Eurovision fans in tears as Celine Dion makes rare public appearance amid health battle
Eurovision fans in tears as Celine Dion makes rare public appearance amid health battle
Eurovision legend Celine Dion sent fans wild as she made a rare public appearance.
Eurovision viewers were moved as Celine Dion made a rare public statement amidst her recent health battle. The Canadian singer, 57, famously clinched the contest for Switzerland in 1988 with Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi, sparking a career that's seen her become one of the best-selling artists of all time.
She's been away from the spotlight for several years as she grapples with the debilitating condition known as "stiff person syndrome", but she returned to the stage last summer to perform at the Paris Olympics.
The icon staged an emotional comeback with Edith Piaf's classic Hymne A L'Amour whilst in the Eiffel Tower, reports the Express.
During tonight's (May 13) first Eurovision 2025 semi-final, Celine surprised fans when she appeared on the show in a pre-recorded video message, where she confessed that Switzerland has "always held a special place in my heart".
As the video began to play, the star was met with a loud cheer from the audience as she started off by saying: "I'd love nothing more than to be with you."
Celine Dione made a rare public statement amid her recent health struggle
(Image: (Image: BBC) )
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She went on: "Switzerland will always hold a special place in my heart. It's the country that believed in me and gave me the chance to be part of something so extraordinary."
The star continues to say that winning Eurovision was "a lifechanging moment" and that seeing the contest return to Switzerland is "beautiful and emotional".
Viewers quickly took to social media to express their reactions to the emotional moment. One viewer posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: "QUEEN CELINE IM CRYING #Eurovision." (sic)
Another commented: "She said "Bisou", I love you Céline #Eurovision #Eurovision2025." (sic)
A third remarked: "OMG that's so beautiful right now." (sic)
Celine Dion gave a recorded message during the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025
(Image: SEBASTIEN BOZON, AFP via Getty Images )
An emotional fan stated: "That's beautiful, stop it right now. Definitely stuff for the final."
Another shared: ""he way i love celine dion, i thank my parents who forced me to listen to her since i was like 4, what a queen, i miss her #Eurovision. " (sic)
Yet another fan expressed: "This tribute to Celine Dion's #Eurovision win in 1988 is emotional and beautiful. Well done #ESC2025 #Eurovisión2025. Proper respect to a legend." (sic)
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Meanwhile one added: "That was beautiful. Celine Dion's song is actually one of my favourite Eurovision songs. #Eurovisión #Eurovisión2025. " (sic)
The first Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Final aired tonight at 8pm and the second will air on Thursday at the same time on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
The Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final 2025 will be broadcast from 8pm to 12am this Saturday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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