The Olympic Games Opening Ceremony commenced tonight at 7:30 p.m. Paris time, which was 1:30 p.m. ET in the U.S. The festivities began earlier today with Snoop Dogg carrying the Olympic Torch.
In the evening, Celine Dion delivered a stunning, emotional performance from the Eiffel Tower.
Earlier in the day, Lady Gaga performed with dancers and a full jazz band on elaborate golden stairs. She sang convincingly in French and later wore a giant fan of white feathers, complementing the pink feathers carried by the dancers. According to Kelly Clarkson, who co-hosted the ceremony on NBC with Peyton Manning, Gaga had “no rehearsal.”
Dressed in a sparkling white gown and positioned on the Eiffel Tower, Celine Dion sang powerfully and evocatively in French, accompanied by piano, despite her ongoing health issues.
Keep reading and check out the video of her performance!
Celine Dion has been battling a rare neurological disorder, which she revealed to her fans in 2022.
Her new documentary, I Am: Celine Dion, offers an intimate look into how Stiff Person Syndrome affects her life and career, from the challenging aspects to the debilitating spasms she experiences.
Despite this, Dion has not let the disease overcome her. She has been investing in therapies and treatments, determined to make a comeback on stage.
This performance marks her first since 2020, when the pandemic forced her to pause her tour. She subsequently canceled the remaining tour dates after her diagnosis in March 2022.
🇫🇷 LA LÉGENDE CÉLINE #DION CLÔTURE LA FIN DE LA CÉRÉMONIE DES JO DE #PARIS2024.
— Cerfia (@CerfiaFR) July 26, 2024
Dion has expressed her joy at being in Paris for the ceremony, sharing photos and comments on social media praising the city’s beauty.
“Every time I return to Paris, I remember there’s so much beauty and joy still to experience in the world. I love Paris, and I’m so happy to be back!” she wrote on Twitter on Wednesday, July 24.
Lady Gaga was also spotted practicing for the ceremony in Paris, notably on a piano floating on a platform in the River Seine.
Celine Dion discussed her health and determination to return to the stage with Vanity Fair at the premiere of her documentary last month.
🇫🇷 CÉLINE DION POUR LE FINAL DE LA CÉRÉMONIE D’OUVERTURE. UNE LÉGENDE. (France 2) #ceremoniedouverture #Paris2024
— Mediavenir (@Mediavenir) July 26, 2024
“When life imposes something on you, you have two options: You deal with it, or you don’t,” she said. “I want to deal with it because I am a mother … And that is what keeps me positive. I have to manage it and tell myself that. There are moments that are hard. I have days that are better than others. It’s not going away. I have to deal with this, and I am.”
She added resolutely, “I will sing again, that’s for sure.”
How did you like the performance? Share your thoughts.
