Celine Dion Dazzles With Emotional Comeback Performance at 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony
Celine Dion made dreams come true when the iconic singer performed at the 2024 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony in Paris on Friday, July 26.
The emotional performance marked the first for Dion since the 56-year-old revealed her Stiff Person Syndrome diagnosis in December 2022.
The "My Heart Will Go On" singer's performance began moments after French athletes Teddy Riner and Marie-José Pérec lit the Olympic cauldron. The flame for this year's ceremony, which the Olympics described as a "ring of flames spanning seven metres in diameter," was lifted into the night sky by a hot air balloon before the world's attention refocused on the Eiffel Tower.
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Dion stood on the first floor of the iconic Paris landmark for her performance. She wore a glittering white gown that contrasted with the shadows of the tower behind her and matched the glowing white light of the Olympic rings above her head.
The "Power of Love" singer belted the lyrics to édith Piaf’s "Hymne à l’amour," delivering the entire song in French while accompanied by a piano player.
The Olympics celebrated Dion's powerful performance in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “?? @celinedion is spectacular and Paris sparkles with the Olympic spirit! ? Paris 2024 is here!!! ??,” the tweet said.
?? @celinedion is spectacular and Paris sparkles with the Olympic spirit! ?
Paris 2024 is here!!! ??#Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/es3KmnGD2k— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
The star hinted at her potential return to the stage a few months ago in an April interview with Vogue France. “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. My goal is to see the Eiffel Tower again!” she said at the time, adding, “For four years I’ve been saying to myself that I’m not going back, that I’m ready, that I’m not ready…As things stand, I can’t stand here and say to you: ‘Yes, in four months. I don’t know…My body will tell me.”
Related: Celine Dion Offers Heartbreaking Insight Into Finding Her Legendary Voice Again Amid Health Woes
Before her performance, Dion posted photos with her fans in Paris to Instagram, writing, "I’m so happy to be here with you this week! I’d like to also extend a warm thank you to the local Gendarmes for keeping us safe."
"Just me in the studio—happy as ever making music ????????? feel so grateful, heart is peaceful. It’s like meditation. I can’t wait for you to hear what I’m working on," wrote the pop icon.
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