Celine Dion is set to return to the stage on September 12 at La Défense Arena in Paris for a 26-concert residency, supported by a medical team described as the largest ever assembled for a series of live gigs.
The 58-year-old singer, diagnosed with the rare and incurable neurological disorder stiff-person syndrome more than three years ago, will be backed by up to a dozen specialist nurses and paramedics. One of the world’s top neurologists will also be on round-the-clock standby, with at least two local doctors in attendance at each show.
Medical team led by neurologist
The US team from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, led by her neurologist Dr Amanda Piquet, is helping manage the condition, which causes painful muscular rigidity, impaired mobility and spasms. Dr Piquet confirmed that specialist staff will be aided by local medical personnel throughout the concert series, scheduled to run to May next year.
Millions of TV viewers watched heart-rending scenes of Dion writhing in agony in the 2024 Netflix documentary film I Am: Celine Dion. At the time, several experts insisted it would be “impossible” for her to ever perform again.
Sold-out residency and fan demand
More than nine million French fans entered a lottery for early ticket access, and all 26 gigs sold out within hours. Dion said: “I’m feeling good. I’m feeling strong,” but admitted: “I’m obviously a little nervous.”
Her only performance since the diagnosis was a brief appearance at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. During a break in rehearsals last week, she added: “I’m aware that some people are saying that I’m trying to do too much too soon. But I’m ready and nothing has been left to chance.”
