Paris – Celine Dion touched down in the French capital on Friday, greeting fans with kisses and a heart‑shaped hand gesture as she prepared for her first series of concerts since announcing a diagnosis of stiff‑person syndrome. The Quebec‑born star, who has sold nearly 260 million albums worldwide, will headline a 16‑show residency at the Plenitude Arena in the western suburbs of Paris, with performances scheduled from September 12 through early October.
Local excitement and preparation
Journalists and enthusiastic supporters gathered outside the hotel where Dion is staying, chanting “We’re so happy to see you” and “We love you.” The singer, dressed in a beige trench coat, high heels and dark sunglasses, told French broadcaster BFMTV, “I am ready and I’m a bit uptight, of course, because it’s been a long time.” She added that she feels “supported from the first day” and considers Paris her “second home.”
Setlist remains a mystery
When asked which song she would open the residency with, Dion smiled and replied, “I can’t say, it’s a big secret!” Fans can expect a mix of her classic English‑language hits such as “My Heart Will Go On” and “Because You Loved Me,” alongside beloved French‑language numbers, all presented under the banner “Celine Dion Paris 2026‑2027.”
Health journey and comeback
Dion’s return follows a period of reduced touring after she cancelled her Courage World Tour in 2022 due to the progression of her rare neurological disorder. She made a brief, widely viewed appearance at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, singing “Hymne à l’amour” atop the Eiffel Tower in the rain, a moment that signaled her determination to continue performing despite health challenges.
Venue details
The Plenitude Arena, a modern facility that hosted events during the Paris Games, can accommodate up to 40,000 spectators. The venue’s size and state‑of‑the‑art acoustics are expected to provide an intimate yet grand experience for fans attending the series of concerts.
Future dates
Following the September‑October run, Dion plans to extend the residency with an additional ten shows scheduled for May 2027, further cementing her presence in the French music scene and offering audiences more opportunities to enjoy her timeless repertoire.
Local businesses anticipate a boost in tourism and hospitality activity as fans travel to the Paris region for the concerts, underscoring the cultural and economic impact of high‑profile entertainment events.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
