Celine Dion's triumphant return set to dazzle Olympic opening

After a long hiatus due to a severe illness, Celine Dion will return to the stage this Friday. She will grace the grand opening of the Summer Olympic Games in Paris with her presence. The artist has negotiated a record fee for just a few minutes of performance.

The past few months have been a time of exhausting struggle for Celine Dion with Stiff-Person syndrome diagnosed 17 years ago. The singer only recently admitted to suffering from this extremely rare neurological disorder. She detailed it in a moving documentary dedicated to her life, without fearing how the audience would receive the less-than-ideal image of a diva, drastically different from the one she has presented on stage for many years.

Difficulties with normal functioning excluded the singer from further professional commitments, primarily the continuation of the "Courage World Tour." Since December 2022, Celine Dion has not stepped on stage. However, everything indicates that soon, she will be able to remind the world of her presence, once again confirming her undeniable vocal artistry.

The world-famous star arrived in Paris on Monday, staying at the Royal Monceau hotel. This fueled rumours about the planned show with her participation. It seems the artist lifted the veil of secrecy in an interview published in the April issue of the French edition of "Vogue."

I’ve chosen to work with all my body and soul, from head to toe, with a medical team. I want to be the best I can be. My goal is to see the Eiffel Tower again! - Celine Dion revealed at that time.

Indeed, the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games will be a water show with a finale planned right in front of the mentioned tower. Moreover, the artist's fee is already known. For performing "The Power of Love," she will receive CAD 2 million.

It is worth recalling that Celine Dion has previously had the opportunity to perform during the highest-ranking sporting events. In 1996, she graced the Summer Olympic Games opening ceremony in Atlanta with her performance. According to circulating rumours, this time, she will be joined on stage by Lady Gaga, who spent the previous night in the same hotel.