Céline Dion’s much-anticipated return to the stage at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony has drawn backlash, with French critics alleging her performance was pre-recorded. This criticism has sparked stress and concern among her friends and supporters. “This reaction is unnecessary and cruel,” a source close to Dion told In Touch Weekly, adding, “Of all people, Céline doesn’t deserve this kind of treatment.”
After a nearly two-year hiatus from live performances due to her diagnosis with stiff person syndrome (SPS), Dion, now 56, returned to the spotlight with heartfelt determination. The progressive condition, which affects muscle control, causes symptoms like stiffness, impaired mobility and speech, and sensitivity to light and sound, with no known cure. In December 2022, Dion shared her diagnosis on Instagram, explaining the difficult decision to cancel her tour dates.
A source close to Dion noted, “Adding to her stress after everything she’s endured is unconscionable. She poured her heart into this performance… It’s not uncommon for artists to use backing tracks.” However, French publication Libération quoted experts who claimed the performance was “100% playback,” and composer Etienne Guéreau suggested it was “corrected playback” rather than a true live rendition.
Neither Dion nor the Olympics organizers have responded to the criticism, but her supporters express disappointment over the negative reaction. “People are being cruel instead of extending grace,” the source shared, describing the online comments as trolling. “To call her unauthentic is both untrue and hurtful. This kind of gossip damages her confidence.” Friends of the singer hope that the controversy will soon fade, considering the impact on Dion’s sensitive nature.
