Celine Dion performs for the first time since stiff person syndrome diagnosis at Olympic Opening ceremony
Tonight's 2024 Olympics opening ceremony in Paris has seen Celine Dion give her first performance since announcing her devastating diagnosis of ‘stiff person syndrome’.
This evening's opening ceremony (26 July) has been a groundbreaker in itself, with it being the first Olympics opener in history to not take place in a stadium - with it instead taking place along Paris' La Seine river.
It has also seen performances from the likes of Lady Gaga, Zinedine Zidane - and even the Minions, which left viewers in 'disbelief'.
But perhaps the most memorable moment has been Celine Dion giving a breathtaking performance, marking her first since being diagnosed with 'stiff person syndrome' - take a look:
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The 56-year-old gave the crowd a tear-jerking, crowd-stopping rendition of 'L’Hymne à l’amour'.
Dion left fans stunned over her moving and flawless performance, with many claiming that she saved an otherwise 'disappointing' Olympic opening ceremony.
One posted on X: "Celine Dion. So worth the wait!!" as another said: "Celine Dion saves the Opening Ceremony #Paris2024"
A third shared: "#Paris2024 saves the brightest star til last. A triumph for the eternal #CelineDion."
And a fourth emotionally shared: "For years she thought she might never perform again. For years she watched her body fail and fight against itself, stealing her voice and the control of her muscles.
"For years she's been waiting for this moment. Welcome home Céline".
The 'My Heart Will Go On' singer announced in December of 2022 that she had been suffering with the rare condition, which is incurable.
Dion was set to embark on a world tour, before emotionally stating in May of last year that she would have to cancel it whilst she battled the condition.
The singer released an emotional statement, apologising for the cancellation, where she said: “I’m so sorry to disappoint all of you once again. I’m working really hard to build back my strength, but touring can be very difficult even when you’re 100 percent.
"It’s not fair to you to keep postponing the shows, and even though it breaks my heart, it’s best that we cancel everything now until I’m really ready to be back on stage again. I want you all to know, I’m not giving up… and I can’t wait to see you again!”
Dion would go on to admit she ‘almost died’ as a result of her fight with the disease.
‘Stiff person syndrome’ is a rare neurological condition that causes stiffness all over the body, and will develop into muscle spasms.
These can be triggered by a multitude of factors, and can lead to anxiety.
Dion appeared at the 2024 Grammys, where she was clearly emotional and on the verge of tears.
She said: “When I say that I'm happy to be here, I really mean it.”
Lady Gaga, who also performed at tonight's opening ceremony, was full of praise for Dion.
The 'Poker Face' singer spotted Dion in the crowd at her Las Vegas residency, where The Mirror reports she said: “I swear to you, the number of women that I can count on one hand that are supportive in this industry.
“It's like, I would lose fingers, okay? You are amazing'”.
Joshua Nair