Celine Dion Delivers Triumphant Comeback Performance at Paris Olympics
In an impressive and surprising performance, Celine Dion closed the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics with a powerful rendition of Edith Piaf’s “L’Hymne à L’Amour” (“Hymn of Love”). Spectators were amazed given the vocalist’s ongoing battle with stiff person syndrome.
The legendary singer dazzled audiences on July 26 after a four-year hiatus. Though rumors began circulating in October 2023 that the star would return to the stage for the Olympics, it seemed unrealistic in light of her grave health issues.
A documentary produced by Prime Video highlighted the 56-year-old’s struggle with stiff person syndrome. The rare neurological illness is progressive, causing muscle stiffness, slurred speech, double vision, and mobility challenges. It affects the vocal cords as well.
The program, I Am: Céline Dion, showed the star at home struggling to cope as she dealt with muscle spasms and the loss of her vocal range. During one part of the documentary, she admits to “losing my balance a lot, it was hard to walk, lot of pain, and I can’t use my voice yet. Music, I miss it a lot. But also, the people.”
Spectators were thus taken aback when Dion appeared at the opening ceremony wearing a Dior gown with thousands of pearls. She delivered her impressive performance from the Eiffel Tower’s balcony after the Olympic torch had been lit. Singing live was something she hadn’t done since her show in New Jersey on March 8, 2020.
A Fitting Song
News outlets deemed “L’Hymne à L’Amour” a fitting song choice with its message about love’s indestructible quality. Some of its lyrics read:
If one day life tears you away from me
If you die, then you will be far from me
What does it matter if you love me?
Because I will die too.
We will have for us, eternity.
It also reminded audiences of France’s immeasurable contribution to global arts and culture.
Celine Dion Encourages Olympians
Dion expressed her joy and appreciation for the event’s Olympians. She wrote on social media the day after her performance, “I’m honored to have performed tonight, for the Paris 2024 opening ceremony, and so full of joy to be back in one of my very favorite cities! Most of all, I’m so happy to be celebrating these amazing athletes, with all their stories of sacrifice and determination, pain and perseverance.”
She ended her Instagram post with, “All of you have been so focused on your dream, and whether or not you take home a medal, I hope that being here means that it has come true for you! You should all be so proud, we know how hard you have worked to be the best of the best. Stay focused, keep going, my heart is with you!”