Celine Dion Performs For The First Time Since Stiff Person Syndrome Diagnosis At Olympic Opening Ceremony

Celine Dion made her stage debut following the announcement of her heartbreaking diagnosis of "stiff person syndrome" at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

The opening ceremony of the Olympics, which takes place on July 26, has already set a precedent by being the first-ever to take place outside of a stadium, along Paris's La Seine river.

Additionally, it has featured performances by celebrities like Lady Gaga, Zinedine Zidane, and even the Minions, which stunned the audience.

However, Celine Dion's incredible performance—her first after being diagnosed with "stiff person syndrome"—may stand out as the most unforgettable moment. 

Celine Dion's performance at the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony in Paris was breathtaking. France 2

The 56-year-old sang "L'Hymne à l'amour" to the audience in a moving, jaw-dropping performance.

Many people said that Dion saved an otherwise "disappointing" Olympic opening ceremony after her powerful and faultless performance left viewers in a state of shock.

A person wrote on X: "Celine Dion. So worth the wait!!" as stated by someone else: "Celine Dion saves the Opening Ceremony #Paris2024"

A third shared: "#Paris2024 saves the brightest star til last. A triumph for the eternal #CelineDion."

And a fourth emotionally shared: "For years she thought she might never perform again. For years she watched her body fail and fight against itself, stealing her voice and the control of her muscles."

"For years she's been waiting for this moment. Welcome home Céline".

The singer of "My Heart Will Go On" declared in December 2022 that she had been diagnosed with the incurable rare illness.

The singer's performance has marked her first since being diagnosed with 'stiff person syndrome'. MEGA/GC Images

Before sadly announcing in May of last year that she would have to postpone her world tour as she battled the illness, Dion was about to start her tour.

The singer apologized for the cancellation in a heartfelt statement, saying: “I’m so sorry to disappoint all of you once again. I’m working really hard to build back my strength, but touring can be very difficult even when you’re 100 percent."

"It’s not fair to you to keep postponing the shows, and even though it breaks my heart, it’s best that we cancel everything now until I’m really ready to be back on stage again. I want you all to know, I’m not giving up… and I can’t wait to see you again!”

Dion would later confess that her battle with the illness "almost killed" her.

A rare neurological disorder known as "stiff person syndrome" results in stiffness throughout the body, which eventually leads to muscular spasms.

These can cause anxiety and can be brought on by a variety of circumstances.

When Dion made an appearance at the 2024 Grammy Awards, it was obvious that she was upset and about to cry.

She said: “When I say that I'm happy to be here, I really mean it.”

Dion received a lot of appreciation from Lady Gaga, who performed during the inaugural ceremony.

When the 'Poker Face' singer saw Dion in the crowd during her Las Vegas engagement, according to The Mirror, she said:  “I swear to you, the number of women that I can count on one hand that are supportive in this industry."

“It's like, I would lose fingers, okay? You are amazing'”.