Celine Dion sparks comeback rumor as report claims singer might open Paris Olympics amid SPS battle

PARIS, FRANCE: Celine Dion has sparked speculations of making a grand comeback on stage by opening at the Olympic Games starting next month in Paris. 

After the 56-year-old Canadian songstress revealed her debilitating Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) and canceled several shows, fans feared she would never perform again. 

However, rumors are now rife that Dion will be performing at one of the two opening acts in the Paris Olympics, per Daily Mail. 

It has also been speculated that President Emmanuel Macron has chosen the performers for the opening act, though Elysee Palace - the official residence of the French President - has strongly denied the claim.

Celine Dion opens up about battling Stiff Person Syndrome

In December 2022, the ‘My Heart Will Go On’ singer shared with her numerous fans that she has been suffering from the neurological disorder SPS that causes spasms and rigidity in the torso and limbs. The rigidity can also make a person fall abruptly. 

In a recently released interview with Today’s Hoda Kotb, the Grammy-winning songstress shared that living with the condition is like someone “is strangling you".

In the interview published on June 7, the Grammy-winning superstar said, "It's like somebody is strangling you. It’s like somebody is pushing your larynx/pharynx," adding, "It was like talking like that, and you cannot go high or lower."

The Queen of Power Ballads continued, "It gets into a spasm," and added, "It started [in the throat]. [And I thought], 'No, OK, it’s gonna be fine.’ But it can also be the abdominal, can be in the spine, can be in the ribs."

"It feels like, if I point my feet, they will stay in [that position]," said the 'All By Myself' singer.

"Or, if I cook because I love to cook my fingers, my hands, will get in position. It’s cramping but it’s like in a position where you cannot unlock them,” added Dion. 

She explained, "I have broken ribs at one point because sometimes when it's very severe, it can break.”

In another interview in April, the ‘Power of Love’ songstress shared that she has been undergoing rigorous training to make her comeback possible. 

She revealed, “Five days a week I undergo athletic, physical and vocal therapy,” adding, “I work on my toes, knees, calves, my fingers, my singing, my voice…”

Sharing that she had just two choices, Dion said, “Either I train like an athlete and work super hard, or I switch off and it’s over, I stay at home, listen to my songs, stand in front of my mirror and sing to myself.”

She also sparked the rumors of her performing in the Olympics, as she said she wanted to “see the Eiffel Tower again".

“I’ve chosen to work with all my body and soul, from head to toe, with a medical team. I want to be the best I can be. My goal is to see the Eiffel Tower again,” said the ‘I’m Alive’ songstress.

Fans await for Celine Dion to make a comeback

Fans were welcoming to the idea of Dion performing again amid her struggle with SPS. However, the fans also urged her to take care of her own well-being before she performs on-stage. 

One of the readers commented online, "I’m sure there must be days when she doesn’t want to go to the gym or work her voice but she’s certainly committed to staying fit and as healthy as she can be which cannot be easy! I saw her on stage in Las Vegas and she was amazing so I hope she is able to carry on for years to come."

Someone else said, "I hope she does. She has the voice of an angel. I sincerely wish her all the best!"

"Best live vocal performance I’ve ever heard in person and a wonderful entertainer," said the third.

Another social media user chimed in, "Its great to hear she manages this disease physically & mentally & it's so she can also continue performing. I think most people would rather she just look after herself."

"That's a lot of pressure to be under. I know singing makes her happiest, but it's ok if this doesn't work out. We understand. Take care of your whole body's health first, Celine," urged a well-wishing fan. 

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