Céline Dion returns to stage for the first time in six years
"I made a promise to come back, to be back on stage."
Iconic Canadian singer Celine Dion has returned to the stage for her first live show in more than six years.
On Saturday, 12 September, the singer commenced her comeback at Paris La Défense Arena, Europe’s largest covered concert arena. It was the first show of her 26-show residency at the arena, which runs until 29 May 2027.
🤯 Listening ‘My Heart Will Go On’ 100% live in the middle of 2026 is a demonstration of the greatest human resilience of all. GOOSEBUMPS CELINE DION. The legend continues and is firmer than ever! #CelineDionParis pic.twitter.com/rj2XPFW5FK
— Céline Dion Data (@CelineDionData) September 13, 2026
All By Myself …. Anymore ❤️🩹
— Céline Dion Data (@CelineDionData) September 12, 2026
Celine Dion making the high note of ‘All By Myself’ in the middle of 2026, with a disease that affects her body and in full live shes is so mother #CelineDionParis pic.twitter.com/ANY6zjs5Np
Dion took a six-year hiatus from performing and touring after she was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called stiff-person syndrome in 2022.
The 58-year-old had not performed a full show since 2020.
According to The Guardian, Dion had only performed briefly on three occasions in recent years.
Dion gave a virtual performance at a charity event for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
She also performed at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris and sang at the conclusion of fashion designer Elie Saab’s show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the same year.
“I made a promise. I made a promise to come back and to be back on stage. Here I am singing for you, and singing for me. Thank you so very much for your support, your patience. I am everything I am because you love me,” she told the sold-out crowd of about 30,000 people.
The ‘My Heart Will Go On’ singer also broke down in tears.
“I had promised myself not to cry,” she said.
“But I’m so happy to see you all. I missed you.”
Céline Dion cries as she takes the stage in Paris for her first headlining performance in six years pic.twitter.com/bLDtqinDK7
— Variety (@Variety) September 12, 2026
Stiff-person syndrome
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disorder that causes muscle stiffness and painful spasms.
Symptoms may also include greater sensitivity to noise, touch and emotional distress, which can trigger muscle spasms.
“SPS is thought to be an autoimmune condition, which happens when your immune system attacks the healthy cells of your body by mistake.”
There is no known cure, but with the right treatment, SPS symptoms may be kept under control.
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