Céline Dion Becomes Emotional Moments Into First Full Concert in More Than Six Years: ‘I Promised I’d Be Back’

“Tonight, I’m here to sing with you and for myself, celebrating the joy of being alive,” Dion told the audience during the opening night of her 26-show Paris residency.

Céline Dion made her long-awaited return to the concert stage an especially emotional occasion.

On Saturday, Sept. 12, the 58-year-old superstar performed her first full-length concert in more than six years. Her live career had been interrupted initially by the COVID-19 pandemic and later by her diagnosis of stiff-person syndrome.

Dion opened the first night of a 26-date residency at Plenitude Arena, previously known as Paris La Défense Arena, in Nanterre, France. She launched the show with her 1998 French-language hit “On Ne Change Pas,” but only made it a few seconds into the song before pausing as she became visibly emotional.

The “My Heart Will Go On” singer appeared to hold back tears during the opening moments. She wiped her face, placed a hand over her chest and brought her hands together, gestures that appeared to reflect her gratitude toward the audience.

Once she had composed herself, Dion continued and completed the song. She then performed another hit from the 1990s, “Destin,” before turning her attention to the crowd.

Addressing the audience first in French and then in English, Dion expressed her appreciation for the fans who had traveled from different parts of the world to see her.

“There are many of you here tonight from all over the world. Thank you so very much for coming,” she told them. She also welcomed those visiting Paris for the first time and said she hoped they would develop the same affection for the city that she did.

Dion then reflected on her commitment to returning to live performance.

“I made a promise. I made a promise to come back, to be back on stage,” she said. “So here I am, singing for you and singing for me, singing life!”

She continued by thanking her supporters for standing by her throughout her lengthy absence.

“Thank you so very much for your support, your patience and if I may say so: I am everything I am because you loved me,” Dion said, echoing the lyrics and title of her 1996 hit “Because You Loved Me.” She then transitioned into a performance of the song.

The singer’s previous full concert was held in March 2020 at the Prudential Center in New Jersey. Shortly afterward, the remaining dates of her tour were suspended as the COVID-19 pandemic spread. Although the shows were later rescheduled, they were ultimately canceled following health issues connected to Dion’s stiff-person syndrome diagnosis.