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Celine Dion: Eiffel Tower lit up to announce singer’s comeback gigs | Ents & Arts News

Celine Dion has announced her first series of full-length concerts since being diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome (SPS).

The French-Canadian singer revealed she had the rare and incurable disease in 2022 and was forced to cancel a world tour.

She made an emotional comeback at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics in 2024.

The upcoming concert series will also take place in the French capital and will be her first in almost six years.

In a post on Instagram on her 58th birthday, she described the plans for 10 gigs as the “best gift of my life”.

“I have to tell you something very important,” she said in a video message.

“Over these last few years, every day that’s gone by, I felt your prayers and support, your kindness and love; even in my most difficult times, you were there for me.

“You’ve helped me in ways that I can’t even describe, and I’m truly so fortunate to have your support. I’ve missed you so much. And that brings me back to my birthday, actually. So this year, I’m getting the best gift of my life.

“I’m getting the chance to see you, to perform for you once again in Paris, beginning in September this year.”

What is stiff-person syndrome?

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke in the US, stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disorder with features of an autoimmune disease.

On its website, the institute says that SPS is characterised by “fluctuating muscle rigidity in the trunk and limbs and a heightened sensitivity to stimuli such as noise, touch, and emotional distress, which can set off muscle spasms”.

“Abnormal postures, often hunched over and stiffened, are characteristic of the disorder,” it says.

“People with SPS can be too disabled to walk or move, or they are afraid to leave the house because street noises, such as the sound of a horn, can trigger spasms and falls.”

It says the disease affects twice as many women as men and that “scientists don’t yet understand what causes SPS, but research indicates that it is the result of an autoimmune response gone awry in the brain and spinal cord”.

There is no cure for SPS, but work can be done to make it easier to live with the condition.

Dion, who is best known for hits including My Heart Will Go On, Think Twice and It’s All Coming Back To Me Now, said she was “feeling good” and “excited” about the shows – and “a little nervous” too.

She revealed she had been “singing again, even doing a little bit of dancing”.

“I love it so much,” she added.

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Her Instagram post coincided with a series of videos displayed under the lights of the Eiffel Tower on Monday night promoting her announcement.

A screen projected onto the tower said: “Paris, I’m ready. Celine Dion.”

The five-time Grammy winner will perform at the city’s La Defense Arena between 12 September and 14 October.

Tickets go on sale next week.

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