Celine Dion Makes Surprise Video Appearance at Eurovision Song Contest: “Music Unites Us”

Pop music superstar Celine Dion made a surprise video appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals in Switzerland on Tuesday night.

Dion appeared in the St. Jakobshalle arena in Basel via a pre-recorded message due to her ongoing battle with the rare neurological condition known as Stiff Person Syndrome.

“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,” Dion said 37 years after she won the Eurovision song contest for Switzerland.

The Canadian songstress described her Eurovision win as a “life-changing moment” as her video message filled the back of the Basel arena stage. “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,” Dion said.

She added in the French language: “Music unites us, not only this evening, not only at the moment. Wonderful. It is our strength, our support and our support in the moments where we need it. I love you all, Europe and the rest of the world, of course. Kisses, I love you.”

After her video address, four Eurovision contestants from the 2024 contest — Jerry Heil, iolanda, Marina Satti, and Silvester Belt – performed a cover of Dion’s 1988 winning song, “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi.”

Two years after first revealing her Stiff Person Syndrome diagnosis and canceling all concert performances, Dion made a rare comeback performance during the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony. That appearance marked Dion’s second time performing at the Olympic Games, having performed “The Power of the Dream” in Atlanta in 1996. 

Stiff Person Syndrome is an “autoimmune disorder of the nervous system,” according to the Mayo Clinic, “often resulting in progressive, severe muscle stiffness and spasms of the lower extremities and back.” There is no cure for the condition.