Macron says Celine Dion singing at Olympics would be great

“It would be great news” if Celine Dion performed at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, French President Emmanuel Macron has said amid speculation she will appear.

The Canadian singer was photographed in the French capital ahead of the opening ceremony on Friday.

But Mr Macron did not confirm whether the My Heart Will Go On singer would take part.

Dion, who records music in English and French, is among a number of stars, including Lady Gaga, said to be taking part.

“Obviously she came to Paris, that’s great!” Mr Macron told French television station France 2.

“I would be extremely happy if she could attend this opening ceremony, like all of our compatriots.”

“I won’t reveal anything, what [opening ceremony director] Thomas Jolly and his whole team are prepared. There is also a surprise,” he added, before continuing with a smile: “I am not responsible for his schedule.”

Dion’s appearance marks a comeback after she was diagnosed with Rigid Person Syndrome in December 2022, forcing her to cancel several live performances.

This syndrome is a neurological condition that causes muscles to spasm.

This is also the second time Dion, known as the “queen of power ballads”, has attended the Olympic Games opening ceremony, after performing in Atlanta in 1996.

She was seen outside the hotel on Tuesday, surrounded by fans.

Fan Oceane Moulin, 24, said: “For me she is the best singer and diva and it’s great to see her in France, especially after everything that’s happened, it’s great to see her here in good condition.”

They added that “it would be fantastic” if she got to perform.

Last month, Sports and Olympics Minister Amélie Oudéa told France 2 that Dion’s participation at the opening ceremony “is absolutely possible”.

There is also speculation that Lady Gaga could perform at the opening ceremony. She was photographed arriving in Paris on Monday.

The pop icon sang Edith Piaf’s La Vie En Rose in the 2018 film A Star Is Born.

It is rumored that French R&B singer Aya Nakamura will also perform.

For the first time in the history of the Summer Olympics, the opening ceremony will not take place in a stadium. Instead, it will be held along the Seine River amid a huge security operation.

Runners will parade in boats through central Paris before finishing at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.

The show was designed by theater director Thomas Jolly. In an interview with the Associated Press, he remained tight-lipped, saying: “All I can tell you is that it will be very meaningful to the artists who will be performing.”