Celine Dion set for grand Olympic comeback after illness battle

After a long break caused by a severe illness, Celine Dion will return to the stage this Friday. She will grace the ceremonial opening of the Summer Olympics in Paris with her presence. The artist has negotiated a record fee for a performance lasting just a few minutes.

The last few months have been a time of exhausting struggle for Celine Dion against the stiff-person syndrome diagnosed 17 years ago. The singer only recently admitted to having this infrequent neurological disorder. She detailed it in a touching documentary film dedicated to her life, without any fear of how the audience would receive the less-than-ideal image of the diva, vastly different from the one she had presented on stage for many years.

Challenges with normal functioning excluded the singer from further professional commitments, including continuing the "Courage World Tour." As of December 2022, Celine Dion has not stepped on stage. However, everything indicates that she will soon be able to remind the world of herself, again confirming her undeniable vocal craftsmanship.

The world-famous star arrived in Paris on Monday, staying at the Royal Monceau hotel. This fuelled reports about a planned show involving her. It seems the artist hinted at the plan in an interview published in the French edition of "Vogue" magazine in April.

I’ve chosen to work with all my body and soul, from head to toe, with a medical team. I want to be the best I can be. My goal is to see the Eiffel Tower again! - Celine Dion revealed at that time.

Indeed, the opening ceremony of the Olympics will be a water show, with the finale planned precisely in front of the mentioned tower. Moreover, the artist's fee is already known. For performing "The Power of Love," she will pocket £1.6 million.

It's worth recalling that Celine Dion has had the chance to perform at the highest-ranking sporting events. In 1996, she enriched the Summer Olympics opening ceremony in Atlanta with her performance. According to circulating rumours, Lady Gaga will join her on stage this time, having spent the last night in the same hotel.