Celine Dion and Lady Gaga won't be paid for duet at Olympic opening ceremony
The opening ceremony for the Olympics is a century-long tradition that usually features the Parade of Nations in a sold-out stadium.
However, this time around it's Paris's turn to host the iconic 2024 Olympic Games which kicks off tonight (26 July), and the committee has instead opted for a boat parade on the Seine river.
Their aim is to make the opening ceremony a public, non-ticketed event, and the likes of stars Celine Dion and Lady Gaga are set to feature on the river banks.
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The pair are reportedly set to perform a version of Edith Piaf’s ‘La Vie en Rose’ in what will be the first ever ceremony staged outside of a stadium.
Taking to X, the French-Canadian singer, 56, said: "Every time I return to Paris, I remember there’s so much beauty and joy still to experience in the world.
"I love Paris, and I’m so happy to be back!"
Amid the anticipation, however, it seems as if both singers will not be getting paid to perform at the opening ceremony.
Olympic organisers explained in a statement: "Contrary to some media reports, the music artists who will be appearing at the Paris 2024 Games Ceremonies will not be paid a fee for their services.
"Their decision to perform under these conditions reflects their desire to be part of a historic event for France, and for the world of sports.
"In addition, Paris 2024 will cover all technical production and performance organisation costs, as is customary.
"Paris 2024 would like to point out that 96 percent of the Organising Committee's budget is funded by private revenues and that no public contributions are used to pay the artistic teams."
This comes after Dion's health admission in 2022, revealing in an Instagram video: "I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time.
"I have been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder."
Her illness is called Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), which is a neurological condition that causes muscles to spasm.
In an interview with the BBC, the award-winning musician opened up about the initial symptoms: "It was just feeling a little strange, like a little spasm.
"My voice was struggling, I was starting to push a little bit."
As symptoms started to get worse, she was forced to pull out of the remainder of her world tour in 2022.
Despite her health battle, Dion will grace the stage with Gaga this evening (26 June) for the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024
Anish Vij