The singer's appearance marks a milestone after she was diagnosed with stiff person syndrome, which has severely affected her ability to sing.
Celine Dion is The Canadian icon returned to the stage during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics by performing Edith Piaf's hit song “Hymne à L'amour” on the Eiffel Tower.
The singer belted out her hit song while standing under the lights of the six Olympic rings erected on the historic monument. Wearing a sparkling silver dress, she shone brighter than all the bright lights in Paris.
Dion's appearance marks a significant milestone following her diagnosis with stiff person syndrome, which she revealed in December 2022. In June, the singer vowed she would return to the stage despite symptoms of the rare neurological condition affecting her body. Stiff person syndrome can cause stiffness in the body and limbs, as well as debilitating spasms, which also affects Dion's vocal cords.
Dion has undergone extensive physical therapy and vocal rehabilitation with medications to treat her symptoms, which began nearly two decades before she was diagnosed. She first announced her plans to return to the stage during an interview with Hoda Kotb of the Today show. “I am Celine Dion, because my voice is going to be heard today for the first time, not just because I have to, or because I need to. Because I want to, and I miss it,” she said.
There was initially speculation that Dion would perform at the opening ceremony when she was spotted arriving in Paris in the days leading up to the event. There have been a number of other names mentioned in the rumored lineup of potential performers, including Ariana Grande and Dua Lipa. She was also rumored to appear alongside Lady Gaga, who gave the first performance of the four-and-a-half-hour special.
