Celine Dion’s electrifying performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony, a captivating rendition of Edith Piaf’s ‘Hymne à l’amour’ delivered in front of the Eiffel Tower, has been shrouded in controversy. Reports surfaced on Friday, October 11, alleging that the performance was pre-recorded, igniting a debate among fans and music experts alike.
The French newspaper Liberation, citing unnamed music experts, claimed that Dion’s performance was pre-recorded. Composer and performer Etienne Guéreau, quoted in the report, stated, “What we heard on TV was a corrected playback,” while a sound engineer anonymously told French media, “It was 100% playback, you can hear it from the first notes.”
Adding fuel to the fire, YouTube musician Wings of Pegasus noted similarities between the rehearsal and the actual performance, suggesting a pre-recording. However, the Paris Olympics 2024 organizers and Dion’s representatives have remained silent, despite previous assertions that the performance would be live.
The 56-year-old singer, who recently disclosed her diagnosis of stiff person syndrome, had kept her performance a secret, making it a highly anticipated highlight of the ceremony. Dion expressed her gratitude on social media following the performance, sharing, “I’m honored to have performed tonight, for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, and so full of joy to be back in one of my very favorite cities! Most of all, I’m so happy to be celebrating these amazing athletes, with all their stories of sacrifice and determination, pain and perseverance.”
While the truth behind Dion’s performance remains unclear, the allegations have sparked a wave of admiration from fans on social media, recognizing her resilience and dedication to her craft. As the debate continues, one thing is certain: Celine Dion’s performance will continue to be a topic of conversation long after the Olympic Games have concluded.
