The Olympic Committee has explained why Celine Dion performed at the opening ceremony in Paris for free.
The Canadian singer delivered a live rendition of Edith Piaf’s ‘L’Hymne A L’Amour’ from the Eiffel Tower last Friday (July 26). It marked her first performance since she revealed her stiff person syndrome (SPS) diagnosis in 2022.
Ahead of the appearance, it was falsely reported that Dion would be earning $2million (£1.5million) to play just one song at the huge event in the French capital.
However, the Olympic Committee has now debunked the rumour in a statement – and confirmed that the artist did not receive any payment (via UNILAD).
“Contrary to information relayed in the media, the performers who will perform during the Paris 2024 Games ceremonies will not receive a fee for their performance,” the message began.
“This commitment on their part – under these conditions – reflects their desire to participate in a historic event for France and for the world of sport.”
It continued: “Furthermore, Paris 2024 will cover all technical production and performance organisation costs, as is customary.
Celine Dion #Paris2024 #Olympics #Olympic2024 pic.twitter.com/3f8Pm0qqrE
— Celine Dion Icon (@celinedionlcon) July 26, 2024
“Paris 2024 reminds that the budget of the organising committee is 96 per cent financed by private funding and that at no time do public contributions pay the artistic teams.”
Lady Gaga sang ‘Mon truc en plumes’ earlier in the opening ceremony. It had been widely speculated by the French media that Dion and Gaga would perform a duet of ‘La Vie En Rose’, but they each appeared separately.
Reflecting on her performance, the ‘My Heart Will Go On’ singer wrote on social media: “I’m honored to have performed tonight, for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, and so full of joy to be back in one of my very favorite cities!
“Most of all, I’m so happy to be celebrating these amazing athletes, with all their stories of sacrifice and determination, pain and perseverance.”
She continued: “All of you have been so focused on your dream, and whether or not you take home a medal, I hope that being here means that it has come true for you! You should all be so proud, we know how hard you have worked to be the best of the best. Stay focused, keep going, my heart is with you! – Celine xx…”
Dion previously performed on stage in 2020, and was set to embark on a world tour last year. However, she was forced to cancel all scheduled dates due to her condition – which affects the brain and spinal cord, causing muscle stiffness, posture problems, sensory issues, as well as painful spasms.
The star has been open about how it has affected her voice in her documentary, I Am: Celine Dion, telling documentarians: “I can’t use my voice yet. Music… I miss it a lot. But also, the people. I miss them.”
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