Eurovision fans emotional as they predict Celine Dion twist ahead of grand final
A special message was shared for fans of the Eurovision Song Contest by Celine Dion in the first semi-final this week. The singer shared her pride over having once won the contest in the video, which left some fans emotional.
There has been speculation that Celine, 57, could perform in the grand final of the contest in Basel, Switzerland, on Saturday. It would mark her return to Eurovision after taking her career to new heights when she won the international competition with the Ne partez pas sans moi in 1988.
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.
Organisers of this year's Eurovision in Switzerland paid tribute to Celine tonight whilst celebrating their own history in the contest. Fans were also treated to a video message from Celine, which appeared to have been pre-recorded.
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 message was followed by a cover of her winning song by Jerry Heil, iolanda, Marina Satti and Silvester Belt, who all competed in Eurovision last year. It was among the performances during the interval in the first semi-final.
Some fans shared that they were emotional after seeing the video message tonight. One person wrote on X: "Why am I genuinely crying at Celine." Another said: "Aw Celine Dion. I'm not crying, you are." A third wrote on the platform: "Oh I'm getting emotional watching the Celine Dion message."
One person said: "Not me starting to sob when Celine Dion's message started." Another wrote: "Celine Dion's message made me cry." A sixth said: "Celine Dion's recorded message for everyone was very heartfelt. Thank you [Celine]."
There's still speculation that Celine could appear in the grand final following the message. One fan wrote: "Celine is so performing in the final like its so obvious." Another viewer said: "Celine will be in the final trust #Eurovision2025."
One post on the platform this evening read: "Important note: Celine Dion says 'I'd have loved nothing more than to be with you in Basel right now', but does not expressly say she won't be performing this year as has been reported. Not saying that she *will*, but I think the jury is still out."
Others shared hope that it's a possibility. One fan said: "Would it be possible that Céline Dion could be doing a special appearance in the Grand Final? I still have hopes." Someone else said: "What an amazing nod to Celine Dion, here's hoping she can make it for the final on Saturday." Another questioned: "Anyone still reckon Celine Dion is actually gonna be there on Saturday night?"
Even before the video message aired there was speculation that it's a build-up to her return. One fan wrote this morning: "Is there any chance the Celine Dion video is a red herring and she may still appear in person during the final?"
Another said: "I think it's now more likely that #Celine will appear in person in grand final." They added: "If a video message was her contribution to ESC Basel, they wouldn't use it at a Tuesday semi-final - they would keep it for Saturday."
The sentiment was reflected by fans this evening, with one writing: "Weird that the Celine Dion message is shown during the semi-final and not the final." Another said similarly: "Thought they'd have saved CELINE DION for the grand final."
Not everyone seemed convinced that Celine will make another appearance though. One person wrote: "Sorry, no Celine Dion performance. But at least we get this video message." Another said: "Aww, they got Celine - even if it's only via video. Nice."
As reported by PA earlier today, amid reports of her video message surfacing in advance, which appeared to rule out a return, a spokesperson for Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR said: "All elements of the first semi-final show were played through and rehearsed intensively. There are currently no changes regarding Celine Dion - we are still in close contact with her."
Eurovision continues on Thursday night with the second semi-final at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The grand final will then be broadcast on Saturday from 8pm.
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