Céline Dion has begun a Paris concert residency after six years away from the stage. The Canadian singer gave this Saturday her first full concert since 2019 at the Plenitude Arena, where she will perform 16 shows through October 17. After that, there will be another ten dates planned for spring 2027.
Dion had already resurfaced live in recent years, notably with her performance of “Hymne à l’amour” at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. She also took part in Elie Saab’s parade in Riyadh that same year. But this Paris return marks her comeback to a full concert on a stage and a comeback of even greater significance.
Among the early reviews, The Guardian speaks directly of an emotional and triumphant return, noting that Dion still retains a large part of her vocal power, even though some songs had to be adapted to her current voice. Fans are celebrating that Dion has dared to sing live, when “the easiest thing would have been to lip‑sync.” It’s not that Dion is known for lip‑syncing, but one must praise the bravery of stepping onto the stage with a voice that has shifted slightly.
The criticism especially highlights ‘Tout l’or des hommes,’ where she again proves her ability to hit the big notes, and ‘Courage,’ which works better from a more fragile register.
The concert also featured some less predictable moments, such as a disco section that felt “very camp,” with renditions of Donna Summer and the Eurythmics, and even a tribute to Maria Callas. The audience, for its part, responded with enthusiasm throughout the night. In ‘Pour que tu m’aimes encore,’ for example, the crowd sang so loudly that they almost drowned out Dion herself, reports The Guardian.
The BBC has also compiled the initial press reactions to her return and agrees in pointing out the emotion of the moment and the singer’s good form on stage. Among the reviews, particular attention is paid to how Dion has adapted her repertoire to her current situation, but also to the power she still retains when the big vocal moments arrive.
The Paris return comes after Dion was forced to cancel her Courage tour due to stiff-person syndrome, a neurological condition that kept her away from the stage for years. The documentary I Am: Celine Dion told of her ordeal and was harrowing. Now we can get goosebumps listening to her sing again.
@latinus_us The singer Celine Dion performs the iconic song “My Heart Will Go On” during her first comeback concert on stage in Paris. #Latinus #InformationForYou ♬ Originalton – Latinus
@gala.fr #celinedion #tiktokmusic #concert #pourquetumaimesencore ♬ son original – @galafr
@gala.fr #celinedion #tiktokmusic #concert #itsallcomingbacktome ♬ son original – @galafr
@bfmtv After six years away, Céline Dion returned to the stage this Saturday, September 12, at the Plénitude Arena in Paris. She opened her concert with the track “You Don’t Change.” #celinedion #concert #paris ♬ original sound – BFMTV
@latinus_us Céline Dion broke into tears during her first concert in Paris, where she returned to the stage after six years away. #Latinus#InformationForYou ♬ Originalton – Latinus
