Celine Dion returns to stage in Paris following stiff person syndrome diagnosis
Celine Dion has made a return to the stage in Paris, marking her first performance since being diagnosed with the rare neurological disorder stiff person syndrome. Outlets describe the comeback as an emotional event following a multi-year hiatus from live performing.
First reported 3 days ago · latest update 1 day agoCeline Dion will return to the stage this weekend for her first full concert in six years with a sellout Paris residency following her struggles with a rare neurological disorder which sidelined her career.
The singer's return was marked by a giant karaoke celebration in Paris, with fans belting out her classic hits at the Place de la Bataille-de-Stalingrad the night before she took to the stage.
"For me, it's what Paris is all about, just gathering people in open spaces and having a moment together, singing together," Paris resident Suvi Kallom told reporters at the event.
"We know that Celine Dion's concert was a huge popular success. It's difficult to get tickets, many people don't have the pleasure of going," Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire said.
"So we try to organise more events focused on fun and sharing a good time."
In 2022, Dion announced in 2022 that she was suffering from stiff person syndrome (SPS) — which causes stiffness and muscle spasms — and disappeared from the limelight.
Since the announcement she has made only one appearance, at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics in Paris where she sang an Edit Piaf song atop the Eiffel Tower.
She is due to perform a series of 26 concerts over the next eight months and draw fans from all over the world.
Dion arrived in Paris two weeks ago and fans have waited for hours outside her hotel singing some of her biggest hits.
She even joined them at times.
"She made me dream all my life and I want to thank her," 38-year-old Cristina Piergentili, who travelled from Italy, said outside the Royal Monceau hotel where she hoped to meet the star.
The metro station at the concert venue has been decorated with some of her most famous lyrics.
Dion told reporters that Paris is her second home.
"She's the greatest, my idol," fan Aurelie Chabroll said as she waited for the singer, known for songs such as My Heart Will Go On, It's All Coming Back To Me Now and Because You Loved Me, outside her hotel.
"She's a fighter. She really proved that to us and her return is just magical."
SPS is a rare neurological disease with symptoms that include muscle spasms, muscle rigidity, chronic pain and heightened anxiety.
There is no cure for SPS, but there are treatments that can help manage symptoms.
Dion said she was managing her health when she announced the shows in March of this year.
"This year, I'm getting the best birthday gift of my life. I'm getting the chance to see you, to perform for you once again," Dion said.
Citations · 3 reports from 3 outlets
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Celine Dion returns to stage in Paris after stiff person syndrome diagnosis
The singer will return to the stage following her diagnosis with a rare medical disorder and break from performing.
3 days ago · Georgie HewsonCeline Dion makes emotional return to stage for Paris residency years after stiff person syndrome diagnosis
The singer has not performed since being diagnosed with stiff person syndrome.
2 days ago · Herald ReportersCeline Dion Returns to the Stage in Paris With Elegance and Emotion
After more than six years away from the concert stage, singer makes a long-awaited comeback in Paris, in an operatic celebration of voice, movement and the extraordinary bond with her audience
1 day ago · Daniel Kreps