Reason why Celine Dion was paid $0 for her performance at 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony
PARIS, FRANCE: Celine Dion delivered a magnificent performance at the opening of Paris 2024, for which she received zero monetary compensation. Earlier, it was reported that the ‘My Heart Will Go On’ songstress would receive $2 million for her performance at the opening ceremony.
The Olympic committee, however, recently cleared the misconception and revealed that the ‘Queen of Power Ballads' received no money for her soulful musical performance while citing the reason.
Celine Dion did not make money from her Olympic performance
The Oscar-winning songstress, along with Lady Gaga, was roped in to perform at the opening ceremony on July 26.
Dion, who has been struggling with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) for the last few years, created ripples among her fans through her performance of Edith Piaf's ‘L'Hymne a l'amour’ from the Eiffel Tower.
It also marked her first live performance ever since announcing her diagnosis of the neurological condition, and subsequent cancellation of World tour.
Though there were rumors that Dion was to receive “a ton of money” for her performance of a single song, the rumors were recently quashed by none other than the Olympics committee.
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In a statement issued by the Olympics per Unilad, the organizers stated, "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.”
They continued in their statement to Page Six, "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,” noted the organizers.
The statement added, "Paris 2024 reminds that the budget of the organizing committee is 96 per cent financed by private funding and that at no time do public contributions pay the artistic teams."
Celine Dion's heartfelt note after her Olympic performance
Celine Dion’s first public performance after her SPS diagnosis also came just weeks after she released her documentary ‘I Am: Celine Dion’ showcasing her daily struggles.
Following her participation, the ‘I Am Alive’ singer also penned a heartfelt note expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to open for the Paris 2024.
Taking to her Instagram, she wrote, “I’m honored to have performed tonight, for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, and so full of joy to be back in one of my very favorite cities!”
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She explained, “Most of all, I’m so happy to be celebrating these amazing athletes, with all their stories of sacrifice and determination, pain and perseverance.”
“All of you have been so focused on your dream, and whether or not you take home a medal, I hope that being here means that it has come true for you! You should all be so proud, we know how hard you have worked to be the best of the best. Stay focused, keep going, my heart is with you!,” wrote the ‘All By Myself’ singer.
