After a long hiatus following her stiff-person syndrome (SPS) diagnosis, the ‘Queen of Power Ballads’ Celine Dion has announced her comeback.
Dion, who turned 58 on Monday, posted a message on her official Instagram page revealing that she will soon return to the music scene.
“This year, I’m getting the best birthday gift of my life. I’m getting the chance to see you, perform for you, once again,” she wrote.
The singer will perform 10 concerts in Paris during September and October.
As part of her comeback, Dion also plans to release a new single by one of her best-known composers, Jean-Jacques Goldman.
A four-year hiatus
In 2022, the Grammy winner shared her battle with SPS, a rare and incurable neurological disorder which causes severe muscle spasms that affect her singing voice and ability to walk.
This led her to cancel the Courage World Tour.
Speaking to the BBC in 2024, Dion stated that she had first noticed problems during her tour, describing the first symptoms as “like a little spasm” before adding that her voice was struggling at the time and she needed to push herself a little bit.
Dion admitted that she did not want to postpone or cancel shows and tried to sing in a lower register to ease the stress on her vocal cords.
However, Dion’s condition worsened, which affected her mobility and didn’t allow her “to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to”, as if “somebody is strangling you”.
Story of resilience
In a 2024 interview with Vogue France, Dion said that she felt like she only had two options: train like an athlete or end her musical career.
The star explained that she would have to undergo athletic, physical and vocal therapy five days a week and work on her toes, knees, calves, fingers, singing and voice.
Through a documentary titled I Am: Celine Dion, fans were then able to witness the music icon’s successful career and the severity of her condition, including suffering a seizure.
But Dion’s love for singing and performing prevailed, and she chose to work hard, with assistance from her medical team.
That effort paid off, and in July 2024, at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, Dion made an emotional comeback, where she sang “Hymns an L’Amour” from the Eiffel Tower.
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Message to fans
In her video on Monday, Dion told fans that despite her years of being away from the limelight, she felt their continued support.
“Even in my most difficult times, you were there for me. You’ve helped me in ways that I can’t even describe, and I’m truly so fortunate to have your support,” she said.
Dion also assured her fans that she is doing great and feeling good while managing her health, adding that aside from singing, she is doing “a little bit of dancing”.
“I’m feeling excited, obviously a little nervous, but most of all, I’m grateful to all of you. I love you all, and I’ll see you soon!”
Upcoming concert details
Dion will perform 10 shows over a five-week run at the Paris La Défense Arena, starting on September 12.
Pre-sale tickets go on sale on April 7, while the general sale starts on April 10.
Here are the dates for Dion’s upcoming concerts:
12 September, Saturday
16 September, Wednesday
19 September, Saturday
23 September, Wednesday
26 September, Saturday
30 September, Wednesday
3 October, Saturday
7 October, Wednesday
10 October, Saturday
14 October, Wednesday
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