Celine Dion joked that she ‘promised not to cry’ as she sobbed through the opening of her comeback show this evening.
The powerhouse vocalist took to the stage in Paris for the first night of her 16-show residency, which saw overwhelming demand when over one million fans queued online for tickets in April.
In a huge milestone for the My Heart Will Go On singer, 58, tonight was her first full concert in years.
Celine stepped away from the spotlight in late 2022, having been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome (SPS), a rare and progressive neurological disorder that affects muscles, causing stiffness and painful spasms.
She surprised her adoring fanbase at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games in July 2024, but her last full live set was on March 8, 2020, in New Jersey.
Speaking to the audience at Plénitude Arena on the outskirts of the French capital, she wept: ‘I had promised myself not to cry.
‘I don’t keep my promises. But I’m so happy to see you all. I missed you. I’m going to sing like you without crying.’
Thanking the thousands-strong crowd for coming, she later said: ‘If it’s your first time in Paris, I hope you fall in love with it just like I did.
‘Finally, it’s amazing we are all together. I made a promise to come back, to be back on stage. So here I am, singing for you and singing for me, singing live!
‘Thank you so very much for your support, your patience, and, if I may say so, I am everything I am because you loved me.’
Celine looked stunning for her triumphant stage return, wearing a dramatic black strapless dress with ruffles and a statement silver necklace.
Taking to X as thousands watched videos of her effortlessly belting out her hits, fans hailed her as a ‘true fighter’.
Alongside a video of Celine basking in the rapturous applause of 30,000 fans, @beyzhive said she ‘deserves the world and more’.
‘What a moment!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽’, @KFowlerTV wrote, while @deadkoolx said: ‘One of the most talented artists of any generation. Such a privilege to witness her return.’
There was also plenty of praise for her ‘amazing’ voice, as her set list included the ballads The Power of Love, Because You Loved Me, and more.
Celine’s presence in Paris has caused quite a frenzy over the past two weeks, and she was greeted before the show as she left her hotel.
Some fans arrived at Le Royal Monceau as early as 6am to catch a glimpse of the Canadian music icon.
Speaking earlier this week, devout fan Noëlla Lamy told The Guardian: ‘Celine Dion is a force of bravery and an inspiration.’
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What is stiff-person syndrome (SPS)?
Stiff-person syndrome is an incurable and progressive neurological condition.
It causes:
- muscle stiffness (tightness in the back, abdomen, arms, and legs)
- painful spasms and cramps
- mobility issues such as difficulty walking and rigid posture
It affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord.
While there is no known cure for SPS, treatments can make symptoms more manageable and improve quality of life.
Doctors typically prescribe muscle relaxants and anti-anxiety medication to calm the nervous system.
In more severe cases, immune-modulating therapies can be used.
The condition is most common in people ages 40 to 50, but rare cases can occur in children and older adults.
It is believed to affect one to two million people per million and is more common in women than men.
‘She is resilient, humane and humble. I’m happy she’s back on stage, and I hope it’s a gentle comeback for her.
‘I know it won’t necessarily be the same type of shows she put on before, because of her health, but I know she’ll outdo herself, and it will still be very grand.’
And earlier today, Celine granted the wish of another supporter by duetting with them.
The 20-year-old, who goes by Sacha on social media, asked if she would sing with him, after which she praised, ‘You are such a good singer,’ while the young fan said it was a ‘childhood dream come true’.
Celine has been working hard to ensure she’s able to complete her residency while managing her condition; there is no cure for SPS, but it can be managed with treatment, and the progression of symptoms can be slowed.
Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar about her fitness regime, she explained that she’s been doing 90-minute Pilates classes three times a week, plus twice-weekly ballet and barre classes. She also has a home gym decked out with weights and machines.
‘It is a progressive condition,’ she said of her SPS, refusing to call it a ‘disease’.
At times, the condition has caused her so much pain that she’s been unable to walk, and she has had to take high doses of valium to get by.
But she’s committed to intense rehabilitation, which involves medication, physical therapy, vocal therapy, and immunotherapy.
She’s described the pre-residency period as ‘falling and getting back up repeatedly’, declaring that she is proud of herself for being able to achieve something that her body ‘wasn’t born to do’.
The first 16 shows in Celine’s Paris residency will run until October 17, with 10 more shows commencing on May 8, 2027.
When announcing the performances, which sold out in record time, the star said they were going to be ‘unforgettable’, insisting she was ‘doing great’ and ‘managing [her] health’.
‘I’m feeling good, I’m singing again, even doing a little bit of dancing,’ she said in a video message, noting that she had ‘felt [fans’] prayers and support’ every day over the past few years.
‘Even in my most difficult times, you were there for me,’ she told her followers, calling the chance to perform again ‘the best gift of [her] life’.
‘I’m so ready to do this,’ she stated. ‘I’m strong, I’m feeling excited, of course, a little nervous, but most of all, I am grateful to all of you. I can’t wait to see you again.’