It is “within the realm of possibility” that Canadian superstar Celine Dion will perform at the opening of the Olympic Games July 26, the French government says.
“I was asked the question this morning, and I said it was a matter of conjecture, that it was within the realm of possibility and that I personally hope so,” France’s sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera told a French television network this week.
“I’ve always said, these types of decisions are made by [Paris 2024 organizing committee president] Tony Estanguet and by Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the ceremonies.”
Ms. Oudea-Castera wouldn’t confirm a musical performance by the singer in subsequent media interviews, saying there are a “multitude of possible roles” Ms. Dion could play in an opening ceremony. She added that the element of surprise is crucial.
French President Emmanuel Macron was also vague in his comments to Info France 2.
“It would be great news because she’s a tremendous artist,” he said in a July 23 news clip posted on X. “I would be immensely happy if she could be at this opening ceremony like all our compatriots.”
A reporter with Radio Monte-Carlo said on X that Ms. Dion had been rehearsing ‘La vie en rose’ with Lady Gaga, hinting the pair would sing the song as a duet.
Media outlet TMZ also reported this week that Ms. Dion will perform at the opening ceremony, but the singer has neither confirmed nor denied the rumours.
Videos circulating on social media July 24 showed the five-time Grammy winner, from Charlemagne, Que., greeting fans and signing autographs in the French capital.
“Every time I return to Paris, I remember there’s so much beauty and joy still to experience in the world,” she wrote. “I love Paris, and I’m so happy to be back!”
Struggle With Illness
Ms. Dion hasn’t performed publicly since December 2022 when she revealed her diagnosis of stiff person syndrome, a rare autoimmune neurological disorder that causes muscle spasms and stiffness. There is no known cure for the disease, but medicine and therapy can help manage symptoms.“I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time, and it’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through,” she said.
“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.”
Ms. Dion, 56, has long been called the ‘Queen of Power Ballads,’ and is known for songs like the chart-topping ‘Titanic’ love theme ‘My Heart Will Go On.’ The Canadian songstress is one of the world’s best-selling contemporary female artists of all time, selling 250 million records worldwide as of 2021.
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
