Inside Celine Dion’s Decision to Perform for Free at Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony

Celine Dion was not paid for her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony.

Taking the stage against the iconic skyline, the Canadian artist mesmerized the audience in Paris and viewers watching at home on Friday with a heartfelt rendition of Edith Piaf's classic "L'Hymne A L'Amour."

Dion's moment not only showcased her talent but also served as her comeback performance following her Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) diagnosis.

But before the Olympics, TMZ reported that Dion was supposedly being paid $2 million to perform one song at the grand event in Paris.

The Olympic Committee has since rebutted these rumors and clarified that the "My Heart Will Go On" singer did not receive any payment, as reported by UNILAD.

"Contrary to information relayed in the media, the performers who will perform during the Paris 2024 Games ceremonies will not receive a fee for their performance," the committee said in a statement. "This commitment on their part -- under these conditions -- reflects their desire to participate in a historic event for France and for the world of sport."

"Furthermore, Paris 2024 will cover all technical production and performance organization costs, as is customary," the statement continued. "Paris 2024 reminds that the budget of the organizing committee is 96% financed by private funding and that at no time do public contributions pay the artistic teams."

In the days leading up to the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, French media had sparked speculation that Dion and Lady Gaga could perform a duet of "La Vie En Rose," yet they chose to showcase their talents individually.

Gaga also wowed the crowd with her rendition of "Mon Truc en Plumes" at the event.

Dion initially had exciting plans for a global tour in 2020. But all her scheduled performances had to be called off due to her autoimmune neurological disorder, which affects the brain and spinal cord. This condition results in muscle stiffness, posture complications, sensory challenges, and painful spasms.

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