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Celine Dion looks set to return to the stage at the Olympics, reportedly during the opening ceremony on Friday. It will be the pop legend’s first performance since pausing her touring schedule and stepping away from the spotlight after being diagnosed with stiff person syndrome in December 2022.
Dion arrived in Paris on Monday at the Royal Monceau hotel near the Champs-Elysees, where Lady Gaga, who is likely to be the opening act, is also staying. Specific details about Dion’s performance are still under wraps.
Representatives for Dion did not immediately respond. diverseRequest comment.
The Canadian singer had hinted in an interview with French Vogue magazine last April that she might return to the artistic scene soon, saying: “I have chosen to work with all my body and soul, from head to toe, with a medical team. I want to be at my best. My goal is to see the Eiffel Tower again!”
She also said she works every day to get stronger. “I’ve been telling myself for four years that I’m not going back, that I’m ready, that I’m not ready… As it stands, I can’t stand here and say, ‘Yes, in four months,’” she said. “I don’t know… My body will tell me.”
It looks like it may actually perform in front of the famous Parisian landmark, as the opening ceremony will take the form of a parade along the Seine River, ending near the Trocadero, in front of the Eiffel Tower. The ceremony, which will be held outside a stadium for the first time in history, will showcase famous Parisian sites and bring together 3,500 actors, dancers and musicians.
Dion was no stranger to the Olympics. She opened the 1996 Atlanta Olympics with a rendition of “The Power of Dreams.” The ceremony was watched by 3.5 billion people around the world.
The popular artist also recently performed in a video for Canadian Olympic athletes titled “Indomitable Courage”, in collaboration with Michael J. Fox.
