‘At last Queen Celine is back’
The Paris Olympics got underway last night with an opening ceremony that was described as ‘weird and wonderful’ by BBC presenter Clare Balding.
It was the first time an opening ceremony hadn’t taken place in a stadium as the majority of the show took place on the river Seine.
The city’s landmarks took centre stage as the athletes sailed down the river on 85 boats as the rain hammered down.
The four hour show, which was opened by Lady Gaga, was interjected with the journey of the Olympic torch as it made its way through the capital until a series of French athletes past and present lit up a floating cauldron.
Though much of the show divided opinion amongst viewers and pundits alike, they were united on one key moment – Celine Dion.
It was the first time the Canadian had performed in public since beginning her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome.
Dion stood on the Eiffel Tower and delivered a powerful and very moving rendition of Edith Piaf’s L’Hymne A L’Amour.
Viewers flocked to social media to share how the singer had moved them to tears.
“At last Queen Celine is back and she sounds fantastic,” one viewer wrote.
Another said: “I’m proper emotional at Celine’s performance, just wow!”
“What an image. Céline Dion, who didn’t know if she’d ever sing again, looking out over Paris (from inside the actual Eiffel Tower!) after proving she absolutely still has it. GOOSEBUMPS,” one raved.
It was the highlight of the whole event for many.
