Pop star Celine Dion made her return to the concert stage after more than six years, performing on September 12 at the Plenitude Arena in Nanterre, just outside Paris. This marked her first regular concert since the 'Courage World Tour' in March 2020.
Dion opened the show with her French hit 'On ne change pas.' Overcome with emotion, she shed tears during the performance.
Addressing the audience, she said, "Thanks to your support and love, I am standing on the stage of this city I love. The road has been tough and longer than expected, but I persevered." After expressing her emotions, she added, "I promised myself I wouldn’t cry, but these are tears of joy." The concert featured her iconic songs, including 'My Heart Will Go On' and 'All By Myself.'
Dion's regular performances were halted in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the cancellation of the 'Courage World Tour' after 52 shows in North America. The resumption of her concerts was delayed multiple times, compounded by health issues.
In December 2022, Dion revealed her diagnosis of Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare neurological disorder that causes muscle stiffness and spasms, leading her to cancel the remaining dates of the 'Courage World Tour.'
This concert was not her first performance since the diagnosis was made public. In July 2024, she sang 'Hymne à l'amour' by Édith Piaf at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, which garnered significant attention, although it was a special performance featuring just one song.
On March 30, the day of her 58th birthday, Dion announced her concert plans in Paris. Initially scheduled for ten shows in September and October, the overwhelming interest led to the addition of six more performances. This year's concerts will take place from September 12 to October 17, with ten more shows planned for May next year, bringing the total to 26 performances.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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