Olympics: Tom Hiddleston stars in BBC film
The 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony aired on BBC One this evening (Friday, July 26) live from the heart of France's capital, Paris. The coverage lasted for five hours, but Canadian songstress Celine Dion didn't make an appearance until the very end of the ceremony.
Fans have been patiently waiting for the 56-year-old "Queen of Power Ballads" to make her stage comeback since revealing to the world she is suffering from stiff person syndrome. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the illness is a "rare, progressive syndrome that affects the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord".
Celine has not performed live since July 2019, in London, and she announced in 2022 she was taking some time off to focus on her health. However, she made her comeback in true goddess style, standing inside the Eiffel Tower wearing a white dress dripping with diamonds as her voice projected across Paris.
BBC viewers rushed to Twitter to comment on Celine's incredible performance, with one fan writing: "AT LAST! Queen Celine Dion is back and she sounds fantastic! #Olympics."
A second said: "Tears in my eyes. There is no one like Celine. Words can’t describe how amazing it is to see her back where she belongs. #OpeningCeremony."
A third penned: "Celine Dion almost singlehandedly redeemed this.#OpeningCeremony." Meanwhile, Richie added: " Fair do's France. That was pretty impressive, and Celine Dion, go on lass! #OpeningCeremony."
Another added: "Celine had me tearing up #OpeningCeremony." " Celine made me cry #OpeningCeremony," another said.
Don't miss...
Andy Murray and Team GB snubbed in opening ceremony after 'technical glitch' [UPDATE]
Disaster for France as Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony dubbed 'worst in history' [INSIGHT ]
Olympics viewers issue same complaint as Lady Gaga performs [LATEST]
American superstar Lady Gaga dazzled the audience with a French serenade at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, showcasing her linguistic flair.
The 38-year-old sensation, known for her theatrical flair, made a grand entrance hidden behind a cascade of pink feathers as she descended a set of opulent golden stairs by the River Seine, near the iconic Notre Dame cathedral.
Emerging from her feathery concealment, the singer, whose real name is Stefani Germanotta, greeted the crowd with "good evening, welcome to Paris" in French, setting the stage for a dynamic performance.
Adorned in a black bodice paired with a detachable skirt adorned with black and pink ruffles, the 'Paparazzi' hitmaker delivered an electrifying show alongside dancers brandishing whimsical round, pink props.
An impressive flotilla of 85 boats paraded the team delegations through the heart of Paris on a six-kilometre journey, with over 300,000 fans thronging the riverbanks.
As the procession meandered along the Seine, it celebrated France's rich cultural tapestry, including a nod to 'Les Miserables', Victor Hugo's renowned novel which has been immortalised as a beloved musical.
In a tribute to the timeless tale, French heavy metal icons Gojira rocked the Conciergerie, a historic site that once served as a courthouse and prison, with their thunderous performance.
French-Malian singer Aya Nakamura was also among the performers, stunning the audience in a golden dress paired with gladiator boots and gold jewellery.
