'You're a living legend': Céline Dion honours Ginette Reno at Hall of Fame induction

CBC

16-05-2025

Ginette Reno, queen of the chanson québécoise, was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame last night, and she was honoured with a surprise video message from Céline Dion.
"Ma chère Ginette, c'est à ton tour. The golden voice of Quebec. C'est ainsi qu'on t'appelle from coast to côte," Dion began, telling Reno it was her turn to shine. " Une voix en or, unique et puissante, vibrante et inimitable. Une voix qui a bercé ma jeunesse, et m'a donné l'envie de faire ce métier," she added, calling Reno's voice powerful, vibrant and unique — a voice that nurtured Dion throughout her childhood and gave her the push to follow the same career.
Reno, a Quebec icon who has recorded 42 albums and is also a renowned actor, was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame on May 15 at the National Music Centre in Calgary, where Maestro Fresh Wes, Sum 41, Loreena McKennitt, Glass Tiger and Dan Hill were also inducted.
"You're a living legend, whose enduring passion and timeless artistry have inspired generations," Dion said. "You are indeed one of the greatest inspirations of my life. I actually met René [Angélil, her late husband and manager] because my parents wanted me to meet with the manager of the great Ginette Reno. In fact, he always told me [that] you are the best singer in the world."
WATCH | The opening of Céline Dion's tribute to Ginette Reno:
New Brunswick singer-songwriter Roch Voisine officially inducted Reno into the Hall of Fame after Dion's message, which thrilled the singer.
"Wow. Thank you. Thank you so much. I got goosebumps all over. Oh God. We say in French: c'est deux pour un. Roch and Céline, you know?" Reno joked, after giving many thanks.
"You know, I am a singer, I have been singing for 66 years, and honestly I didn't sing for glory, success or money. And tonight, I'm shaking inside. I'm so honoured and so privileged because I feel I belong," she continued, adding that she has experienced imposter syndrome in the past.
" Il y a non seulement une femme en moi en ce moment qui est très fière, mais il y a une petite fille qui a tellement une gratitude," she finished, saying there isn't only a very proud woman in her right now, but also a grateful young girl.
You can watch the May 15 Canadian Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony, hosted by Paul Brandt, later this fall on CBC Gem and CBC Music's YouTube page.