Céline Dion Makes Triumphant Return with Emotional Performance at Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony

The Paris performance marks Céline Dion’s first live appearance since stiff-person syndrome in August 2022

Céline Dion captivated audiences at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony with an emotional and highly anticipated comeback performance.

On Friday, July 26, the iconic singer, 56, delivered a moving rendition of Édith Piaf’s “Hymne À L'Amour” (Hymn to Love), performing live from the base of the Eiffel Tower.

Dion sparkled in a breathtaking white Dior gown adorned with crystals, as she showcased her unparalleled vocal talent against a backdrop of the Parisian skyline.

The performance marked her first live appearance since her August 2022 diagnosis of stiff-person syndrome, a condition she discussed in her recent Prime Video documentary, I Am: Céline Dion.

 

This iconic moment was especially poignant as Dion had previously performed Piaf's song in 2015 at the American Music Awards, honoring the victims of the Bataclan terror attacks in France.

Her return to the stage was eagerly anticipated, with French broadcasters cheekily referring to it as the “worst kept secret” ahead of the ceremony.

Earlier in the day, Lady Gaga had kicked off the Olympics festivities with her performance of “Mon Truc en Plumes” at the Seine River, adding to the excitement of the opening ceremony. Gaga’s appearance had been fueled by rumors after she was seen in Paris days before the event.

Dion’s performance was a highlight of the ceremony, coming after a period of uncertainty about her return to live performances.

In an interview with Vogue France earlier this year, Dion expressed uncertainty about when she would be able to perform again. “I can’t answer that,” she said. “For four years I’ve been saying to myself that I’m not going back, that I’m ready, that I’m not ready. My body will tell me.”

Despite the challenges, Dion remained hopeful, stating, “It’s morally hard to live from day to day. It’s hard, I’m working very hard and tomorrow will be even harder. But there’s one thing that will never stop, and that’s the will. It’s the passion. It’s the dream. It’s the determination.”