In a surprising twist, Celine Dion did not earn a single dollar or euro for her mesmerizing performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. This comes just a month after the Canadian superstar released her documentary, “I Am: Celine Dion.” You might expect an event as grand as the Olympics to come with a hefty paycheck, but Dion’s stunning performance was entirely voluntary.
The Olympics kicked off with a spectacular show, featuring USA flag bearers LeBron James and Coco Gauff leading 590 Olympians down the River Seine. The ceremony concluded with Dion’s sparkling rendition of Edith Piaf’s “L’Hymne A L’Amour” from the Eiffel Tower, marking her return to the stage after announcing her battle with stiff person syndrome, which forced her to cancel her world tour.
Initially, reports falsely claimed that Dion would receive $2 million for her performance. This rumor spread like wildfire around social media as fans defended her right to charge what ever she pleased. However, the Olympic organizers swiftly debunked these rumors. They issued a statement clarifying that no performers at the Paris 2024 Games ceremonies would be paid – including Lady Gaga.
The organizers further explained that while no fees were paid, all technical production and performance costs were covered by Paris 2024, with 96 percent of the budget funded by private contributions, ensuring no public money was used to pay the artistic teams. Maybe they convinced her by saying “it will be great exposure”?.
Hoever, Celine Dion explained that it was always a dream for her to return to Paris and see the Eiffel Tower again. Not only did she see it, but she performed a world-stopping performance standing on it in one of the most beautiful opening ceremony performances.
So why did Celine Dion perform for free? For Dion, singing at the most historic competition on Earth was an incredible privilege, not a monetary opportunity despite fears for her health at the time.
This performance came on the heels of her revealing her ongoing health struggles in her documentary. The documentary includes distressing footage of Dion experiencing a seizure, a moment that shocked and saddened viewers. A therapist later explained that the seizure was due to her brain being overstimulated in the recording studio. Despite concerns about her health, Dion saw the Olympic performance as a chance to make history and do what she loves.Â