{"id":2215,"date":"2024-07-27T16:05:52","date_gmt":"2024-07-27T16:05:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ventil.rs\/blog\/entertainment\/celine-dion-returns-to-stage-at-opening-ceremonies\/"},"modified":"2024-07-27T16:05:52","modified_gmt":"2024-07-27T16:05:52","slug":"celine-dion-returns-to-stage-at-opening-ceremonies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ventil.rs\/blog\/entertainment\/celine-dion-returns-to-stage-at-opening-ceremonies\/","title":{"rendered":"Celine Dion returns to stage at Opening Ceremonies"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Celine Dion made a triumphant return to performing at the Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies, performing at the hours-long spectacle\u2019s finale on Friday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Wearing a Dior gown adorned with thousands of pearls and embroidered fringing, Dion powerfully sang Edith Piaf\u2019s \u201cL\u2019Hymne \u00e0 l\u2019amour\u201d at the base of the Eiffel Tower \u2014 her first show since she announced she was diagnosed in December 2022 with a rare and incurable neurological condition known as stiff-person syndrome<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The highly anticipated performance was also an emotional one. \u201cEveryone will \u2014 how do I say?\u201d one cabdriver said earlier in the day in France, before looking up a translation for \u201cs\u2019\u00e9vanouir.\u201d It translates to \u201cfaint.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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No fainting was reported, but Dion\u2019s cover was met with roaring applause, and left a few broadcasters, including a speechless Kelly Clarkson, in happy tears.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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After hitting the stage, Dion said on Instagram<\/a> that she was \u201chonored\u201d and \u201cso full of joy\u201d to have performed in Paris. \u201cI\u2019m so happy to be celebrating these amazing athletes, with all their stories of sacrifice and determination, pain and perseverance,\u201d she wrote. \u201cAll 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!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Dion, who achieved international superstardom with hits such as \u201cMy Heart Will Go On\u201d and \u201cIt\u2019s All Coming Back to Me Now,\u201d canceled <\/a>her Courage world tour in May 2023 to receive treatment for her disease.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The chronic condition causes muscle stiffness and intense muscle spasms in the trunk and limbs, as The Washington Post previously reported.<\/a> The disorder can impact one\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The five-time Grammy winner arrived <\/a>in France earlier this week, greeting fans and fueling not-quite-unreliable rumors <\/a>that she would perform at the Olympics Opening Ceremonies. Dion herself hinted at a potential comeback in an interview with Vogue France<\/a> in April: \u201cI\u2019ve 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!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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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<\/a> 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<\/a> when accepting her award. Swift later took a picture hugging Dion backstage.)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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In June, Dion attended the New York City premiere of her documentary \u201cI Am: Celine Dion,\u201d <\/a>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Friday\u2019s performance was not Dion\u2019s first at the Olympics. She previously performed at the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta, where she sang \u201cThe Power of the Dream.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Candace Buckner contributed to this report. This article has been updated.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n