This Wednesday, November 13, Celine Dion made another remarkable appearance. Four months after her internationally commented performance for the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games, it was in Riyadh that she returned to the stage. During the anniversary parade celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Elie Saab house, Céline Dion performed two key songs from her repertoire.
And, in her dress with a gold cape, with the microphone in hand, she is the only one who managed to make Halle Berry and Monica Bellucci stand up. No offense to Jennifer Lopez, Camila Cabello and the fifty models who paraded that day. Except this: did Céline Dion really sing live for the occasion?
The organizers of the event are categorical: Celine Dion did indeed sing live during the Elie Saab fashion show. A real feat for the artist suffering from an autoimmune disease. “We talked about it with her, it was very open. She herself wasn't sure she could do it. That might have worried us, but in this environment, zero risk doesn't exist so we're preparing plans contingency”, the producer explained to the media. No need for plan B, therefore, since the singer refused to sing playback.
“Her voice is incredible”says an Internet user on TikTok. “She sings really well, she’s really a Diva”assures another. “It’s good to see her again, can’t wait to see what she has in store for 2025.” And so many are moved and happy by his performance, many are screaming at the playback again. But ultimately, is it really that important?
“Playback or not, the important thing is to see her on stage again. It's great.”
“It doesn't matter, playback or not: she's standing on stage and that's all that matters”assure a fan on TikTok. “She’s radiant, that’s what’s nice to see.” More than a year ago, Céline Dion could no longer walk, paralyzed by the disease. His muscles, tendons and nerves are affected. In her documentary, available on Prime Video, the singer talks about her paralyzing crises and the intense pain she experiences on a daily basis. And if the various symptoms of his illness affect his life, they do the same with his career. Walking, dancing and singing become extremely difficult tasks. Since the announcement of his diagnosis, the artist has had to cancel several dates of his “Courage World Tour”. And it was in Paris, at the top of the Eiffel Tower, that she decided to make her return last July, acclaimed by all her fans. A few weeks later, the most finicky people cried foul: “The song was lip-sung.” An accusation repeated again this November 13, and even worse according to certain comments on X: in recent years, we would be facing a hologram of the singer.
“Wake up, she hasn’t been on earth since 2019”dares to write an Internet user on X. Another analyzes the color of his eyes over the years, but also the state of his skin and assures: “So many versions of Céline! I'm starting to believe in clones and holograms.” And to go even further, a last one ensures that “The real Céline has no mole on her cheek”. Okay, okay.
But that doesn't matter to his biggest admirers.“Playback or not, the important thing is to see her on stage again. It’s great”slides a user under the video of the performance. “She has always given everything and she is very courageous to come back. A great world diva, without a doubt”confides another. “We found our Céline stronger than ever. She is overwhelming. I have tears in my eyes.” And then, after all, does Celine Dion still have something to prove?
