Welcome to Paris, Celine Dion and Lady Gaga!
On July 26, Dion headlined a soggy Olympic opening ceremony in Paris, closing the event with a stunning performance. She performed in public for the first time in years after being diagnosed with stiff person syndrome.
She performed Edith Piaf’s “Hymne à l’amour” after the cauldron was lighted. Her rendition drew immediate appreciation on social media.
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Dion said on social media that she was “honored” to play at the opening ceremony and “so full of joy to be back in one of my very favorite cities!”
“Most of all, I’m so happy to be celebrating these amazing athletes, with all of their stories of sacrifice and determination, pain and perseverance,” she wrote in a slideshow of event pictures. “All of you have been so focused on your dream, and whether or not you receive a medal, I hope that being here means it has come true for you! You should all be extremely proud; we know how hard you worked to become the greatest of the best. Stay focused and keep going; my heart is with you!”
Earlier, the pop star performed a beautiful number at the Olympics’ opening ceremony.
In honor of French dancer and performer Zizi Jeanmaire, she performed “Mon Truc En Plume” for the audience. Throughout the performance, she was accompanied by numerous dancers brandishing pink feather fans.
Lady Gaga later stated on her social media platforms that she was “completely grateful” for the opportunity.
“Although I am not a French artist, I have always felt a very special connection with French people and singing French music — I wanted nothing more than to create a performance that would warm the heart of France, celebrate French art and music, and on such a momentous occasion remind everyone of one of the most magical cities on earth — Paris,” said the actress.
The ceremony followed public appearances by both music icons earlier in the week.
Dion, 56, has hinted in recent months that she may make an appearance in Paris shortly.
In April, she told Vogue France that she had been training “like an athlete” to manage her physical health and singing voice, mentioning a Parisian landmark.
“I’ve chosen to work with all my body and soul, from head to toe, with a medical team,” she told the journal. “I strive to be the best I can be. My ambition is to visit the Eiffel Tower again!”
Dion disclosed on Instagram two days before the opening ceremony that she was in Paris, uploading photographs of herself at the Louvre.
“Every time I return to Paris, I remember there’s so much beauty and joy still to experience in the world,” she added along with the caption. “I love Paris, and I’m overjoyed to be back! Thank you to our excellent friends at the Louvre.”
Dion has been candid about her health issues in recent years. She revealed in December 2022 that she had been diagnosed with stiff person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that causes muscle stiffness, sensitivity to noise and touch, mental discomfort, and severe muscle spasms, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Due to illness, the singer canceled the remainder of her “Courage World Tour” in May 2023.
In her recent documentary, “I Am: Celine Dion,” the singer of “My Heart Will Go On” discussed her difficulties with stiff person syndrome and her aspirations to return to the stage.
The documentary, which is available for streaming on Prime Video, captures several raw, intimate moments, including one in which Dion has a violent, full-body spasm on camera.
Dion has spoken out about her desire to perform once more and connect with her fans.
“I am going back onstage, even if I have to crawl. Even if I have to communicate with my hands. I will. “I will,” the singer told Hoda Kotb in a prime-time special in June, her first aired interview since being diagnosed.
“I am Céline Dion, because today my voice will be heard for the first time, not just because I have to, or because I need to,” she said afterwards. “I do it because I want to. “And I miss it.”
Lady Gaga was observed earlier this week in Paris, blowing kisses and waving at fans from outside a car, according to a video shared with X. She wore a black hat, sunglasses, and a leather jacket while forming a heart with her hands in front of the crowd.
Earlier this year, at the close of her HBO concert special, “Lady Gaga Chromatica Ball,” Lady Gaga made a shocking statement about new songs. As she posed in the shadows, the words “LG7” and “Gaga Returns” flashed on screen.
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At the presentation of her concert film, Lady Gaga revealed that her seventh studio album was in production.
“I have written and produced so many songs,” Lady Gaga stated, hinting at a potential genre shift for her music. “It’s unlike anything I’ve ever made before. I enjoy breaking down genres and exploring music. There’s something quite beautiful about knowing that you’ll be loved no matter what you do.”
Lady Gaga had been filming “Joker: Folie à Deux,” the sequel to the 2019 “Joker” film, in addition to being at the studio.
The film chronicles the story of the Joker, played by Joaquin Phoenix, when he meets his love interest, Harley Quinn, played by Lady Gaga. The sequel will reportedly include musical elements and choreographed routines.