Key Takeaways
- Celine Dion to perform first full concert in six years in Paris.
- Fans expected to fill 30,000-capacity Plenitude Arena for the event.
- Dion battles Stiff Person Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder.
Celine Dion is set to make her long-awaited return to the stage in Paris on Saturday evening, performing her first full concert in six years. The 'My Heart Will Go On' singer, who has been battling a rare neurological disorder, is expected to perform in front of around 30,000 fans at the Plenitude Arena outside Paris.
Dion's comeback marks a significant milestone in her career, following her diagnosis with Stiff Person Syndrome in December 2022. The condition, which has caused severe muscle stiffness and spasms, forced her to cancel numerous concerts and left her struggling to sing.
Fans, including Chloe Rydquist and her wife Katy, who travelled from London, are eagerly anticipating the event. 'She’s a legend, she’s iconic,' said Chloe, adding, 'For her to have this comeback, we were like, we need to be there for the first night.'
The couple paid around 1,500 pounds ($2000) for their tickets, but they believe the experience will be worth it. 'It’s going to be very emotional for her and for everyone,' said Katy, adding, 'We didn’t know if she was ever going to come back, so if you can get there, you get there.'
Dion’s four-decade career has seen her sell around 260 million albums in English and French, with hits like 'It’s All Coming Back to Me Now' and 'Because You Loved Me.' Her 26-date residency in Paris will kick off with 16 sold-out shows in September and October, followed by another 10 in May.
Fans who missed out on tickets have found alternative ways to catch a glimpse of their idol. Dion has been seen outside the Royal Monceau hotel in Paris’s 8th district, greeting fans and sometimes breaking into song and dance with them well into the early hours.
The celebrations have spread far beyond the hotel, with Paris hosting costume contests, giant karaoke parties, and tribute cruises on the Seine. On Friday, hundreds turned out for a free singalong in the city’s northeastern 19th district, swaying and warbling along to some of Dion’s best-known tunes.
Dion’s return caps a remarkable journey back to the stage after years of uncertainty over whether she would perform again. Her determination and resilience have inspired many, making her comeback a significant moment in the entertainment world.
She’s a legend, she’s iconic.
Chloe Rydquist, Fan
For her to have this comeback, we were like, we need to be there for the first night.
Katy Rydquist, Fan
