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Céline Dion Releases Triumphant Paris Olympics Performance of 'Hymne à l'amour' as New Single

The Quebec superstar made a powerful return to the stage this summer to perform Edith Piaf's classic, and her version is now available to stream and download.

Céline Dion performing at the 1996 Olympics
Céline Dion performing at the 1996 Olympics
Olympics

Céline Dion's comeback performance is now available to stream and download.

The Quebec superstar made a triumphant return to live music with a powerhouse rendition of Edith Piaf's "Hymne à l'amour" this summer. Closing out the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, Dion performed alongside a pianist from the Eiffel Tower, belting Piaf's ode to love across the Paris skyline.


It was a stunning performance amidst Dion's battle with Stiff Person Syndrome, as chronicled in the 2024 documentary I am: Céline Dion.

Between a Grammys appearance, the documentary premiere, and the Paris Olympics performance, Céline has re-entered the spotlight this year, sharing her journey and re-emerging as one of music's biggest stars.

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Streams of Piaf's original version skyrocketed after the Opening Ceremony, jumping by 317% on Spotify. Dion herself also saw a 36% listenership boost on the app.

Now, fans can listen to Piaf's original alongside Dion's rendition. She's made the video of her performance available on her YouTube channel, while an audio version is available on all major platforms. The release coincides with the 61st anniversary of Piaf's death.

Listen to "Hymne à l'amour" here.

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Rob Hirst
Courtesy Photo

Rob Hirst

FYI

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This week we also acknowledge the passing of reggae luminary Stephen 'Cat' Coore, pioneering jazz guitarist Ralph Towner and Montreal beatboxer and comic Ej Brulé.

Ej Brulé, (born Stephen John Burns), a Montreal beatboxer and comedian who was a popular performer on that city's underground scene, died on Jan. 19, at age 69. A cause of death has not been reported.

Word of his passing was posted on his Facebook page. The post called him "an unstoppable performer — even when he wasn’t on stage. He loved telling jokes, spinning tall tales, and making people laugh. In true Steve fashion, he and Anne [Woolgar] were even married on stage at the Just For Laughs Festival (though he took his vows very seriously)."

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