Celine Dion is reportedly preparing to return to the stage in France for the first time since being diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome.
Celine Dion is reportedly preparing to return to the stage in France for the first time since being diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome
Teaser posters featuring the 58-year-old Canadian singer’s hit songs – including The Power of Love and My Heart Will Go On – have appeared around Paris, sparking excitement over her long-awaited comeback.
According to French outlet La Presse, Celine is expected to perform multiple nights at Paris La Défense Arena in Nanterre, Europe’s largest indoor venue, which holds around 40,000 people per night.
The concerts are reportedly scheduled for September and October, with two shows each week.
They would mark her first live performances in France since her 2017 tour, which included shows at the Accor Arena in Paris and stadiums in Bordeaux, Lyon, Nice and Marseille.
Celine was previously due to perform at La Défense Arena in 2020, but the concerts were postponed – first twice due to the Covid-19 pandemic and then again because of her health struggles.
Eventually, she cancelled her Courage World Tour, which had included 42 dates across Europe.
Her latest public outing took place last month when she attended Sir Paul McCartney’s Las Vegas concert with her sons René-Charles and twins Nelson and Eddy.
The singer appeared joyful as she sang and clapped along to the Beatles legend, now 83, from the crowd at Allegiant Stadium.
Celine, who lost her husband René Angélil to throat cancer in 2016, first revealed her SPS diagnosis in 2022.
In an emotional video posted to Instagram, she told fans: “Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to.” She added: “I’m working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again, but I have to admit it’s been a struggle.
“All I know is singing. It’s what I’ve done all my life, and it’s what I love to do the most.”
In May last year, Celine gave a health update in Vogue, saying her “happiness has come back”.
She explained: “It has been a big burden on my shoulders, and a lot of that weight’s gone… because now I can just focus on reality. That’s wonderful.”
Speaking later on Today, she told viewers: “I believe in myself, in my bravery,” adding she will not let her condition “control my life”.
She added: “I’m going to come onstage because I’m ready. And my vocal cords will not scare me because I’m going to be ready, and I’m going to hit those notes.”
Her resilience was on full display during the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, where she performed Edith Piaf’s L’Hymne à L’Amour in a powerful comeback moment that drew global attention.
Celine has also returned to fashion and beauty, becoming the new face of Charlotte Tilbury at the end of last year. Wearing a sparkly feathered catsuit, she appeared alongside Charlotte in the brand’s Christmas campaign.
In a behind-the-scenes video, the pair were seen laughing and dancing together as Celine kicked her leg high into the air. For the advert, she also sang her 2002 hit I’m Alive.
Celine said about the campaign: “I’ve always believed music and beauty can uplift and inspire confidence.
“Having my song I’m Alive as the soundtrack felt like a true celebration of resilience and joy. I hope this campaign reminds everyone that confidence is the greatest gift you can give yourself – because when you feel alive and empowered, anything is possible.”
