Celine Dion returns to stage in Paris after stiff person syndrome diagnosis
Celine 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."
Fans gathered in Paris to sing Celine Dion's greatest hits together in French. (Reuters: Sarah Meyssonnier )
Celine Dion fans gather as she prepares to perform 26 concerts in Paris. (Reuters: Sarah Meyssonnier)
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.
A sign reads "Let yourself be transported to Celine's concert" at a Paris metro station. (Reuters: Gonzalo Fuentes)
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.
Celine Dion greets fans outside her hotel in Paris. (Reuters: Abdul Saboor )
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."
The first concert of the series will kick off on September 11, local time.
What is stiff person syndrome?
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.
"I want to let you know that I'm doing great, managing my health, feeling good."
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