During the 2024 Summer Olympics, Céline Dion took to the stage for the first time amid her battle with stiff-person syndrome at the Opening Ceremony in Paris, saying, “I’m honored to have performed.”
Céline Dion felt the power of love from around the world.
The “My Heart Will Go On” singer—who’s been battling stiff-person syndrome—took to the stage for the 2024 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony to sing Édith Piaf‘s “Hymne A L’Amour.” And she could not have been more thrilled about the occasion.
“I’m honored to have performed tonight, for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony,” Céline wrote on Instagram July 26 alongside photos from the evening, “and so full of joy to be back in one of my very favorite cities!”
The 56-year-old also shared her admiration for all the Olympians competing in the games, adding, “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!” she continued. “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!”
Céline’s performance from the Eiffel Tower marked her first since 2020, and the moment was an emotional one for fans, including Kelly Clarkson, who was co-hosting NBC’s coverage of the Opening Ceremony is Paris.
Screengrab by IOC via Getty Images“I was not ready for that,” the talk show host said. “If you know anything about Céline right now, she feels this is her purpose.”
“I’m so sorry, I’m trying to hold it together,” Kelly continued, “But that she got through that, that was incredible.”
The 42-year-old added, “In my field, she is the gold winner for vocal athletes.”
And the moment coincided with another special occasion for Céline—who shares sons René-Charles, 23, and 13-year-old twins Nelson and Eddy with her late husband René Angélil—as she’d told Vogue France in April that her goal was to see the Eiffel Tower again.
To that end, the “It’s All Coming Back to Me” singer has spent her time ensuring that she was as ready as she can be to perform for her fans again.
“The way I see it, I have two choices,” she explained. “Either I train like an athlete and work super hard, or I switch off and it’s over, I stay at home, listen to my songs, stand in front of my mirror and sing to myself.”
“I’ve chosen to work with all my body and soul, from head to toe, with a medical team,” she continued. “I want to be the best I can be.”
To see more incredible moments from the 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony, keep reading.
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty ImagesRed, White and Blue
The Eiffel Tower and Opening Ceremony stands are illuminated with color in honor of the French flag.
Miguel Tona/POOL/EPA-EFE/ShutterstockBurning Bright
The Olympic Cauldron takes flight after being lit at the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony.
ShutterstockIconic Night
Céline Dion closes out the show with a powerful performance atop the Eiffel Tower.
Screengrab by IOC via Getty ImagesComeback Moment
The singer beautifully belted out “Hymne A L’Amour” during her return to the stage.
YOAN VALAT/EPA-EFE/ShutterstockThe GOATs
Serena Williams, Carl Lewis, Nadia Comaneci and Rafael Nadal light up the night with the Olympic torch.
Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesSporting Greats
French soccer star Zinedine Zidane passes the Olympic torch to Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal.
Loic Venance – Pool/Getty ImagesLaser Focus
The Eiffel Tower lights up the night.
François-Xavier Marit – Pool/Getty ImagesLet the Games Begin
Athletes from around the world gather in front of the Eiffel Tower for Opening Ceremony.
Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesWave Your Banner
The mystery horse rider carries the Olympic flag to the Place du Trocadero.
AP Photo/Petr David Josek, Pool via Getty ImagesLight Up the Night
The Parade of Nations travel along the Seine river.
Stephanie Lecocq – Pool/Getty ImagesThe World Stage
Flags from countries competing in the Olympics fly high.
Alex Pantling/Getty ImagesSharing All the World
Pianist Sofiane Pamart and singer Juliette Armanet perform “Imagine” from a float on the Seine.
Cameron Spencer/Getty ImagesAthletic Spirit
The Refugee Olympic Team—which is made up of 37 athletes representing millions worldwide who have been forcibly displaced—share a loving message.
Cameron Spencer/Getty ImagesPlay On
Musicians at the Opening Ceremony keep dry in their rain ponchos.
Jared C. Tilton/Getty ImagesRace to the Finish Line
The Olympic flag is carried down the Seine on a galloping metal horse.
Quinn Rooney/Getty ImagesScenes From the Seine
Team Australia is all-smiles as their boat passes by the Eiffel Tower.
Peter Cziborra – Pool/Getty ImagesFanning the Flames
The masked torchbearer runs along the Musee d’Orsay during the Opening Ceremony.
Hector Vivas/Getty ImagesCan’t Rain on Their Parade
Despite the wet weather, Team Spain marches forward to the Place du Trocadero.
Nir Elias – Pool/Getty ImagesSmile for the Camera
Team Italy’s flag bearers Arianna Errigo and Gianmarco Tamberi snap a selfie together.
BRIAN INGANGA / Contributor / GETTY IMAGESHeart of Paris
The Eiffel Tower is decorated with the Olympic rings.
Maja Hitij / Staff / GETTY IMAGESHej!
Swedish athletes greet the crowd during the Parade of Nations.
Kevin C. Cox / Staff / GETTY IMAGESMaking Memories
Team Liberia captures all the sights and sounds from their boat.
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty ImagesThe City of Lights
The Eiffel Tower awaits the arrival of the world’s athletes.
Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesTeamwork
Jordan’s Rama Abo-Alrub and Saleh Elsharabaty bear their country’s flag together.
Steph Chambers / Staff / GETTY IMAGESHometown Pride
The Bahamian flag waves atop the country’s boat on the Seine river.
Pool / GETTY IMAGESReady for the Competition
Switzerland is ready to bring the heat to this summer’s Games.
Maja Hitij/Getty ImagesHere Come the Red, White and Blue
Team USA makes their debut on the Seine.
Dan Mullan/Getty ImagesRaindrops Keep Falling on Their Heads
But that didn’t stop these rooftop dancers from turning out a spectacular performance.
John Walton – PA Images / Contributor / GETTY IMAGESWhen It Rains it Pours
Yet the Cabo Verde Olympic team didn’t let it dim their joy.
Naomi Baker/Getty ImagesFine Art
Reproductions of some of the most famous paintings from Paris’ Louvre Museum decorate the River Seine.
