Celine Dion absolutely stunned viewers around the world on Friday night as she wrapped up the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony with a powerhouse performance.
The Canadian star, 56, made an incredible public comeback with her first live performance in since she announced her stiff-person syndrome diagnosis in 2022.
It was also her first live performance since the early spring of 2020, in pre-pandemic lockdown New York.
As the ambitious opening ceremony approached its final minutes after the Olympic cauldron had been lit, signalling the official start of the Games, Dion stepped out on to a special stage beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower.
In a glittering beaded silver gown, and offering faultless vocals, the chart-topping Canadian singer gave a stirring performance that drew immediate adulation.
The star performed a rousing rendition of L’Hymne à l’amour by the French singer Edith Piaf.
As she came to the climax of the song, Dion appeared to become emotional.
Among those to share their admiration was Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
‘A proud Quebecer from Charlemagne is on stage at the Opening Ceremony!,’ he tweeted from his official X account, adding:’@celinedion is a Canadian icon, an incredible talent, and she overcame a lot to be there tonight.
‘Celine, it’s great to see you singing again.’
Others rushed to heap praise on Dion on social media after an opening ceremony that had left some viewers cold with its decision to stretch itself across the River Seine and various Parisian landmarks.
’@celinedion I did not have cutting onions on my bingo card today. I have chills. That was incredible,’ posted Joey Vogt.
‘The performance of a lifetime from a lady who is unfortunately suffering beyond belief. This is your legacy,’ commented Paul Bavister.
‘Is it just me, or was it the absolute crowning highlight of the #Olympics2024 #openingceremony, seeing and hearing @celinedion,’ suggested Julie Forester.
Others praised the star as ‘glorious’, ‘unbeatable’ and ‘an inspiration’.
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‘After everything she’s experienced, this is such a wonderful, beautiful thing to see. Celine Dion. An inspiration,’ shared TV critic Scott Bryan.