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Her heart will go on: How a 22-year-old Céline Dion learned to stay true to herself

We all know her today as a beloved Canadian icon — but back in 1990, she was still new to the English music market and trying to conquer an unfamiliar world.

Céline learned early on that in life, you can't have everything

Nayani Thiyagarajah · CBC Arts ·

Before she was a Canadian superstar, a 22-year-old Céline Dion confided her hopes and fears to us

8 years ago
Duration 0:57
In this video from the CBC Archives, Céline Dion shares the sacrifices she's made in staying true to her dreams.

In 1990, a then 22-year-old Céline Dion was still new to the English music market. With years of success already as a young French singer, she was hoping to connect with new audiences globally. We all know now how that story panned out — but take a look back at Dion talking about her focus in staying true to herself as she aimed for superstardom.

"In life, you can't have everything," she says. "I'm gonna stay [true to] myself. It's not because I'm doing an English album right now that I'm gonna have another style. If they feel that I have charisma, it's because on stage I feel so good. I can dance, I can cry, I can laugh, I can move, I can do everything I want on stage. I can be myself — I can communicate with the people."

Join us today in celebrating Dion's 49th birthday today. The beloved Canadian icon knew exactly she wanted and she made sure her dreams came true. We salute you, Céline!

For more throwbacks like this one, visit the CBC Digital Archives.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nayani Thiyagarajah

Nayani Thiyagarajah is a director, producer, and writer of stories for the screen. As a Libra, she enjoys the balance of both truth-telling and playing make believe for a living. Fun facts: Nayani sometimes cackles and snorts while laughing. She can be found on Twitter and Instagram here: @_9knee. (For anybody wondering, that's how you say her name. nayani = 9'knee)

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