Celine Dion fans were in for a very welcome surprise on Sunday night. At the end of the Grammy Awards, Dion made a rare public appearance to present the award for Album of the Year, which went to Taylor Swift for Midnights. The 55-year-old singer's emergence at the Feb. 4 award show was especially meaningful, because Dion was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) in 2022 and has been seen in public only occasionally since. On top of that, the updates shared by her sister Claudette Dion have not been very encouraging. However, Dion's Grammys night and another recent announcement have fans hoping that she may make a comeback to music soon.
RELATED: Celine Dion No Longer Has "Control Over Her Muscles," Sister Reveals in Heartbreaking Update.
Dion received a standing ovation from the Grammy audience. "Thank you all. I love you right back," she told the crowd (via USA Today). "When I say that I’m happy to be here, I really mean it from my heart."
By showing up to music's biggest night, the "My Heart Will Go On" singer stoked rumors that she could be making a comeback in some capacity this year, and it's not the only sign. Dion also recently announced that she has a documentary premiering this year, though an exact date has not yet been released. I Am: Céline Dion will debut on Amazon Prime and delve into her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome, which put an end to her touring career. However, in a press release about the documentary, the star expressed that she hopes to return to performing when she is able.
"This last couple of years has been such a challenge for me, the journey from discovering my condition to learning how to live with and manage it, but not to let it define me," she said (via People). "As the road to resuming my performing career continues, I have realized how much I have missed it, of being able to see my fans. During this absence, I decided I wanted to document this part of my life, to try to raise awareness of this little-known condition, to help others who share this diagnosis."
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Dion also made it clear when she first publicly revealed her diagnosis that she planned to perform again. In a video posted on Instagram in December 2022, she shared that she had been diagnosed with SPS and said that it causes spasms that affect her ability to walk and to sing.
"I have a great team of doctors working alongside me to help me get better, and my precious children who are supporting me and giving me hope," the "Because You Loved Me" singer said. "I'm working hard with my sport medicine therapist everyday to build back my strength and my ability to perform again."
According to Cleveland Clinic, Stiff Person Syndrome is "a rare chronic condition that causes muscle stiffness and painful muscle spasms. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person." There isn't a cure for Stiff Person Syndrome, "but treatment can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the syndrome."
In December, Dion's sister Claudette shared an update with the Canadian publication 7 Jours (via the Daily Mail). "She's working hard, but she doesn't have control over her muscles," Claudette said. She added that because the condition is so rare, it's not as well-researched as other diseases. "The vocal cords are muscles, and the heart is also a muscle. This is what comes to get me," Claudette said. "Because it's one out of a million case, the scientists haven't done that much research because it didn't affect that many people."
Claudette also shared that her sibling hopes to perform music again. "It's true that in both our dreams and hers, the goal is to return to the stage. In what capacity? I don't know," she explained.
Whatever Dion is able to give to fans, it's clear by the response to her Grammys appearance that they are happy to receive it. "I don't care who won the Grammy yesterday, but seeing Celine Dion so healthy and beautiful was my most precious highlights," wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). Another posted, "Excuse me is the presenter for Album of the Year Celine Dion??? Because they can’t do that AND have Joni Mitchell perform. I am not emotionally steady enough for that."
Added another fan, "Celine Dion receiving a massive standing ovation. She deserves much love." Someone else posted, "Waking up and seeing Céline Dion made a surprise appearance at The #GRAMMYs just filled me with joy. How heartwarming to finally see her again Hope she can make a big comeback at some point."
