Defeated Celine Dion, the queen of the power ballad, could make a sensational return and open the Olympics next month.
The Canadian star, 56, was feared never to perform again after she canceled a world tour due to a rare neurological illness last year.
But now reports across the Channel say the My Heart Will Go On singer will be one of two acts opening Paris 2024.
There are even claims (strongly denied by the Elysee Palace) that President Emmanuel Macron handpicked the stars to perform that day and offered them £2.3 million from state coffers.
It would be a notable return for Dion, who revealed last year that she suffers from stiff and dying person syndrome.
Celine Dion performs live at Barclaycard Presents British Summer Time Hyde Park in July 2019
Celine Dion and Taylor Swift attend the 66th Grammy Awards in February earlier this year.
Approximately one in a million people suffer from this disorder and suffer from stiffness in the torso and limbs that can cause them to fall.
Spasms can occur randomly or be triggered by stimuli, including loud noises, touch, and emotional distress.
After canceling dozens of concerts around the world, Dion revealed that singing with the disease is “like someone is strangling you.”
The spasms, which occur throughout the body, can be so intense that your ribs have been broken.
He spoke movingly about his vigorous training regimen in an interview in April.
“Five days a week I do sports, physical and vocal therapy,” he said. ‘I work on my toes, my knees, my calves, my fingers, my singing, my voice…’
She said she felt like she had two options: “Either I train like an athlete and work very hard, or I turn off and it’s over, I stay home, listen to my songs, stand in front of the mirror and sing to myself.” ‘
He then sparked rumors that he might open the Olympics by saying he wanted to “see the Eiffel Tower again.”
Celine Dion performs on the opening night of her new “Courage” world tour at the Videotron Center in Quebec in 2019.
Celine Dion speaks onstage at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in February
She said: ‘I have chosen to work with my whole body and soul, from head to toe, with a medical team. I want to be the best I can be. My goal is to see the Eiffel Tower again.”
Last week it was reported in the French satirical newspaper Le Canard Enchaine that Ms Dion and the Franco-Malian singer Aya Nakamura were very interested in opening Paris 2024.
Other publications then followed up on the claim.
Dion made a surprise appearance at the Grammy Awards last February when she presented Taylor Swift with the Album of the Year gong.
He received a standing ovation as he took the stage and told the audience: ‘Thank you all. I love you too.’
He previously opened the Atlanta Olympic Games in the United States in 1996, singing The Power Of The Dream. He was seen by 3.5 billion people around the world.
A spokesperson for Paris 2024 said of Ms Dion: “We will all have to be patient to save the surprises we have in store, which will make this ceremony unforgettable.”
