Singer Celine Dion did not lip sync at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, according to the event’s musical director, Victor La Masne.
All participating artists’ performances, including Ms. Dion, Juliette Armanet, and Lady Gaga, were pre-recorded in case of technical problems. However, as French media outlet LeFigaro reported, Ms. Dion wanted to perform live at the event.
The Canadian singer performed her version of Edith Piaf’s “L’hymne à l’amour,” or “The Hymn of Love,” at the opening ceremony, which she performed from the top of the Eiffel Tower to over 300,000 spectators.
Speaking to local media outlet Ouest-France a day after the ceremony, Mr. La Masne said he had prepared for the possibility of using the pre-recording at the event.
Ms. Dion had warned the event organizers about issues concerning her health prior to her performance, which gave the organizers the option to broadcast Edith Piaf’s version if Ms. Dion did not make it to the event., according to artistic director Thomas Jolly.
The singer had been diagnosed with stiff person syndrome two years ago, having announced her condition in a video on Instagram in late 2022.
The incurable disease severely disrupts the central nervous system and led to the cancelation of her world tour. The star has also not made any public appearances in four years.
In 2021, due to her declining health, she postponed her residency at Resorts World in Las Vegas.
According to Mr. La Masne, however, her management team was well prepared.
“She has a very good management team who really take care of her and who worked well in advance,” he told LeFigaro.
Ms. Dion later took to social media to express her gratitude.
“I am honored to have performed tonight for the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics,” she wrote, adding that she felt “honored to have been back in one of her favorite cities.”
Her video of her version of “L’hymne à l’amour” received millions of views on YouTube, which sparked speculation of a potential release as a single.
“It’s certainly an idea that has been mentioned, it’s a strong possibility, said Mr. La Masne.
It’s not the first time the star has performed at an Olympic opening ceremony, having previously performed at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
Ms. Dion is a five-time Grammy winner and has sold 250 million records worldwide as of 2021.