Céline Dion, the iconic voice behind “My Heart Will Go On,” delivered a powerful and emotional performance at the 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony in Paris, marking her public singing return after battling stiff-person syndrome. For fans worldwide and viewers of the Paris Olympics, the question on everyone’s mind was: what song did Céline Dion sing at the Olympics?
The answer is a song deeply rooted in French culture and emotion: “Hymne à l’amour” by the legendary Édith Piaf. Dion’s rendition of this classic love anthem, performed from the base of the Eiffel Tower, became an instant highlight of the opening ceremony and a symbol of her resilience and the Olympic spirit itself.
This performance was particularly significant as it marked Dion’s first public singing appearance since 2020. Her struggle with stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder, had forced her to step away from the stage. Her journey has been documented in the Amazon Prime Video documentary, “I Am: Céline Dion,” revealing the immense challenges she has faced and her unwavering determination to return to music. In the documentary, Dion openly discussed the severity of her condition, even stating she “nearly died” during her health crisis, underscoring the magnitude of her Olympic comeback.
Choosing “Hymne à l’amour” was a deliberate and meaningful decision. This iconic French song, which translates to “Hymn to Love,” is a powerful ballad about love and devotion overcoming all obstacles. Sung in French by the Canadian superstar in Paris, it resonated deeply with the audience and symbolized both personal and universal themes of perseverance and love, mirroring Dion’s own fight and the unifying spirit of the Olympics. The song choice amplified the emotional impact of her return, turning the performance into more than just a musical act, but a powerful statement of hope and resilience.
Prior to her performance, details from her documentary highlighted her deep passion for performing. Despite the difficulties of her illness, Dion emphasized that her drive to sing and connect with audiences remains strong. “It’s not hard to do a show now, it’s hard to cancel a show,” she shared, expressing her longing to be back on stage. Her performance at the Olympics was not only a gift to her fans but also a personal triumph, demonstrating her incredible strength and commitment to her art.
Céline Dion’s rendition of “Hymne à l’amour” at the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most moving and iconic moments of the event. It was a powerful reminder of her vocal talent, her indomitable spirit, and the unifying power of music and the Olympic Games. Alongside other notable performers expected at the ceremony, including rumored appearances by Lady Gaga and Aya Nakamura, Dion’s performance stood out as a deeply personal and universally inspiring moment, marking not just the start of the Olympics, but potentially the start of a new chapter in her remarkable career.
