Celine Dion made a triumphant return to the stage with a breathtaking performance from the Eiffel Tower during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. This was her first live performance since revealing her battle with stiff person syndrome (SPS), a rare neurological disorder.
Dion, dazzling in a beaded gown, delivered a moving rendition of Edith Piaf’s “L’Hymne à l’Amour” on the Eiffel Tower’s first stage. The performance captivated an estimated one billion viewers worldwide, marking a significant moment for the Canadian superstar, who had not performed since 2021.
Her Las Vegas residency was canceled in 2021 due to health issues, and she announced her SPS diagnosis in December 2022. The diagnosis led to the cancellation of her Courage World Tour. In a recent interview, Dion shared that she had taken high doses of diazepam to manage muscle spasms, allowing her to return to performing.
SPS is known for causing severe muscle stiffness and painful spasms, which can be debilitating. Dion’s struggles with the condition were explored in her 2024 documentary, “I Am: Celine Dion,” where she expressed her strong desire to get back on stage despite her health challenges.
After her performance in Paris, Dion expressed her deep gratitude for being part of the Olympics opening ceremony. “It is a supreme honor to have been asked to open the Paris 2024 Olympics,” she said in a post on social media. “I am also humbled to have been invited by the Olympics organizing committee to perform such a special French song, a tribute to the French people and their rich history in art, music, and theatre.”
Dion spoke about her special connection to French culture and music, saying she aimed to deliver a performance that would “warm the heart of France” and celebrate its artistic heritage. “I wanted to remind everyone of the magic of Paris on this momentous occasion,” she added.
To prepare for the performance, Dion revisited some of her old skills and rehearsed extensively. She even mentioned her early experiences dancing at French-themed parties during her early career. “I bet you didn’t know I used to dance at a ’60s French party on the lower east side when I was just starting out,” she shared.
Throughout her illustrious 40-year career, Dion has sold over 250 million albums and earned numerous accolades, including five Grammy Awards, two Oscars, and the Billboard Music Award Lifetime Achievement Icon Award. Her most famous hits include “My Heart Will Go On,” “Think Twice,” “Because You Loved Me,” and “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.”
Dion’s performance at the Paris Olympics not only marked her return to the stage but also highlighted her resilience and dedication to her art. Her comeback is a powerful testament to her enduring talent and spirit, the ever daring legend continues to shine even in misery.