Céline Dion made a breathtaking return to the stage during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, delivering a powerful rendition of édith Piaf's "Hymne à l'amour" from the Eiffel Tower. This marked Dion's first live performance since being diagnosed with stiff person syndrome (SPS), a rare neurological disorder, in December 2022.
Dion's performance was met with widespread acclaim, with millions of viewers tuning in worldwide. On Instagram, she expressed her gratitude and joy, saying, "I'm honoured to have performed tonight, for the Paris 2024 opening ceremony, and so full of joy to be back in one of my very favourite 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."
Her poignant words resonated with many, as she acknowledged the athletes' hard work and dedication. "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!" Dion wrote, accompanied by an image of herself making a heart sign with her hands.
Céline Dion has a rare autoimmune neurological disorder that causes muscle stiffness called stiff person syndrome. There is no treatment and she has not performed in 4 years. She just opened the Olympics with this stunning performance. Magnifique. pic.twitter.com/NAkgAJ6wIZ — Dr. Lucky Tran (@luckytran) July 26, 2024
The ceremony, one of the most ambitious to date, was directed by artistic director Thomas Jolly and stretched along the Seine River. The performances were kept under wraps until the event, adding to the anticipation and excitement. Dion's performance was not only a highlight of the evening but also a deeply personal victory, considering her battle with SPS, which causes progressive muscular rigidity and severe spasms. Dion's last public performance was in early 2020, before she canceled her Las Vegas residency and later her Courage world tour due to health concerns. The Paris Olympics opening ceremony served as a platform for her to reclaim her place in the spotlight, showing the world her resilience and indomitable spirit. Lady Gaga also captivated the audience with her rendition of Zizi Jeanmaire's "Mon Truc En Plumes," performing on a set of stairs along the Seine River. Dressed in a flamboyant outfit surrounded by pink feathers, Gaga's performance paid homage to Jeanmaire's iconic performance on the Ed Sullivan Show. Her set evoked memories of her Jazz and Piano residency in Las Vegas, blending her signature style with a tribute to French culture.
Lady Gaga reminded fans of the superstar she is, being the first artist to take the stage in Paris during the 2024 #Olympics Opening Ceremony. #BillboardNews pic.twitter.com/BNj6JBb6WG — billboard (@billboard) July 26, 2024
Gaga shared her enthusiasm on Instagram, expressing her love for France and its culture. "Although I am not a French artist, I have always felt a very special connection with French people and singing French music-I wanted nothing more than to create a performance that would warm the heart of France, celebrate French art and music, and on such a momentous occasion remind everyone of one of the most magical cities on earth-Paris," she wrote.
The opening ceremony also featured performances by French-Malian pop star Aya Nakamura and the heavy metal band Gojira. The eclectic lineup showcased a blend of genres and cultures, embodying the spirit of the Olympics and the city of Paris.
Dion's comeback was a particularly emotional moment, given her health struggles. Her documentary, "I Am: Céline Dion," released in June, provided an intimate look at her battle with SPS, including footage of her experiencing debilitating muscle spasms. Her openness about her condition has drawn admiration and support from fans worldwide.
