Céline Dion certainly knows how to make a comeback. The Quebec singer returned to the stage for the first time in almost four years Friday, but it wasn’t just any stage — of course the pop diva selected the Paris 2024 Olympic opening ceremony, on the Eiffel Tower, as the site of her first performance since she announced to the world that she was diagnosed with stiff person syndrome (SPS) and cancelled her world tour. Dressed in a stunning beaded, floor-length gown complete with fringe details and a long cape, Dion took the first stage of the Eiffel Tower to perform a Parisian staple — Édith Piaf’s L’Hymne à l’amour .
Dion appeared, at times, overcome with emotion as the crowd cheered below. But she performed as strong as ever, her voice clear and unwavering as she hit every note with conviction. Story continues below advertisement View image in full screen Canadian Singer Celine Dion performs on the Eiffel Tower as the conclusion of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France.
Jamie Squire / Getty Images Leading up to the opening ceremony, Dion’s highly anticipated performance was a poorly kept, often-teased, tongue-in-cheek secret . The email you need for the day's top news stories from Canada and around the world. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy . France’s president Emmanuel Macron hinted to television channel France 2 that the chanteuse would be making an Olympics appearance. “I will not reveal anything, what [opening ceremony director] Thomas Jolly and all his teams have prepared,” Macron said, but acknowledged the singer had arrived in his city earlier this week and that Olympic fans were in for a “surprise.
” View image in full screen Celine Dion is seen leaving a hotel on July 23, 2024 in Paris, France. Photo by MEGA/GC Images Dion, herself, hasn’t been shy about posting about her return to the City of Light, either. Since she arrived in Paris , she’s been keeping her fans updated on social media and has been spotted out and about in the city.
Story continues below advertisement “Every time I return to Paris, I remember there’s so much beauty and joy still to experience in the world,” she shared to X on Wednesday. Trending Now Scotiabank resolves ‘technical issue’ that left customers without paycheques Jasper wildfire: Before-and-after photos show destruction of town Every time I return to Paris, I remember there’s so much beauty and joy still to experience in the world. I love Paris, and I’m so happy to be back! Thank you to our wonderful friends at The Louvre! Celine xx.
.. PC📸: Laura Gilli pic.
twitter.com/Mg9LVs9X8q — Celine Dion (@celinedion) July 24, 2024 Following last month’s release of her documentary, I Am Celine , she told TVA’s Jean-Philippe Dion that a spasm in her throat during her Taking Chances tour in 2008 began what she called “17 years of panic” as she tried to understand what was happening to her body and the voice that has made her a global name. She lost the ability to reliably hit her notes as the spasms continued and saw her try everything from steam to asthma treatments to powerful medications.
She even learned to adapt her songs by changing how she sang, but the stress of wanting to perform made her tense up and exacerbate her symptoms. After years of “lying,” she said she made the decision to confront her illness. Story continues below advertisement With files from Global News’ Sean Previl 0:51 Paris 2024: Snoop Dogg carries Olympic torch before opening ceremony Paris 2024: Snoop Dogg carries Olympic torch before opening ceremony 2024 Paris Summer Olympics begin Paris Olympics: Who are Canada’s medal hopefuls? Previous Video Next Video Curator Recommendations Non-medical options for migraine relief Shop our top 5 deals of the week.
