The great Quebec artist Céline Dion made a triumphant return to the stage during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. This marks her first time back at the microphone in four years. To the delight of her fans, the artist performed Edith Piaf’s “L’Hymne à l’amour” from the first level of the Eiffel Tower. In 2020, the singer announced her battle with a paralyzing illness that forced her to cancel her last world tour.
Back after 4 years of absence
The Quebec singer performed in grand style during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on Friday, July 26.
The artist’s participation in the event could not be kept secret until the end. Rumors were increasingly confirming her presence at the show organized by Thomas Joly. Despite a discreet arrival in Paris a few days ago, the singer still managed to draw attention.
The Olympic committee kept the details of the artist’s performance closely guarded.
Stiff-Person Syndrome
The return was a complete success for Céline Dion, who captivated the ceremony’s attendees alongside at least a dozen other artists, including Lady Gaga and Aya Nakamura. Since her last concert on March 8, 2020, in the United States, many had hoped to see the singer perform on stage again.
To the great delight of her fans, the artist performed Edith Piaf’s “L’Hymne à l’amour.”
Her health condition did not hinder her performance, which received public acclaim: Céline Dion still suffers from Stiff-Person Syndrome, which has caused her to step away from the stage in recent years.
Courage World Tour canceled twice
While Céline Dion’s participation in the Olympic Games’ opening ceremony suggests an improvement in her physical condition, the artist continues to face serious health issues.
Her illness, revealed in 2022, led to another postponement, eventually becoming a cancellation, of her Courage World Tour. The show had initially been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The “All by Myself” singer suffers from Stiff-Person Syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease that causes generalized spasms and affects, among other things, her vocal cords.
Athletic preparation for her performance
Under the careful supervision of a medical team in the United States, Céline Dion followed a rigorous treatment and preparation regimen comparable to that of an athlete to perform at the Paris Olympics, according to RTL.
The singer was also pampered in absolute comfort: traveling by private jet between Las Vegas and Paris and staying at the Royal Monceau. Everything was organized to ensure Céline Dion could perform on the unique stage of the Eiffel Tower.
To read: Singer Yseult at the closing ceremony: a sublime “Goodbye” to Paris 2024