Celine Dion receives standing ovation as she expresses ‘hope’ in first public appearance since Paris Olympics
Céline Dion made a stunning return to the spotlight on Tuesday, marking her first public appearance since her captivating performance at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
The My Heart Will Go On singer, 56, surprised guests at City of Hope’s Spirit of Life Gala in Los Angeles, where she was greeted with a standing ovation.
She then took the stage to present Jay Marciano, president and CEO of AEG Presents, with the esteemed Spirit of Life Award.
“I am so honored to be here tonight, to be part of this beautiful and important evening,” Céline told the audience, radiant in a tight black dress with a sheer neckline.
She added with a smile, “This is the first time I’ve been on a podium since I was on that tower,” referring to her performance in the Eiffel Tower during the Olympics.
Céline Dion made a stunning return to the spotlight on Tuesday, marking her first public appearance since her captivating performance at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris
The My Heart Will Go On singer surprised guests at City of Hope’s Spirit of Life Gala in Los Angeles, where she presented Jay Marciano, Chairman and CEO of AEG Presents, with the prestigious Spirit of Life Award
The star-studded evening also included a lively performance from Elton John, who brought his signature flair, wearing a bright yellow suit and purple glasses to match his eccentric style.
Céline, who has battled stiff person syndrome for the past two years, also took a heartfelt moment to express her gratitude to the charity for giving patients hope, which she described as “the most precious ingredient of all” .
Her appearance on stage comes three months after her triumphant return at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
In July, the legendary singer closed the event with a powerful rendition of Édith Piaf’s classic (Hymn to Love).
Her breathtaking performance, which took place live from the base of the Eiffel Tower, left the audience in awe and was a highlight of the hour-long ceremony.
Twenty-eight years after her Olympic debut at the 1996 Atlanta Games, Céline proved she is still at the top with an emotional performance in Paris.
After this unforgettable moment, Céline addressed X with a heartfelt message, reflecting on the meaning of the performance and thanking her fans for their continued support.
She wrote: ‘I’m honored to have performed at the Opening Ceremony of Paris 2024 tonight, and so full of joy to be back in one of my favorite cities!
“Most of all, I’m so happy to be able to highlight these incredible athletes, with all their stories of sacrifice and determination, pain and perseverance.
“I am so honored to be here tonight, to be part of this beautiful and important evening,” Céline told the audience, radiant in a tight black dress with a sheer neckline.
The star-studded evening also featured a lively performance from Elton John, who brought his signature flair, wearing a bright yellow suit and purple glasses to match his eccentric style.
“You are all so focused on your dream, and whether or not you take home a medal, I hope that the fact that you are 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…’
In 2022, Celine announced that she had been diagnosed with the neurological condition ‘stiff-person syndrome’, which causes muscles to stiffen and spasm.
Céline has previously vowed that in the midst of her suffering, she will return to the stage “even if she has to crawl.”
Céline last performed live during her Courage world tour in Newark, New Jersey on March 8, 2020. She subsequently canceled her tour due to the Covid pandemic.
Her appearance on stage comes three months after her triumphant return at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris
28 years after her Olympic debut in 1996 at the Atlanta stadium (pictured), Celine proved she’s still got it after her emotional act in the French city
Although she initially postponed her Courage World Tour until spring 2024, the Golden Globe winner decided to cancel it in May.
“Even though it breaks my heart, it’s best that we cancel everything now until I’m really ready to be back on stage,” she told her loyal fans.
The determined artist seems to have kept her promise to continue working on her health. “I want you all to know: I’m not giving up… and I can’t wait to see you again!” she said at the time.
Stiff person syndrome is a “rare autoimmune neurological disorder that usually causes muscle stiffness and painful spasms that come and go and can worsen over time,” according to John Hopkins Medicine.