26 July 2024, France, Paris: Olympia, Paris 2024, opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics, singer … [+]
Music icons Lady Gaga and Céline Dion gave powerful performances at the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony on Friday. While French media and TMZ initially reported that the artists would duet “La Vie En Rose,” that didn’t happen. Instead, they each performed solo.
The celebration kicked off with Lady Gaga’s performance of “Mon Truc En Plumes.” The song was originally sung by French ballet dancer and musician Zizi Jeanmaire in the 1960s. Then, Dion took the stage after the ceremonial cauldron lighting for an emotional cover of “Hymne à l’amour,” leaving the NBC anchors (and the rest of the world) in tears.
The moment was significant for Dion, as it marked her first time on stage since being diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, a chronic neurological disorder that causes muscle stiffness and intense spasms. This condition affects her ability to sing, as the illness impacts the vocal cords, which are muscles.
Fans got to see how the Canadian icon was navigating her diagnosis in the Prime Video documentary, I Am: Celine Dion. The special offered an inside look at her remarkable career and ongoing battle with stiff-person syndrome. In one emotional scene, the singer attempts to sing a new song but suffers a prolonged seizure. Shortly after, she is seen performing Wyn Starks’ “Who I Am.”
Contrary to reports, Lady Gaga and Céline Dion did not sing “La Vie en Rose,” the French classic by legendary singer Édith Piaf. Gaga previously performed a rendition of the ballad in the 2018 romance/musical A Star Is Born. It’s unknown whether the performance was scrapped last minute or if the rain had anything to do with it.
The international event also featured performances from French artists, including pop superstar Aya Nakamura, singer Juliette Armanet, and rapper Rim’K.
Rumors started swirling about the artists’ involvement earlier this week after Gaga and Dion were spotted in the city of love ahead of the Summer Games. Social media videos showed the A Star Is Born actress waving to fans from her car. On July 23, Variety reported that Dion arrived in Paris on Monday at the Royal Monceau Hotel near the Champs-Élysées, where Gaga is also staying.
On July 25, French journalist Thierry Moreau shared on X that Dion and Gaga rehearsed a duet of “La Vie en Rose” by Édith Piaf. TMZ also confirmed the news.
Dion recently posted a few photos of herself in Paris before her anticipated performance. “Every time I return to Paris, I remember there’s so much beauty and joy still to experience in the world,” she wrote in the caption. “I love Paris, and I’m so happy to be back!”
The 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony was a historic event. Instead of in a traditional stadium, it took place on the Seine River. Organizers created a makeshift stadium in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, where French President Emmanuel Macron and IOC President Thomas Bach gave remarks. The Olympic cauldron was also officially lit at the Louvre after a number of athletes carried it.
The 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony will re-air at 7:30 p.m. on NBC.