Celine Dion marked her long-awaited return with a spectacular performance on Friday, captivating audiences as she closed out the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony from the iconic Eiffel Tower. Two years after disclosing her diagnosis of stiff person syndrome, Dion delivered a powerful rendition of Edith Piaf’s “Hymne à l’amour” (“Hymn to Love”) as the grand finale of the approximately four-hour event. While speculations had been circulating for weeks about Dion’s appearance, it was only confirmed at the event itself.
The media guide for the opening ceremony described Dion as a “world star” with a “grandiose, superbly scintillating finale” during her segment dedicated to Dior’s contributions. Dion had been away from the spotlight since 2020, when her tour was postponed due to the pandemic. The tour was later canceled following her diagnosis of the rare neurological condition that causes muscle rigidity and spasms, affecting her mobility and singing ability.
In a documentary titled “I Am: Celine Dion,” released in June, Dion shared her journey of undergoing therapy to make a comeback physically, mentally, emotionally, and vocally. Despite her challenges, Dion had already begun her return, surprising fans with an appearance at the Grammy Awards earlier in the year, where she received a standing ovation.
Dion’s custom pearl outfit for the Paris performance was designed by Dior, and the Paris organizing committee’s director of design and costume for ceremonies, Daphné Bürki, highlighted Dion’s immediate acceptance of the opportunity when approached a year prior. Although Dion is not French but French Canadian from Quebec, she has a strong bond with France and the Olympics, given her French heritage and her success in French-speaking regions.
The song choice of “Hymne à l’amour” carried a poignant connection with sports, as Piaf wrote it for her lover, boxer Marcel Cerdan, who tragically died in a plane crash. Dion’s performance resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing her enduring talent and resilience.
