Céline Dion has announced a return to the stage for an autumn concert season in Paris. It will be her first since the pandemic forced her to abandon a world tour in March 2020, after which poor health kept her away from the public scene.
The Canadian singer announced her shows at the 40,000-seat La Défense Arena on the day of her 58th birthday, and the Eiffel Tower was illuminated with the message “Céline Dion, Paris, Je Suis Prête” (“Céline Dion, Paris, I’m Ready”).
The Eiffel Tower was lit up for the occasionAnna KURTH/AFP/Getty Images
Anna KURTH/AFP/Getty Images
In a brief recorded appearance on France 2 Television, Dion, who has a neurological condition that has kept her from touring, said: “I’m doing well. As for my health, I feel well. Thank you for all your support.”
Speaking French with her Canadian accent, she added: “This year, I’m getting the best birthday gift of my life. I’m getting the chance to see you, to perform for you once again.”
Céline Dion sends a message to fans
Jubilant fans had been expecting the announcement after enigmatic monochrome posters appeared around Paris over the past week bearing the titles of her greatest hits, including My Heart Will Go On, and The Power of Love and Encore un soir (One more evening).
Although Dion’s production company tried to keep the news secret, the BFMTV news channel broke the embargo on Monday morning with images of a test run of the Eiffel Tower illumination in her honour overnight. France 2 then signalled that she would be interviewed live on Monday night.
Posters for the comeback showsAnthony Ghnassia/PA
Anthony Ghnassia/PA
The only big appearance by la diva Québecoise since her last tour concert in Newark, New Jersey, in 2020 was her powerful performance of Édith Piaf’s Hymne à l’amour from the lower deck of the Eiffel Tower in the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. She has appeared occasionally in closed settings since then, including a performance at an Elie Saab fashion show in Riyadh in November 2024.
Dion at Paris Fashion Week in 2019Christian Vierig/Getty Images
In a 2024 documentary, Dion offered details of her rare neurological condition, known as stiff-person syndrome, which was diagnosed in 2022, causing her to call off scheduled appearances. She said it made her feel as if she was “being strangled” when she tried to sing. The condition, which affects between one and two people in every million, causes severe muscle stiffness and spasms.
Her return to performing suggests that she has managed the condition enough to handle the rigours of a season at a single concert venue, though not an international tour. Her concerts will be spaced out, taking place on Wednesdays and Saturdays from September 12 to October 14 this year.
She is also expected to release a French-language album, ten years after her last, Encore un soir, which was a tribute to her late husband and mentor, René Angélil.
Advanced reservation for tickets is due to start on April 9, with general sales on April 10.