The highly anticipated performance was also an emotional one. “Everyone will — how do I say?” one cabdriver said earlier in the day in France, before looking up a translation for “s’évanouir.” It translates to “faint.”
No fainting was reported, but Dion’s cover was met with roaring applause, and left a few broadcasters, including a speechless Kelly Clarkson, in happy tears.
After hitting the stage, Dion said on Instagram that she was “honored” and “so full of joy” to have performed in Paris. “I’m so happy to be celebrating these amazing athletes, with all their stories of sacrifice and determination, pain and perseverance,” she wrote. “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, who achieved international superstardom with hits such as “My Heart Will Go On” and “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now,” canceled her Courage world tour in May 2023 to receive treatment for her disease.
The chronic condition causes muscle stiffness and intense muscle spasms in the trunk and limbs, as The Washington Post previously reported. The disorder can impact one’s posture, balance and muscle use. It does not have any known effect on life longevity, except in rare situations where the muscles used for breathing or swallowing are impacted.
The five-time Grammy winner arrived in France earlier this week, greeting fans and fueling not-quite-unreliable rumors that she would perform at the Olympics Opening Ceremonies. Dion herself hinted at a potential comeback in an interview with Vogue France in April: “I’ve chosen to work with all my body and soul, from head to toe, with a medical team. I want to be the best I can be. My goal is to see the Eiffel Tower again!”
Since her diagnosis, Dion has made sparing appearances at award shows and red carpets. She received a standing ovation when she showed up at the Grammys earlier this year to present the album of the year award to Taylor Swift. (The moment also caught attention on the internet as many viewers alleged that Swift snubbed Dion when accepting her award. Swift later took a picture hugging Dion backstage.)
In June, Dion attended the New York City premiere of her documentary “I Am: Celine Dion,” which chronicled her life and diagnosis. One vulnerable moment includes her experiencing a seizure. The documentary also showed Dion struggling to sing in a recording studio.
Friday’s performance was not Dion’s first at the Olympics. She previously performed at the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta, where she sang “The Power of the Dream.”
Candace Buckner contributed to this report. This article has been updated.
