Celine Dion to debut Paris residency after six-year hiatus

Celine Dion is set to begin a 26-date residency at the Plénitude Arena outside Paris on Saturday, her first full concert in six years after cancelling shows because of the rare neurological disorder Stiff Person Syndrome. About 30,000 tickets have been sold for the opening night, and the run will include 16 performances in September and October followed by ten more in May.

The French capital has staged a series of promotional events, from costume contests to karaoke gatherings, and even renamed platform signs at the main train station serving the arena after the singer. Dion posted on Instagram that "Paris is just as magical as ever," ahead of the show.

Fans travelling from abroad, such as Chloe and Katy Rydquist, paid roughly £1,500 for tickets and described the anticipated concert as highly emotional. > "It's going to be very emotional for her and for everyone," said Katy Rydquist.

The residency is expected to generate significant economic activity, with local media noting its potential impact on France's fiscal outlook. While some ticket holders await the shows, others have organized free sing-along events across the city, allowing fans to celebrate Dion's catalogue ahead of the official performances.

Dion disclosed in December 2022 that she suffers from Stiff Person Syndrome, which can cause severe muscle stiffness and spasms. She told NBC in 2024 that she was ready to return to the stage, saying, "I'm going to come onstage because I'm ready."