July 27, 2024 06:24 am IST
Celine Dion delivers a powerful performance at Paris Olympics 2024 after a gap of 3 years
Celine Dion battled stiff person syndrome and made a powerful return to the stage at the Paris Olympics 2024. After a three-year hiatus due to serious health issues, she performed at the Olympics opening ceremony on Friday in a way that left the audience speechless.
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Celine Dion’s heartwarming performance at the Olympics
Dion was at the top of the Eiffel Tour in Paris when she sang Edith Piaf’s Hymne à l’amour. Her performance was the final act of the opening ceremony. As reported by Page Six, she wore a stunning high-neck gown for her performance, which was covered in crystals, and its long sleeves were sewn with a cape and beaded tassels. The singer was seen holding back her tears during her performance on stage as it was her first performance after leaving her Las Vegas residency to focus on her health in 2021. She opted for a dark smokey eye makeup and pulled her hair back into a low bun.
Show host Kelly Clarkson was moved by the My Heart Will Go On singer’s performance. “I really can’t speak. It was really beautiful,” she said. “For people who don’t know her story and what she’s been through physically, it’s just unbelievable what she’s been through. Living in the moment. She’s a vocal athlete. She’s incredible,” she added.
Some reports suggested that the singer was paid $2 million for her performance, however, a representative for the Olympics said, “Contrary to some media reports, artists will not receive any fee for their performances at the Paris 2024 sports ceremonies. Their decision to perform under these circumstances reflects their desire to be part of a historic event for France and the world of sport.”
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Celine Dion’s health struggles
Celine Dion, 56, has been diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition called stiff person syndrome. She revealed the news to PEOPLE in December 2022, after she walked out of a stage performance when she first experienced muscle spasms. The syndrome causes muscle pain that continues to get worse. In her documentary, I Am: Celine Dion, she shared her experiences with the syndrome, including a clip from her tour. She revealed at the time that she didn’t want to let the syndrome get to her and wanted to perform on stage again.
