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Celine Dion's 'Hymne à l'amour' performance: Did it steal the show at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony?

The Eiffel Tower wasn’t the only thing lighting up Paris on Friday night. Celine Dion, the Canadian songstress, set the Olympic stage ablaze with her stirring rendition of “L’Hymne à l’Amour.” Among the millions watching in awe was Kayla Nicole, influencer and ex-girlfriend of NFL star Travis Kelce, who dated the NFL star on and off from 2017 to 2022.

She couldn’t help but share her mesmerized reaction on social media. Kayla,  took to her Instagram story to share a snapshot of Celine’s performance, accompanied by an enthusiastic caption: “STOOOPPPP!!! Y’all I think we neee to ha a opening ceremony watch party.” The simplicity of her words echoed the stunned silence of millions worldwide, captivated by Dion’s triumphant return to the stage.

Dion’s performance was more than just a musical interlude; it was a triumphant comeback. The 56-year-old hadn’t graced a stage in four years, battling the debilitating effects of Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). This rare neurological disorder had threatened to silence her distinctive voice permanently. But Dion proved that her vocal prowess remains undiminished.

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This moment of musical magic didn’t just move Kayla. Italian singer Laura Pausini confessed, “My hands were shaking and my eyes were crying as I listened and saw my beloved Celine Dion.” Even Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau chimed in, saying, “Celine, it’s great to see you singing again.”

Dion’s performance wasn’t just a personal victory; it was a cultural moment that transcended borders and backgrounds. Her choice of song, Edith Piaf’s classic “L’Hymne à l’Amour,” seemed fitting for an artist who’s no stranger to overcoming adversity. As she stood on the first level of the Eiffel Tower, beneath the illuminated Olympic rings, Dion reminded us all of the power of resilience and the universal language of music.

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Celine Dion's 'Hymne à l'amour' performance: Did it steal the show at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony?

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When the NFL met the Queen of power ballads

Believe it or not, this isn’t the first time Celine Dion has had NFL fans belting out her tunes. Back in 2020, when the world was grappling with a pandemic and sports fans were starved for action, ESPN pulled off a Hail Mary pass that would make even Tom Brady jealous.

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Picture this: NFL stars, including the dynamic duo of Shaquem and Shaquill Griffin, lip-syncing to Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.” It wasn’t just players getting in on the act; fans and even DJ Khaled joined the musical huddle. The result? A viral sensation that had everyone from quarterbacks to couch potatoes hitting those high notes.

ESPN’s Laura Gentile explained back then the genius behind this unlikely mashup: “Our creative approach reflects how we are all – now more than ever – feeling, as we crave football and show fans, players, coaches, teams, and ESPN all coming together to rejoice, reflect and exhale.”

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This musical Hail Mary wasn’t just about entertainment. It was a rallying cry for a nation hungry for the return of its favorite sport. Gardner Minshew, who was the quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars back then, traded his playbook for Dion’s lyrics, and it became clear that music, like sports, has the power to unite and uplift.

From the NFL fields to the Olympic stage, Celine Dion continues to prove that her music transcends boundaries. Her recent performance in Paris, witnessed by millions including Kayla Nicole, is just the latest chapter in her remarkable journey. As fans eagerly await her next move, one thing’s for sure – when it comes to Celine Dion, it’s always all coming back to us now.

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