Celine Dion: The Queen of the Power Ballad Faces New Challenges
Celine Dion, known as the “Queen of the Power Ballad,” has mesmerized audiences for decades with her powerful performances and incredible vocal range.
From Early Stardom to Global Fame
Born in Quebec, Canada, as the youngest of 14 children, Dion’s big break came when she won the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest at age 20. In the 1990s, she became a global superstar, releasing international chart-toppers, including the iconic “My Heart Will Go On” from the movie Titanic.
A New Struggle: Stiff Person Syndrome
In December 2022, Dion made headlines for a different reason. After postponing and canceling several concerts on her world tour, she revealed that she had been diagnosed with a rare and disabling disorder called stiff person syndrome (SPS). This condition has impacted her ability to sing and walk.
Revealing the Challenges: “I Am: Celine Dion” Documentary
The new documentary I Am: Celine Dion, directed by Irene Taylor and now streaming on Amazon Prime, provides an intimate and sometimes shocking look at Dion’s life with this debilitating condition. Here are seven of the biggest revelations from the film.
1. A 17-Year Journey to Diagnosis
Dion’s first symptoms of stiff person syndrome appeared 17 years before her diagnosis in July 2022. She began experiencing unexplained muscle spasms that affected her vocal cords and overall well-being. Diagnosing SPS is challenging, and it often leads to delays or even misdiagnosis. According to Dr. Sarah Wesley, a neurologist specializing in inflammatory disorders, the syndrome is rare, affecting only about 1 or 2 people in one million.
2. Fake Excuses for Canceled Tour Dates
The documentary reveals how Dion’s symptoms forced her to cancel shows or leave the stage mid-performance due to spasms. She and her team created fake excuses, such as ear or sinus infections, to explain the cancellations. In the spring of 2023, Dion made the tough decision to cancel the rest of her Courage World Tour, knowing it would disappoint her fans.
3. The Impact of SPS on Daily Life
Stiff person syndrome has made Dion’s everyday life incredibly difficult. She describes losing her balance, struggling to walk, and enduring severe pain. The condition causes episodes where she can suddenly freeze while walking, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. The syndrome’s effects are caused by the immune system attacking an enzyme in the nervous system, leading to constant muscle stimulation, stiffness, and intense spasms.
4. Life-Threatening Use of Valium
Before her diagnosis, Dion tried many remedies to continue performing, including steam showers and over-the-counter medications. As her symptoms worsened, doctors prescribed Valium as a muscle relaxant. Dion initially took a standard dose, but it soon wore off quickly. At one point, she took 90 milligrams of Valium to get through a performance, which could have been fatal. Dion admits she didn’t realize the danger at the time.
5. A Flare-Up During Her Journey Back to Performing
Near the end of the documentary, Dion returns to the studio and successfully records a song. However, during a physical therapy session afterward, she experiences a severe spasm in her foot, and her entire body locks up in pain. Her team administers diazepam nasal spray for relief. Dion explains that moments of excitement or stress can trigger these flares, which, while painful, are usually not life-threatening.
6. Intimate Moments from Dion’s Home Life
The documentary also shows Dion in her everyday life, often without makeup, her hair pulled back in a simple bun. She shares home videos, including the birth of her eldest son, René-Charles, and her life as the mother of 13-year-old twins. These children are from her marriage to her late husband and manager, René Angélil, who passed away in 2016 from throat cancer.
7. Celine Dion’s Determination to Keep Going
Despite the challenges, Dion’s will to continue is strong. The flare-up shown at the end of the movie raises questions about whether she will achieve her dream of recording and performing again. However, Dion remains resolute, saying, “If I can’t run, I’ll walk. If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl. But I won’t stop.”
