Quebec-born star Céline Dion took over the Eiffel Tower in Paris on Monday evening with the broadcast of a special message to announce her comeback to the stage following a six-year break. The mega star said she would perfom ten concerts exclusively in France to celebrate her 58th birthday in September.
Addressing fans in a video released on French television and social media, the Canadian diva said her condition had improved and she would perform a series of shows in Paris.
"This year, I'm getting the best birthday gift of my life. I'm getting the chance to see you, to perform for you once again," she said.
Dion will give ten concerts over five weeks beginning 12 September at La Défense Arena in Nanterre, just outside of Paris – the largest concert venue in Europe.
Thousands of fans gathered on Monday evening to witness the message projected onto the Eiffel Tower, accompanied by hit songs such as her cover of Edith Piaf's "L'hymne a l'amour" (Hymn to Love).
The words "Paris, I'm ready" in English and several other languages appeared in huge letters on the side of the iconic structure, as part of a light show.
"I want to let you know that I'm doing great, managing my health, feeling good," she said in her message, addressed to fans.
"Even in my most difficult times, you were there for me. You've helped me in ways that I can't even describe, and I'm truly so fortunate to have your support," she said, describing that she was now "singing again, even doing a little bit of dancing".
Dion first disclosed in December 2022 that she had been diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome, an incurable autoimmune disorder.
Treatment can help alleviate symptoms of the condition that can cause stiff muscles in the torso, arms and legs.
This, as well as the Covid pandemic, forced her to cancel the rest of the "Courage World Tour," launched in late 2019.
The 2024 documentary I Am: Celine Dion provided an intimate look at the charismatic performer's career and the severity of her pain from the condition, including suffering a seizure.
Despite the diagnosis, Dion vowed she would fight her way back to the stage.
The Eiffel Tower was a fitting symbol to make the announcement, as it was the stage from which she sang during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, while athletes sailed down the river in pouring rain.
Dion will also release a new single, her entourage confirmed to French news agency AFP, by one of her best-known composers, Jean-Jacques Goldman, who was behind the album "D'eux" that made her famous.
She is expected to perform the new song at the Paris shows.
Dion was propelled onto the world stage in 1988 representing Switzerland at the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin.
Then aged 20, she sang "Ne partez pas sans moi" (Don't Leave Without Me), which won her the prize.
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The following year, Dion opened the TV extravaganza for host Switzerland with her winning French-language song.
She then premiered the single "Where Does My Heart Beat Now" – heralding her career switch into English, which set her on the path to global chart domination.
She has sold more than 260 million albums during a career spanning decades, and has won five Grammys – two for "My Heart Will Go On", the hit song from the 1997 epic Titanic.
(with newswires)
