Céline Dion's potential Paris 2024 performance: what we know so far
The Grammy-winning singer was spotted rehearsing with Lady Gaga
The Olympic Games will kick off on Friday, and rumours have been swirling that Céline Dion could be performing at the opening ceremony in Paris.
The Grammy-winning superstar was spotted outside Le Royal Monceau hotel on July 23 where she greeted fans and posed for pictures.
Outlets including Variety and Le Parisien, as well as President Emmanuel Macron have mentioned Dion's presence in the French capital ahead of the games, adding to the speculation.
Dion has not performed publicly since 2020, and stepped away from the spotlight due to her battle with stiff person syndrome in 2022. However, she has stated in several interviews, including her recent documentary I Am: Celine Dion, that she intends to sing again.
Here's everything we know so far about her potential musical comeback in Paris.
She hinted at returning to Paris earlier this year
Dion got candid in an interview with Vogue France in May about how she is "working very hard" to perform again, and mentioned a historic Parisian landmark when discussing what was getting her through the difficult time.
"I've chosen to work with all my body and soul, from head to toe, with a medical team. I want to be the best I can be. My goal is to see the Eiffel Tower again!"
After arriving in Paris, Dion posted on Instagram and wrote, "Every time I return to Paris, I remember there's so much beauty and joy still to experience in the world."
The French sports minister commented on Dion's visit
Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, the sports minister of France, shared in an interview that Dion being in the French capital ahead of the games was "not a coincidence."
"You've seen that she was in Paris, it's not a coincidence," he said on the show Bonjour la matinale, adding later that for the opening ceremony, "the element of surprise is essential."
President Emmanuel Macron called Dion a 'tremendous artist'
"Apparently she has arrived in Paris, it's great!" the French president told Info France 2 on July 23.
"It would be great news because she's a tremendous artist. I would be immensely happy if she could be at this opening ceremony like all our compatriots."
Lady Gaga and Dion reportedly rehearsed a duet
A reporter with Radio Monte-Carlo tweeted that Dion and Gaga rehearsed "La vie en rose" by Édith Piaf together as a duet.
Deadline had previously reported that Lady Gaga was seen near a piano on the Seine — where the opening ceremony will take place.
Dion and the "Born This Way" singer are also staying at the same hotel, according to Variety.