Celine Dion is set to confirm her long-awaited return to live performance today, her 58th birthday, with a residency in Paris this autumn.
But her ongoing battle with a rare neurological disorder means she may have to perform while seated.
The Canadian icon, who hasn’t done a full concert since March 2020, will announce a ten-show run at Paris’ La Defense Arena, one of Europe’s largest indoor venues with a capacity of 45,000.
She is set to perform two shows a week, but health concerns about her Stiff-Person Syndrome, a condition that causes severe muscle stiffness and violent spasms, have led insurance companies to impose strict conditions on the run.
“To secure the concerts, Celine and the team have agreed non-negotiable terms, including a performance limit and regular medical checks right up to the last 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 sat throughout Genesis’ final tour in 2021.
Dion has been open about her determination to get back on stage despite everything her condition has put her through.
In her 2024 Prime Video documentary I am: Celine Dionshe was unequivocal about what performing means to her. “If I can’t run, I walk. If I can’t walk, I crawl. I miss it so much,” she said.
Since stepping away from touring, she has made only two brief public appearances, at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics and at a fashion show that same year.
The announcement marks the most important step yet in her return.
