Celine Dion closed out the Opening Ceremony at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.
On July 26, the French Canadian returned to the world’s stage to perform “L’Hymne À L’Amour” by the French singer Édith Piaf in stunning sequins. She closed out the show after a series of performances and speeches on the Seine, including Lady Gaga’s opening rendition of “Mon Truc En Plume” by Zizi Jeanmaire.
“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,” Dion wrote on X.com following her performance. “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 continued, “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! – Celine xx…”
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Lady Gaga and Celine Dion were reported as Olympic opening ceremony performers on July 25 after days of speculation, as both women had been photographed out and about in the City of Light. Try as Olympic organizers might to keep the opening ceremony duet a secret, Gaga’s involvement was hard to deny once she was spied aboard a floating piano on the Seine.
This is Dion’s first public performance since she canceled her world tour in 2023 after being diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, a rare autoimmune neurological disorder characterized by stiff muscles and muscle spasms which can be triggered by noise and emotional distress, according to NIH. Before her diagnosis, the French-Canadian singer had been postponing several shows to deal with her symptoms.
At the time of the cancelation, her team published a statement to her social media channels: “As the world has emerged from the pandemic, Céline has continued to be treated for a diagnosed medical condition that prevents her from performing. Céline is working hard on her recovery.”
Earlier in the opening ceremony, Team USA arrived to the ceremony by boat, led by flag bearers Lebron James and Coco Gauff. Dressed in their 2024 uniforms designed by Ralph Lauren, the athletes looked American through and through in their blue jeans, wool blazers, and white sneakers—though some managed to add their own flair via a popped collar or untucked hem.
