Celine Dion is making a bigger comeback than fans might have expected, and she is spilling the tea on it.
The legendary singer had to take a hiatus from the public eye in 2022 following her diagnosis with stiff-person syndrome, a health battle she secretly fought for over a decade.
Although Dion made a surprise performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the “I’m Alive” singer reveals she is done hiding and ready to take her throne on stage again.
In a rare interview ahead of her upcoming residency in Paris, set to run for five weeks, Dion opened up about what it’s like to make such a comeback.
According to the songstress, it is all about her fans. “It’s been so long, I would like to offer them something to show how I’ve missed them,” she said.
Despite suffering from an extremely rare condition that is said to affect one to two people in a million, Dion counts herself super lucky because of her fanbase.
She credited them for giving her the opportunity to finally come to terms with her condition, even though she had been dealing with symptoms for 17 years.
“They paid for tickets,” the “Power of Love” songstress explained to Harper’s Bazaar. “They bought my records. They gave me that luxury. So the least I can do is tell them that I’m alive.”
Inside Dion’s Routine For Paris Residency
As her highly-anticipated residency, set to kick off in September, inches closer, the 58-year-old is physically ready to deliver.
To prepare for her shows, Dion does a 90-minute Pilates session thrice weekly alongside ballet classes two times a week.
Despite the challenging routine, the singer is more than proud of her body for doing what it was born to do. As for what fans can expect from Dion, her creative adviser Annie Horth described it using one word: “grandiose.”
Speaking to the publication, Horth gave a hint about the setup, saying, “She goes from intimate and romantic to a vocal powerhouse, so we are creating something where she navigates that.”
Celine Dion Says Stiff-Person Isn’t A ‘Disease’
Although Dion is now focused on the future and what it has to offer, she got candid about life with Stiff-person syndrome. “It is a progressive condition. I don’t like to say ‘disease,’” she admitted.
The Canadian entertainer recalled how the symptoms heightened during the pandemic and how she fell in love with trees as a way to help her cope.
Her positive mindset is what helped her not to fall victim to the condition, despite not being able to move on some days due to muscle stiffness. It also helped that she is an “open book” to the world, not hiding her truth ever.
“I’m honest, and it’s not always pretty,” Dion noted. “Instead of questioning life, can you live life? So I’m living my life, girl. I’m living the life.”
The Singer Announced Her Return As A ‘Gift’
Many may recall that Dion broke the news of her residency in style. On her 58th birthday earlier this year, the music icon took to Instagram with a new move.
In a video uploaded, she revealed it was her first time recording a personal birthday message throughout her career, according to The Blast. After updating fans about her well-being, noting she began dancing again, Dion shared the news of her comeback with elation.
“This year, I’m getting the best gift of my life. I’m getting the chance to see you, to perform for you once again in Paris, beginning in September this year,” the singer declared.
Her announcement was met with approval from fans who wasted no time selling out tickets. Another three-week residency is scheduled for May 2027, and tickets are already flying off the shelf.
Dion Performed For Free At The 2024 Paris Olympics
The five-time Grammy Award winner had long been preparing for her stage return, giving a tease with an unexpected presence at the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony.
Braving her symptoms, Dion stopped the world as she took the stage to sing Edith Piaf’s “L’Hymne à l’Amour” in her first performance since she stepped away.
Her rendition was nothing short of electrifying, as evidenced by the throng of fans who lined the streets of Paris to give the singer her flowers.
Despite the magnitude of the performance, The Blast confirmed that Dion wasn’t paid a dime but was simply honored to be a part of such a historic event.
