
Celine Dion fuels Eurovision rumours as she jets to Basel amid health woes
Celine Dion was spotted jetting to Basel ahead of the Eurovision 2025 final on Saturday night, but it is still uncertain if she will be able to perform at the event
Celine Dion has jetted off to Basel ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest, yet it remains uncertain whether she will grace the event with her presence. The music icon's private plane departed from Paris for Switzerland yesterday morning, marking 37 years since her victorious performance for the country with Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi.
However, it is reported that discussions are still underway and her potential appearance hangs in the balance due to her health concerns.
The 57 year old singer, who won Eurovision in Dublin in 1988, has faced difficulties with her singing abilities since disclosing her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome in December 2022, although she did manage a rare performance at the Paris Olympics last summer.
A source close to Eurovision revealed to The Sun: "The team have been talking to Celine about appearing or performing at the ceremony for months and it has been very up and down."
"At one point this week, it looked like she would not be attending, but now it is looking far more likely she will be there. Rehearsals have gone ahead without her, but everyone is crossing their fingers. It'll be down to the wire."
Despite being in Las Vegas, Celine sent a video message to Eurovision which was aired during Tuesday's semi-final, hinting that she might not make it to the event. Celine said in the short video: "Dear Eurovision family and contestants, I'd love nothing more than to be with you in Basel right now. Switzerland will forever hold a special place in my heart. It's a country that believed in me and gave me the chance to be part of something so extraordinary.
"Winning the Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland in 1988 was a life-changing moment for me, and I'm so thankful for everyone who supported me. Now, 37 years later, it's so beautiful and emotional to see Switzerland winning and hosting this incredible event once again. To the people of Switzerland, thank you for your love. This night is yours, and I hope you feel as proud as I do."
Celine's video message left fans emotional, while others were left questioning if she will in fact appear in the grand final tonight.
Celine was representing Switzerland when she won more than 30 years ago. That marked the last time that the country, which has won three times overall, topped the leaderboard prior to Nemo's victory with the Code last year.
She's enjoyed a successful career since competing in the contest but has taken a step back from performing since announcing in 2022 that she'd been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome (SPS) in 2022.
It's described as a rare neurological disorder, with symptoms said to include muscle stiffness and spasms. She however made a 'comeback' at the Olympics in Paris last year, where she performed on top of the Eiffel Tower.
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