By DAVID MATTHEWS | dmatthews@nydailynews.com | New York Daily News
Rumors are swirling after reports that Celine Dion is set to take the stage at the Olympics opening ceremony on Friday, which would mark her first performance since she was diagnosed with stiff person syndrome in 2022.
The French-Canadian diva paused touring due to the rare condition, a “progressive neurological disorder” which often results in stiffness and muscle spasms that can be set off by loud noises or emotional distress, according to the National Institutes of Health.
According to Variety, Dion recently arrived in Paris ahead of Friday’s start of the Summer Games and plans to perform during an 85-boat parade along the Seine that will end near the Trocadero, facing the Eiffel Tower.
Celine Dion announces Ivan Demidov as the fifth overall pick by the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft at Sphere on June 28, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
TMZ reports she’ll perform one song and be paid $2 million for the appearance. According to TMZ, the Games are also footing the bill for her travel.
Lady Gaga and Dua Lipa are also among the rumored performers.
Dion said earlier this year she vowed to return to the stage and her Las Vegas residency, though her sister said the 56-year-old singer’s symptoms can be “impossible to control.”
“Trying to overcome this autoimmune disorder has been one of the hardest experiences of my life, but I remain determined to one day get back onto the stage and to live as normal of a life as possible,” Dion wrote on social media in March. “I am deeply grateful for the love and support from my kids, family, team and all of you!”
The six-time Grammy-winner’s battle with the illness was also the subject of the recent documentary “I Am: Celine Dion.”
Dion previously performed “The Power of the Dream” at the Opening Ceremony for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.