Céline Dion was spotted arriving at the Royal Monceau hotel in Paris on Monday, where Lady Gaga was also staying. It was quickly confirmed that the two stars would perform at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games.
This event marked Dion’s first live performance since announcing her diagnosis of stiff person syndrome and the release of the documentary. I am: Celine Dion on Prime Video in June, in which the Canadian singer bravely shows her battle with the disease and dives deep into her impressive career. Tonight marked Dion’s second appearance at the Olympic Games, after singing “The Power Of The Dream” during the opening ceremony in Atlanta in 1996.
The phenomenal and emotional parade on the Seine was full of surprises and incredible moments, including a French cancan performance by the dancers of the Moulin Rouge and a heavy metal lyrical revolutionary performance by Gogira and Marina Viotti, with a guest appearance by Marie-Antoinette herself, or at least her head.
Details of the performances, particularly those of Dion and Lady Gaga, were kept under wraps. However, as the day went on, we learned that Dion might sing the iconic French song “Hymne A L’amour” by Edith Piaf. And as for Lady Gaga, her rendition of the colorful Zizi Jeanmaire song “Mon Truc en Plumes” was also hinted at for the opening late in the morning.
For her stunning opening performance, Lady Gaga slowly walked down the stairs of the Paris Metro dressed all in black, with a huge black cape decorated with pink feathers, surrounded by a dozen dancers, all carrying giant fans made of pink feathers. The singer even took a moment to play a little piano herself. Both her outfit and the choreography were a beautiful tribute to the original singer.
Just seconds after the Olympic flame was released into the air in a hot air balloon and literally made history, the first notes of the “Hymn A L’amour” rang out in Paris and Dion appeared right under the Olympic rings at the Eiffel Tower. Wearing a diamond silver dress, the star delivered a stunning performance 4 years after her last appearance on stage, adding even more sparkle to the rainy but impressive ceremony.
