When Celine Dion took Paris by storm at yesterday’s Olympics opening show, her voice reached Belgium too. And Mercedes racer Lewis Hamilton, who is currently preparing for a showdown at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, also heard her. Being a 7-time World Champion, Hamilton might seem like a man whose entire world revolves around racing. But the Briton is a massive music lover too, he often brushes shoulders with the who’s-who of pop music, and he has even featured on one of Christina Aguilera’s songs.

Since Lewis Hamilton appreciates music, he was totally over the moon to see Dione at the Olympics. This was the ‘My Heart Will Go On’ star’s first public performance since 2020. Because of her long battle with illness, Celine Dione had stayed away from the spotlight for a while before taking over the stage at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics yesterday. Hamilton applauded her bravery for choosing to perform for France’s people even after being in a battle with a tragic disease.

The Opening Ceremony for the 2024 Olympics happened on the Seine River in Paris. Through various segments, the show brought out various characters of France, and at the end, Celine Dione performed at the Eiffel Tower–the most famous architectural wonder in the country. She belted out the tunes of French singer Edith Piaf’s ‘Hymne à l’amour’. Sharing a clip of Dione’s performance, Lewis Hamilton applauded her on his Instagram story by mentioning her ‘Stiff Person Syndrome’ diagnosis.

In 2022, Celine Dione revealed to the world what has been keeping her away from public performances for so long. It was her brutal diagnosis. She suffers from a disorder that causes abnormal muscular stiffness and occasional spasms. Since she performed at the Paris Olympics even by refusing to succumb to such a terrible disease, Hamilton wrote on his story, “For @celinedion to get back on stage and do this is just incredible after all she’s been through. Her strength and determination is amazing. Love you.”

While Celine Dione’s performance at the Olympics has been the talk of the sports world, some people have asked how much she billed for the event. So what was the amount?

Paris spent a hefty amount on Celine Dione’s Olympic performance?

Celine Dione blew away all the Olympians who flocked on the boats on the Seine River as the opening ceremony drew to an end. The Canadian singer’s performance is surely something that will last long in the memories of every member of the audience. But being such a massive star, people wondered how much she took from the organizers for featuring in the show. Some outlets said the 56-year-old took $2 million.

Blasting all such rumors, a Paris Olympics insider told Page Six, “Contrary to some media reports, the performers at the Paris 2024 Games ceremonies will not receive a fee for their performance. Their decision to perform under these conditions reflects their desire to be part of a historic event for France and for the world of sports.” Celine Dione was not the only star to feature at the Olympics opening ceremony, she was joined by Lady Gaga, Aya Nakamura, and French artists too.

With the spectacular opening ceremony, the Olympics are finally underway. Lewis Hamilton might have been focusing on Celine Dione during the inauguration show. But for the rest of the days till August 11, he will definitely be looking out for his dear friend and Olympian fencer Miles Chamley-Watson at the Games. Do you agree with Hamilton about Celine Dione’s performance? Let us know in the comments below.