There wasn’t a dry eye among Céline Dion fans as her extraordinary voice soared around the world from the Olympics Opening Ceremony in Paris last week. In her first live performance in four years, the 56-year-old made a powerful comeback singing Edith Piaf’s Hymne A L’Amour in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower.
“That was incredible – she is the gold winner for vocal athletes,” said Olympics TV co-host and singer Kelly Clarkson.
Céline revealed her stiff person syndrome diagnosis in 2022. However, friends say she’s “still on a high” from her triumphant return to the stage. A few hours later, she posted, “I’m honoured to have performed tonight… and so full of joy to be back in one of my very favourite cities!”
And after succeeding in her vow to make it back to her beloved stage “even if I have to crawl”, Cèline now has a newfound confidence and determination to keep fulfilling her career dreams – even through her debilitating illness.
The sky’s the limit
It wasn’t that long ago that any kind of performance, let alone one on a world stage, was something Cèline feared may never happen. “She was so overjoyed to be singing for the people again,” says a family friend. “She was exhausted the next day, but the good it did for her far outweighed any pain she felt.
“If anything, it’s given her the impetus to keep going. After Paris, she feels like the sky’s the limit.”
Last month, US reports claimed the mum-of-three was “close” to re-signing her residency at the new Resort World in Las Vegas after her illness forced her to bow out of its 2021 launch.
“Vegas is indeed in play,” reveals the friend. “But it has to be done on her terms and with her health foremost in mind. They’re looking at using holographic images and old footage to take away from her limited movement. People come to hear Cèline sing, not dance.”
And the star has her devoted sons, RC, 23, and twins Nelson and Eddy, 13, looking out for her wellbeing as she reignites her career. The boys are being “extremely protective” of their mum. Friends say she’s the first to admit she couldn’t have done it without them!
Leaning on her boys
“They’re her biggest support system but it didn’t come easy,” says the friend. “She’s had to let them see her at her weakest. That was hard knowing they’re still processing the loss of their father. But once that happened, they were able to help her get where she is right now. They’re encouraging her to never give up but also keeping her patient and focused on her health.”
While a return to Vegas is a strong possibility, the insider reveals that the Oscars and Golden Globes are also bidding to have her perform next year.
“She’s also working on a follow-up documentary for release late next year. That will mark these big comeback milestones she’s working towards,” says the source.
“It’s one step at a time. Cèline feels very blessed to have her sons – and her loyal fans – behind her.”
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