The secret lasted six months before his participation leaked, just hours before his appearance on the red carpet. This Wednesday in Riyadh, Céline Dion was the star of the evening celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Elie Saab house. Three months after her memorable performance at the top of the Eiffel Tower, for the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games, the singer returned to the stage to perform, not the “Hymn to Love”, but two key songs of his repertoire.
Jennifer Lopez may have swayed like never before in her sequinned leotard, Camila Cabello may have fluttered and played with her shoulders with her dancers: only Celine Dion made Halle Berry, Monica Bellucci and their friends stand up in the same row. Saudi neighbors. The Quebec star was the highlight of this show combining fashion show and performances by international artists. It was among the models that she made her entrance on stage in her dress with a gold cape, walking in slow motion, majestic, before beginning the lyrics of her essential “Power of Love”. And for those who think they are hearing a playback, the production assures behind the scenes that Céline sang well live.
The diva then indulged in a few dance steps to the percussion of her song “I'm Alive”, revisited in an oriental style. A chorus like a song of victory, when we know how far she has come. The images showing her writhing in pain, paralyzed by her stiff person syndrome, in a documentary broadcast last June on Amazon Prime Video, are still in everyone's minds. But five months later, here she is on stage, determined to resume her career where she left off in 2022.
Céline Dion, or “Aurora” for short
Her performance having been imagined in the greatest secrecy over the last six months, Céline Dion was renamed « Aurora » by the organizers. « We chose to put it in a painting inspired by a sunrise on the seafront in Beirut and we thought of the dawn, so Aurora,” explains producer René Célestin, behind the scenes.
Because he was already working with her on the opening ceremony of the Paris Games, which he co-produced, it was he who asked her to sing for this Elie Saab parade-showorganized by the Saudi government as part of its “Riyadh Season” cultural festival. An idea – and not just a seven or eight figure check – which quickly won over the singer: “She speaks the language of a real person. She says yes or no, if she's interested or not, if she's available or not. It's extremely simple. »
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And when René Célestin offered her an oriental revisit of his song “I’m Alive”, Céline Dion did not hesitate: “We did things you never do with her. I wanted to wink to those who welcome us, who also have a rich culture. When I proposed this idea, my team was afraid it would be rejected instantly. But Céline's replied: 'Great, what do you want to do?' »
Simplicity and frankness were also essential when it came to discussing a sensitive subject: a possible last-minute cancellation for health reasons… « We talked about it with her, it was very open. She wasn't sure she could do it herself. »explains the producer. « This may have worried us, but in this environment, zero risk does not exist so we prepare contingency plans. » There was ultimately no need to trigger plan B on Wednesday evening, since Céline Dion was indeed present on the red carpet, on the arm of her eldest son René-Charles and her faithful stylist, the American Law Roach.
Returning to Vegas soon?
Passionate about fashion, the star was able to enjoy an evening combining her two passions: couture and entertainment. And what a spectacle. Although it was difficult to look away from Céline Dion, or even from the other artists invited on stage, the approximately 900 spectators were able to see 90 models parade – among whom we could recognize Helena Christensen and Eva Herzigova – and 400 outfits different, specially designed by Elie Saab and his workshops in Beirut for this evening.
Former editor-in-chief of “Vogue Paris” Carine Roitfeld was responsible for the styling, while Spanish choreographer Blanca Li was in charge of the choreography. : “I found it wonderful. But it was necessary to find a balance between the presentation of the collection and the performances of the artists »she confides, shortly after the curtain falls. » « It was moving for me to work with Céline Dion. She loves dancing and she left me completely free. She is incredibly respectful, she listens and makes herself available. »
Fashion designer Elie Saab surrounded by the stars of his fashion show celebrating his 45 years of career, Céline Dion, Camila Cabello, Halle Berry and Jennifer Lopez, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 13, 2024.
© Marine Corviole/Paris Match
Mr. Elie Saab also praised an “exceptional” evening. The Lebanese designer also recalled that the singer had been a friend of the house for 25 years and that she had called on him to design most of the costumes for her residency in Las Vegas. Everything therefore suggests that she will turn to him for her possible big return to Sin City announced for next year, not at Caesars Palace, but at Resorts World. What was just a rumor yesterday gained credibility in one evening.
