Kelly Clarkson tears up on live TV after watching Celine Dion's 'incredible' Olympics performance

PARIS, FRANCE: Celine Dion’s powerful performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony left many in awe, including Kelly Clarkson, who was moved to tears, as reported by People.

Clarkson, 42, a member of NBC's broadcast team with Mike Tirico and Peyton Manning, watched Dion’s moving performance of Edith Piaf's "Hymne A L'Amour" during the lighting of the hot-air balloon-inspired Olympic cauldron.

Celine Dion's Olympic performance moves Kelly Clarkson to tears

The 56-year-old French-Canadian icon captivated in a white Dior haute couture gown at the base of the Eiffel Tower, with the Olympic Rings glowing above her.

Despite struggling with a rare progressive neurological disorder, Dion delivered a performance that Tirico, 57, described as “perfectly suited for this incredible evening.”

"I actually can't talk," Clarkson, visibly emotional, managed to say after the performance. "That was incredible," Tirico responded, with Clarkson agreeing, "That was really beautiful. People don't know her story. What she's been going through physically... it's just incredible what she's overcome to have that moment."

The performance was Dion’s first since she announced her diagnosis of stiff-person syndrome in December 2022.

According to the Stiff Person Syndrome Foundation, the condition affects the central nervous system, causing symptoms such as hyper-rigidity, debilitating pain, chronic anxiety, and muscle spasms that can dislocate joints and even break bones.

Dion’s struggle with the disease, which impacted her ability to sing and walk, was detailed in the documentary 'I Am: Celine Dion,' which premiered in June.

Despite the challenges, Dion was determined to return to the stage. "I'm working very hard and tomorrow will be even harder. Tomorrow is another day. But there's one thing that will never stop, and that's the will. It's the passion. It's the dream. It's the determination," she shared in a People cover story.

Clarkson wasn't the only one moved by Dion's performance. NBC's 'Today' show hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb were equally captivated by the moment.

Dion's performance symbolized not only her personal resilience but also the spirit of the hundreds of athletes competing in the Games.

The Paris Olympics, which officially opened on July 26, promise to highlight the dreams and determination of athletes from around the globe over the next two weeks.

Wholesome reactions emerge as Celine Dion’s Paris Olympics performance moves Kelly Clarkson to tears

Celine Dion’s emotional performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony has sparked a wave of heartfelt reactions online, especially after it brought Kelly Clarkson to tears.

One user wrote, "You had to know she’d be in tears! Gotta love how real she is & honestly it was amazing to see & hear Celine Dion in light of her medical struggle!"

Another fan wrote, "Celine is THE queen. I'm so happy to see her performing again with all she's going through. She's absolutely one of a kind."

A user shared, "Celine’s performance was very moving for me too! I can see why Kelly was moved as we were all praying and pulling to hear Celine’s beautiful voice when she recovered from her terrible illness! I hope to see more performances now!"

Another fan commented on the shared emotional experience, saying, "I was right there with her. I've seen Celine’s documentary and she talked about how much she needs to be able to sing and perform. So to see this performance moved me to tears."

One more user simply stated, "I was moved to tears too, Kelly."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.