Paris sees Celine Dion’s musical return for opening ceremony of the Olympics

Celine Dion returned to the stage with a spectacular performance at the Paris Olympics 2024, despite her problems with stiff person syndrome. She sang in the Olympics opening ceremony on Friday, leaving the crowd in a state of stunned silence, following a three-year break due to serious health difficulties.

Health issues faced by Celine

Celine Dion, 56, has been diagnosed with stiff person syndrome, a rare autoimmune condition that causes painful muscular stiffness. She revealed her condition in December 2022, a year after exiting stage performances.

In her documentary, I Am: Celine Dion, she shared her experiences with the syndrome, including seizures, and expressed her determination to not let the syndrome hinder her desire to perform again.

Musical return at Olympics

Dion performed Hymne A L’Amour by Edith Piaf at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, wearing a stunning high-neck gown covered in crystals and long sleeves with a cape and beaded tassels. This was her first performance since leaving her Las Vegas residency in 2021 to focus on her health. Dion held back tears during the performance.

Host of the programme, Kelly Clarkson, was touched by the performance and she commented “I actually can’t talk. That was really beautiful.People who don’t know her story and what she has been going through physically. It’s just incredible what she has overcome. To have that moment. She is a vocal athlete. She is incredible.”

Reports suggest a $2 million fee was paid to a singer for her performance at the Paris 2024 Games ceremonies. However, a rep for the Olympics stated that performers will not receive a fee and their decision to perform under these conditions reflects their desire to be part of a historic event.

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