Céline Dion has made her triumphant return to the stage after a six-year hiatus, and it was a tearful night for the Canadian singer as she soaked up the emotional milestone.
The songstress took to the stage for the opening night of her residency at Paris La Defense Arena on 12 September. The performance marked Céline's first concert since revealing her heartbreaking Stiff Person Syndrome diagnosis in December 2022. The singer has been battling the rare neurological disorder, which affects her singing and physical mobility.
"I made a promise. I made a promise to come back and to be back on stage," the 'My Heart Will Go On' singer told the 30,000 fans in the crowd in an emotional speech during the night.
© Samir Hussein/WireImage"Here I am singing for you, and singing for me. Thank you so very much for your support, your patience. I am everything I am because you love me," she continued.
"The path was rocky, the road was longer than planned, but I held on."
An emotional milestone
© Samir Hussein/WireImageThe star looked elegant in a strapless black ballgown for the occasion, with her hair swept up in a bun, as she sang some of her greatest hits, including 'My Heart Will Go On' and 'All by Myself'. While singing her track 'On Ne Change Pas', Céline wiped her eyes, clearly overcome with the moment.
"I promised myself I wouldn’t cry. I don’t keep my promises," the singer said in French, which was translated into English by Billboard.
According to the publication, the singer said her tears were happy ones. The 58-year-old singer also delivered an update on her health to fans, sharing that she was "doing well".
© Samir Hussein/WireImageCéline's comeback
Following her last performance at the 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony, the singer announced on 30 March, on her 58th birthday, that she would be returning to the stage in Paris for a string of shows. Celine will perform 16 shows across September and October before returning for more performances in May 2027.
"I'm feeling good, I'm strong, I'm feeling excited, obviously, of course, a little nervous," Céline said in a personal announcement video ahead of the residency.
"Over these last few years, every day that's gone by, I felt your prayers and support, your kindness and love. Even in my most difficult times, you were there for me."
