Céline Dion has announced her first headlining concert in six years. Beginning in September, she’ll play a 10-show residency at France’s Paris La Défense Arena. These will be Dion’s inaugural performances since being diagnosed with stiff person syndrome—a rare, incurable neurological disorder that causes spasms and other physical difficulties—in 2022. Scroll down to see the run of dates.
“This year, I’m getting the best gift of my life,” Dion said in a video message accompanying the announcement. “I’m so happy. I’m so ready to do this. I’m feeling good, I’m strong, I’m feeling excited—obviously, of course, a little nervous—but most of all, I am grateful to all of you. I can’t wait to see you again. Well, happy birthday to me.”
Dion’s last proper tour was cut short in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and later suffered several attempts at rescheduling legs. Since then, Dion has only picked up the microphone to sing three times: a live rendition of Edith Piaf’s “Hymne à L’amour” at the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony; a brief, two-song set that same year at a private venue in Saudi Arabia; and a televised rendition of “The Prayer” as part of the 2020 benefit livestream One World: Together at Home.
When Dion revealed her diagnosis, she said she was working with a sports medicine therapist to rebuild her strength. “Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to,” she explained.
Read about Dion’s single “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” at No. 231 in The 250 Best Songs of the 1990s.
Céline Dion:
09-12 Nanterre, France – Paris La Défense Arena
09-16 Nanterre, France – Paris La Défense Arena
09-19 Nanterre, France – Paris La Défense Arena
09-23 Nanterre, France – Paris La Défense Arena
09-26 Nanterre, France – Paris La Défense Arena
09-30 Nanterre, France – Paris La Défense Arena
10-03 Nanterre, France – Paris La Défense Arena
10-07 Nanterre, France – Paris La Défense Arena
10-10 Nanterre, France – Paris La Défense Arena
10-14 Nanterre, France – Paris La Défense Arena
