Celine Dion announces 10-concert return to the stage in Paris

Celine Dion is set to make a long-awaited return to live performance, announcing that she will play 10 concerts in Paris later this year.

The French-Canadian star, who won the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin in 1988, said she “cannot wait” to reunite with fans, describing the comeback as the “best gift of my life” as she shared the news on her 58th birthday.

The shows in the French capital will be her first full-length concerts in nearly six years, following an extended break after her diagnosis with stiff person syndrome (SPS).

Dion said: “Hi everyone.

“You know in my career, I’ve recorded a lot of birthday messages, but this is the first time I’ve ever recorded one for my own birthday.

“Wow, it’s been kind of hard keeping it a secret from myself, but I want to let you know that I’m doing great, managing my health, feeling good.

“I’m singing again, even doing a little bit of dancing – I love it so much.”

The five-time Grammy winner scrapped her Las Vegas residency in 2021 because of health concerns, then disclosed her SPS diagnosis in December 2022 before later calling off her Courage world tour.

Celine Dion: The Paris shows will be the singer’s first full-length concerts in almost six years. Photo credit: Robin Galiegue

According to the NHS, the autoimmune condition is a rare neurological disorder that causes progressive muscular stiffness and spasms, and there is currently no cure.

After going public with the diagnosis, Dion stepped away from performing until 2024, when she made a brief return in an appearance at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.

Throughout that period, the singer continued to make clear that she hoped to get back on stage.

She continued in her Instagram post: “I have to tell you something very important.

“Over these last few years, every day that’s gone by, I felt your prayers and support, your kindness and love, even in my most difficult times, you were there for me.

“You’ve helped me in ways that I can’t even describe, and I’m truly so fortunate to have your support. I’ve missed you so much.

“And that brings me back to my birthday, actually. So this year, I’m getting the best gift of my life.

“I’m getting the chance to see you, to perform for you once again in Paris, beginning in September this year.

“I’m so happy. I’m so ready to do this. I’m feeling good. I’m strong, I’m feeling excited, obviously, of course, a little nervous.

“But most of all, I am grateful to all of you. I can’t wait to see you again. Well, happy birthday to me. I love you all, and I’ll see you soon.

“Big kisses and goodbye for now, see you soon.”

Her return to the stage was also unveiled on Monday night with a series of videos illuminated beneath the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

One screen projected on the landmark carried the message: “Paris, I’m ready. Celine Dion.”

Dion will perform at Paris’s La Defense Arena in September this year, with the 10-date run stretching across almost five weeks, from 12 September 12 to October.

The singer, known for hits including My Heart Will Go On, Think Twice and It’s All Coming Back To Me Now, is due to perform her best-known songs in both French and English during the shows.

Tickets for Dion’s concerts will go on general sale at 10am CEST on 10 April, following a pre-sale that begins on 7 April.

Source: Press Association