Celine Dion will confirm her long-awaited return to live performance today, as she turns 58, with a residency in Paris this fall.
But her ongoing battle with a rare neurological disorder means she may have to perform sitting down.
The Canadian icon, who has not given a full concert since March 2020, will announce a series of ten shows at the La Défense Arena in Paris, one of the largest indoor venues in Europe with a capacity of 45,000 people.
He is scheduled to perform two shows a week, but health problems related to his stiff-person syndrome, a condition that causes severe muscle stiffness and violent spasms, have led insurers to impose strict conditions on his career.
“To secure the concerts, Celine and the team agreed to non-negotiable terms including a performance limit and regular medical checks until the final show,” a source said.
The ability to perform from a chair would put Dion in the company of other music icons who have made similar adaptations in recent years.
Ozzy Osbourne performed seated on a throne at Black Sabbath’s farewell concert last summer, and Phil Collins remained seated during Genesis’ final tour in 2021.
Dion has been open about her determination to return to the stage despite everything her condition has put her through.
In his 2024 Prime Video documentary I am: Celine Dionshe was unambiguous about what acting means to her. “If I can’t run, I’ll walk. If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl. I miss it a lot,” she said.
Since leaving touring, she has made only two brief public appearances, at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics in 2024 and at a fashion show the same year.
The announcement marks the most significant step yet in his return.
