Bienvenue à Paris, Celine Dion and Lady Gaga!
Dion took center stage at a rainy Olympic opening ceremony in Paris on July 26 with a powerful performance to close the event. It marked the first time she has performed in public in years following her stiff person syndrome diagnosis.
She sang Edith Piaf’s “Hymne à l’amour” after the cauldron was lit. Her rendition received immediate praise on social media.
In a statement on social media, Dion wrote that she was “honored” to perform at the 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,” she said in a slideshow post of photos from the event. “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!”
