the comeback, with her even struggling to speak as she recounted the "My Heart Will Go On" singer's empowering health journey. "I’m so sorry, I’m trying to hold it together," Kelly said, "But that she got through that, that was incredible.
" The 42-year-old added, "In my field, she is the gold winner for vocal athletes." Céline publicly shared her stiff-person syndrome diagnosis in 2022, explaining that she had to cancel her Courage World Tour as the "very rare" neurological disorder had been affecting "every aspect" of her daily life. Two years later, the 56-year-old—who shares sons René-Charles , 23, and 13-year-old twins Nelson and Eddy with her late husband René Angélil — detailed her struggles with the condition in the documentary I Am: Céline Dion , revealing that, at one point, the diagnosis nearly cost her her life .
But along with chronicling the challenges, Céline has also showed fans her unwavering dedication to returning to the stage and achieving her goal of seeing the Eiffel Tower once again. "They way I see it, I have two choices," she told Vogue France in an interview published April 22. "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.
" Céline added, "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." (E! News and NBC are both part of the NBCUniversal family.
) Read on for more unforgettable moments from the Opening Ceremony...
Red, White and Blue The Eiffel Tower and Opening Ceremony stands are illuminated with color in honor of the French flag. Burning Bright The Olympic Cauldron takes flight after being lit at the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony. Iconic Night Céline Dion closes out the show with a powerful performance atop the Eiffel Tower.
Comeback Moment The singer beautifully belted out "Hymne A L'Amour" during her return to the stage. The GOATs Serena Williams , Carl Lewis , Nadia Comaneci and Rafael Nadal light up the night with the Olympic torch. Sporting Greats French soccer star Zinedine Zidane passes the Olympic torch to Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal .
Laser Focus The Eiffel Tower lights up the night. Let the Games Begin Athletes from around the world gather in front of the Eiffel Tower for Opening Ceremony. Wave Your Banner The mystery horse rider carries the Olympic flag to the Place du Trocadero.
Light Up the Night The Parade of Nations travel along the Seine river. The World Stage Flags from countries competing in the Olympics fly high. Sharing All the World Pianist Sofiane Pamart and singer Juliette Armanet perform "Imagine" from a float on the Seine.
Athletic Spirit The Refugee Olympic Team—which is made up of 37 athletes representing millions worldwide who have been forcibly displaced—share a loving message. Play On Musicians at the Opening Ceremony keep dry in their rain ponchos. Race to the Finish Line The Olympic flag is carried down the Seine on a galloping metal horse.
Scenes From the Seine Team Australia is all-smiles as their boat passes by the Eiffel Tower. Fanning the Flames The masked torchbearer runs along the Musee d'Orsay during the Opening Ceremony. Can't Rain on Their Parade Despite the wet weather, Team Spain marches forward to the Place du Trocadero.
Smile for the Camera Team Italy's flag bearers Arianna Errigo and Gianmarco Tamberi snap a selfie together. Heart of Paris The Eiffel Tower is decorated with the Olympic rings. Hej! Swedish athletes greet the crowd during the Parade of Nations.
Making Memories Team Liberia captures all the sights and sounds from their boat. The City of Lights The Eiffel Tower awaits the arrival of the world's athletes. Teamwork Jordan's Rama Abo-Alrub and Saleh Elsharabaty bear their country's flag together.
Hometown Pride The Bahamian flag waves atop the country's boat on the Seine river. Ready for the Competition Switzerland is ready to bring the heat to this summer's Games. Here Come the Red, White and Blue Team USA makes their debut on the Seine.
Raindrops Keep Falling on Their Heads But that didn't stop these rooftop dancers from turning out a spectacular performance. When It Rains it Pours Yet the Cabo Verde Olympic team didn't let it dim their joy. Fine Art Reproductions of some of the most famous paintings from Paris' Louvre Museum decorate the River Seine.
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