After a longer wait than some viewers had hoped, Celine Dion took the stage at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.
Fans’ patience has also been handsomely rewarded.
Two years after revealing she had been diagnosed with a neurological condition that forced her to cancel all tour dates, Celine has returned to the spotlight in epic fashion.
Celine sang the French ballad “Hymne A L’Amour” by Edith Piaf, adding to the highlight of the lavish ceremony, which also featured an unforgettable performance from Lady Gaga.
Sports fans around the world are looking forward to the 2024 Summer Olympics, which kick off this week in Paris.
But today is for the fans, many of whom are anticipating the triumphant return of a legend.
Celine was part of this extraordinary event that will surely be remembered as one of the most stunning ceremonies in Olympic history.
Celine Dion’s Road to the Opening of the Paris Olympics
As you may have heard by now, Celine Dion was forced to take an extended hiatus from acting due to Zombie Person Syndrome, a rare and incurable neurological condition that can cause muscle spasms that can make a person weak.
However, she vowed to return to the stage at some point. She is a fighter and will fight against the odds!
Excellent, sun It was reported in late June that the icon had been offered the chance to perform at the Olympic opening ceremony on July 26.
As mentioned above, this year’s ceremony was held in Paris; Dionne was born in Quebec and speaks fluent French.
But wait, because it’s about to get even more interesting! The day before the opening ceremony, it was reported that the person on stage with Celine was none other than Lady Gaga!
Music legends have long been admirers of each other’s work.
Celine’s friends laugh at her triumphant return
Hoda Kotb recently interviewed Dion for NBC and later appeared on Watch the live broadcast.
She told Andy Cohen during this appearance that the artist nearly leaked her upcoming performance plans, detailing the exchange she overheard as follows:
“They shot the scene where we were walking and talking, and her manager was off camera. I was like, ‘What the hell is going on, and when are you going to perform again?'” “She said, “Can I tell her? ” Her manager said, ‘No!
Kotb interpreted this to mean that something was going on.
Cohen, for his part, doubts any concerts would ever take place on such a global stage.
“I don’t think it’s going to be [the Olympics],” he said during a chat with Kotb this month. “Here’s why: I think it would be great, but my understanding is it’s out of her control.”
We guess Andy was wrong!
Celine may still need to relax
Of course, her incredible performance shouldn’t be taken as a sign that Celine has fully recovered.
When Dion announced her heartbreaking diagnosis, she told fans:
“I’ve been dealing with my own health issues for a long time, and it’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges and talk about what I’ve been through…
“Recently, I was diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called stiff-person syndrome, which affects one in a million people.
“While we are still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what caused all the cramps I had.”
Dion is a five-time Grammy Award winner and one of the most successful solo artists of all time. During her career, she has sold over 200 million albums.
According to the Stiff Man Syndrome Foundation, the condition affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord.
“Unfortunately, these cramps affected every aspect of my daily life,” Dionne continued in the 2022 video, though she did leave the door open to performing again at some point.
“All I know is singing,” she said at the time. “This is what I’ve done my whole life. This is what I love to do most.