Céline Dion prepares for comeback with 16 concerts in Paris after stiff-person syndrome battle

Pop superstar Céline Dion has landed in Paris, marking her return to the French capital after a ten-year absence from the stage there. The 58-year-old Canadian singer arrived Friday from Las Vegas, where she has resided for 23 years, accompanied by her three sons and members of her team.

Dion's arrival is in preparation for a series of 16 concerts scheduled at the Plenitude Arena in Nanterre, a suburb of Paris, beginning September 12. This marks a significant comeback for the artist, who was diagnosed with the rare autoimmune neurological disorder stiff-person syndrome in 2022.

Fans gathered outside her usual hotel, the Royal Monceau, to greet her with cheers of "Céline, welcome to Paris" and "Céline, we love you." Visibly moved, Dion expressed her readiness and slight nervousness after such a long hiatus. "I'm ready, and a little nervous, of course, because it's been a long time! But you've always supported me, I've always felt supported from day one. It's like a story that continues. This is my second home. It's a great honor to be here," she told reporters.

Her return to the stage has been meticulously planned over the past two years, involving intensive physical and vocal training, including pilates, dance, yoga, and singing lessons. The stage design, helmed by Los Angeles-based Canadian designer Willo Perron, is described as a monumental architectural structure featuring screens and videos. Musical direction will once again be handled by Scott Price, who has worked with Dion since 2015.

Following this Parisian engagement, Dion is slated to return in May 2027 for another 12 performances. The initial rehearsals with her musicians are scheduled for early next week, signaling the final preparations for her highly anticipated comeback.

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I'm ready, and a little nervous, of course, because it's been a long time! But you've always supported me, I've always felt supported from day one. It's like a story that continues. This is my second home. It's a great honor to be here.