Legendary singer Celine Dion’s return to the stage at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics looks like more.
The chart-topping artist, 56, announced he had been diagnosed with the rare autoimmune movement disorder Stiff-wong syndrome (SPS) in December 2022 after canceling all tour dates for 2023 and 2024.
Since then Celine has been open about her difficult health journey, with symptoms including spasms and stiffness that have left her unable to perform.
She reveals more in the powerful Prime Video documentary I Am: Celine Dion. But the common thread throughout the health battle was her determination to sing again.
And now that dream can come true.
Celine was spotted arriving in Paris on Monday at the Royal Monceau hotel, in the same location as Lady Gaga (another rumored performer), according to Variety.
The timing coincides with the lead-up to this year’s Olympics with the opening ceremony on Saturday, July 26.
This is after a source told Sun that he was asked to do one song.
“Celine has made no secret of her desire to return to the stage, and Paris would be the perfect opportunity for her to do so,” the source said.
He added that he had been ‘working around the clock’ to put on a performance but that he was ‘not out of the woods yet’.
The opening ceremony is set to be one to remember with plans to take place outside the stadium, as the parade makes its way down the river Seine, arriving at the Trocadero which is home to Paris’ most iconic landmark, the Eiffel Tower.
In addition to potential appearances from Celine and Gaga, there will be another 3,000 performers.
In a recent interview with Vogue France, the Grammy winner opened up about her motivation for recovery.
‘The way I see it, I have two options. Either I train like an athlete and work super hard, or I turn it off and it’s over, I stay at home, listen to my songs, stand in front of the mirror and sing to myself.
What is stiff man syndrome?
Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare autoimmune movement disorder that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
SPS is characterized by fluctuating muscle stiffness in the trunk and limbs and increased sensitivity to stimuli such as noise, touch, and emotional disturbances, which can lead to muscle spasms. Stiff man syndrome is rare.
Only about one in every million people have been diagnosed with this syndrome. Twice as many women have stiff man syndrome as men. Symptoms can occur at any age but usually occur between the ages of 30 and 60.
‘I have chosen to work with my whole body and soul, from head to toe, with the medical team. I want to be the best. My goal is to see the Eiffel Tower again!
When pressed about whether he would tour again, he added: ‘For four years I’ve said I’m not coming back, I’m ready, I’m not ready yet…
‘As things stand, I cannot stand here and say to you: “Yes, in four months,”. I don’t know … my body will tell me.’
Explaining what it’s like to sing with the condition, he previously said: ‘It’s like someone is strangling you. It’s like someone is pushing your larynx back. It gets into a spasm
‘You can also in the stomach, in the spine, in the ribs. If I point my feet, they will stay there (stuck position),’ he continued.
Metro.co.uk has approached Celine Dion’s representatives for comment.
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