The Summer Olympics is always a high-stakes, much-awaited tournament for athletes around the globe. This year, as the world gears up to witness the exhilarating events at the Paris Olympics, the excitement extends beyond the sports arena. The tournament holds special significance for someone unexpected: the Canadian singing legend, Celine Dion! Yes, you read that right!

Celine Dion made her comeback to the stage after a long hiatus induced by a rare health crisis. The Canadian singer mesmerized the audience as she rejoiced over Edith Piaf’s ‘Hymne À L’Amour.’ Even the rain gods seemed to give her a special tribute as she stood at the base of the Eiffel Tower in a sparkling, sequined gown, alongside a piano. And this special return also captivated tennis stars.

Taking to her Instagram, American tennis star Jessica Pegula shared a post by Dion as the latter thanked the fans for the warm welcome. “Eugenie Bouchard I’m honored to have performed tonight, for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, and so full of joy to be back in one of my very favorite cities!” Dion wrote. The singer was also lauded by her compatriot and star tennis player Eugenie Bouchard who shared the same post in which Dion further lauded the athletes and their resilience.

Another to join in the fray was Romanian sensation Simona Halep who shared a picture of Dion’s performance and captioned it “👏👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️❤️.” The 18-time Grand Slam Champion Chris Evert also expressed her feelings for the star singer. Taking to her Twitter, she wrote, “The real champion/ hero/ star of the @Olympics Opening Ceremony was @celinedion Breathtaking performance..❤️🙏👏” And for Dion, who can be better than athletes to understand her troubles.

The Canadian singer was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome in 2022 and since then, she has failed to hit the stages. It is a rare neurological disease that causes involuntary spasms and muscle rigidity. Dion herself had admitted the struggles of her disease in an emotional Instagram video. “I’m working hard with my sports-medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform, but I have to admit: It’s been a struggle. All I know is singing,” she said. Sports personalities, who often the victims of muscle issues, would understand the singer’s trouble the best. Dion also expressed her high regard for the athletes across the globe. 

In the Twitter post that has been shared by the tennis players, Celion Dion further wrote, “All of you have been so focused on your dream, and whether or not you take home a medal, I hope that being here means that it has come true for you! You should all be so proud, we know how hard you have worked to be the best of the best. Stay focused, keep going, my heart is with you.” And for Dion, it is not the first time when she has received support from the tennis fraternity!

When Chris Evert and Eugenie Bouchard protested for Celine Dion

Celine Dion is one of the best-selling artists of all time. But her absence from stages lowered her ranking in the music industry. The voice behind the theme song of Titanic was not ranked among Rolling Stone’s top 200 singers of all time which drew sharp criticism from the tennis stars.

Taking to her Twitter, Bouchard expressed her anger over the news and wrote, “Blasphemy.” She was also echoed by the 18-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert. “Not in the top 200? She should be in the top 10! Somebody fell asleep at the wheel!😡” This reflects the strong association that the singer has with the Tennis world!

As Celine Dion recovers, it would be mesmerizing for her fans if she could continue to up her battle with the illness and make more such appearances time and again!