Celine Dion Gives First Public Performance Amid Stiff-Person Syndrome Diagnosis at Olympics Opening Ceremony

Two years after first revealing her Stiff-Person Syndrome diagnosis and cancelling all performances, the singer performed her comeback during the Olympics opening ceremony.

After the Olympic torch lighting, Dion performed a powerful rendition of the French ballad “Hymne a l’Amour” by Édith Piaf under the lit Eiffel Tower and the Olympics logo. Donning a sparkly dress and accompanied by just a piano, the singer delivered her signature high notes. After the performance, Kelly Clarkson, who was co-hosting NBC’s Paris opening ceremony coverage, was emotional when speaking about the moment and praised Dion for her performance and strength.

Following her performance, Dion wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “I’m honored to have performed tonight, for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, and so full of joy to be back in one of my very favorite 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. 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!”