Céline Dion wants the world to know she is back. The iconic singer behind some of the most beloved songs ever recorded, from ‘My Heart Will Go On’ to ‘Because You Loved Me,’ ‘The Power of Love,’ ‘I’m Alive’ and more, has officially announced her return after years away from the stage following her Stiff Person Syndrome diagnosis.
A return years in the making
In a message posted on her Instagram page on her 58th birthday, Dion made the announcement that millions of fans had been waiting for. “This year, I’m getting the best birthday gift of my life. I’m getting the chance to see you, to perform for you once again in Paris, beginning in September!” she wrote.According to the BBC report, Dion will play a 10-night residency at the 40,000-capacity Paris La Défense Arena in September and October. The venue has previously hosted major acts such as Taylor Swift, the Rolling Stones, and Kendrick Lamar. The 10-show concert series is currently scheduled to conclude on Wednesday, October 14.The star has not performed her own show since Newark, New Jersey, on March 8, 2020. Her Courage tour was subsequently cut short by the outbreak of the COVID pandemic, before she was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome, an incurable neurological condition that affected her singing voice and her ability to walk, forcing her to cancel all future shows.
‘I’m feeling good, I’m strong’
Speaking directly to her fans in her birthday video message, Dion was open, emotional, and full of determination. “I’m so ready to do this,” she told fans. “I’m feeling good, I’m strong, I’m feeling excited, obviously, [and] of course, a little nervous.”Addressing her medical condition, Dion said: “I’m doing great, managing my health, feeling good. I’m singing again, even doing a little bit of dancing.”She then turned her message to the fans who stood by her through it all: “I have to tell you something very important: Over these last few years, every day that’s gone by, I felt your prayers and support, your kindness and love. I am grateful to all of you. I can’t wait to see you again.”She signed off with the words that said everything: “I love you all and I’ll see you soon!”
Paris lights up for its queen
BBC also reported that the announcement was met with an outpouring of celebration across the French capital. Soon after the news broke, fans spotted posters featuring Dion’s lyrics popping up around Paris. The concerts had already been teased in March through a poster campaign across the city featuring titles of some of her most famous songs, including ‘Pour que tu m’aimes encore’ and ‘Power of Love’, before the shows were officially confirmed.On Monday night, shortly after 8 pm GMT, the Eiffel Tower lit up with the message “Paris, je suis prête” meaning ‘Paris, I am ready’, as fans were treated to a playlist of songs including ‘I’m Alive’, ‘Encore Un Soir’, and ‘My Heart Will Go On’. Dion also recorded a French version of her video announcement, which was played over loudspeakers as the Tower was illuminated by purple lights.
High demand for tickets
Dion, one of the best-selling artists of all time, is expected to draw astronomical demand for tickets. Fans can register interest on her official website from Tuesday, March 31, with tickets going on sale from April 7.
