From NPR · · 1m 20s
Celine Dion sings again in Paris
Four years after a rare neurological diagnosis, Celine Dion opened a 16-show Paris residency and cried on stage.
In brief
Four years after a rare neurological diagnosis, Celine Dion opened a 16-show Paris residency and cried on stage. Dion kept her promise to return, opening her Paris residency with live vocals nearly four years after stiff person syndrome upended her career. Originally reported by NPR.
She kept the promise
Celine Dion walked back on stage Saturday, nearly four years after revealing she had a rare and painful condition.
“I made a promise to come back, to be back on stage.”
Opening night in Nanterre
She launched a 16-show residency at the Plenitude Arena with the French song "On Ne Change Pas," which means "we don't change."
Tears she tried to hold
When the first song ended she stood with tears in her eyes and thanked the crowd for showing up.
“I had promised myself not to cry.”
The hits came back too
In a black dress with her hair in a bun, she sang "Because You Loved Me," "Power of Love" and "My Heart Will Go On."
France never let go
The Quebec native is adored in France. Every show is sold out, and the run is expected to bring millions of dollars into the region.
What stiff person syndrome did
Diagnosed in 2022, the rare neurological condition brings stiff limbs and severe spasms. It hit her walking and her voice, and it stopped her touring.
“not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I'm used to”
In short
Dion kept her promise to return, opening her Paris residency with live vocals nearly four years after stiff person syndrome upended her career.
