Paris (AP) — Celine Dion's return to the stage was nothing short of spectacular as she closed the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony with a mesmerizing performance from the iconic Eiffel Tower on Friday. Nearly two years after revealing her struggle with stiff person syndrome, Dion's powerful rendition of Edith Piaf’s “Hymne à l’amour” (“Hymn to Love”) served as the emotional climax of the four-hour celebration, bringing tears and cheers from the audience.
The anticipation surrounding Dion’s appearance had been building for weeks. Organizers and her representatives remained tight-lipped, fueling excitement and speculation. The official media guide hinted at “a world star” delivering a “grandiose, superbly scintillating finale,” but it wasn't until the moment she took the stage that the rumors were joyously confirmed.
Dion’s return marks the end of a significant hiatus. Her last public performance was in 2020, a year that saw her tour postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequent health challenges forced her to cancel the tour entirely. The stiff person syndrome she was diagnosed with causes severe muscle stiffness and painful spasms, significantly impairing her mobility and vocal abilities. Speaking at the premiere of her documentary “I Am: Celine Dion” in June, she candidly shared the arduous journey back to the stage, which included extensive physical, mental, emotional, and vocal therapy.
“This return means everything to me,” Dion said, her voice filled with emotion. “It’s taken a lot of hard work, but I’m here, and I’m grateful.”
In February, Dion offered a glimpse of her resilience and determination with a surprise appearance at the Grammy Awards. Presenting the final award of the night, she received a standing ovation, a moment that hinted at her readiness to reclaim her place in the spotlight.
For the Paris Olympics, Dion's outfit, a stunning pearl ensemble designed by Dior, was a visual masterpiece. Daphné Bürki, the director of design and costume for the Paris Olympics ceremonies, recounted how Dion’s enthusiasm was immediate when approached about the performance. “She didn’t hesitate for a moment when we reached out a year ago,” Bürki shared on French television, highlighting Dion’s eagerness to be part of such a historic event.
Though Dion is a French Canadian from Quebec, her connection to France is profound. French is her first language, and she has enjoyed massive success in French-speaking countries throughout her career. She even won the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest with a French-language song while representing Switzerland. Early in her English-language career, she was chosen to perform “The Power of The Dream” at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, further intertwining her legacy with the Olympic Games.
The choice of Piaf’s “Hymne à l’amour” added a layer of poignant nostalgia to Dion’s performance. Piaf wrote the song for her lover, boxer Marcel Cerdan, who tragically died in a plane crash soon after. This emotional connection resonated deeply with the audience, making Dion’s rendition not just a performance, but a tribute to love and resilience.
Dion’s return to the stage at such a significant global event underscores her indomitable spirit and enduring appeal. Her performance was a reminder of her incredible talent and the emotional depth she brings to her music. As the final notes of “Hymne à l’amour” echoed from the Eiffel Tower, it was clear that Celine Dion had not only returned but had reclaimed her place in the hearts of fans worldwide.
