Why Celine Dion performed at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony for free

nme.com:

Celine Dion performed at the opening ceremony in Paris for free.The Canadian singer delivered a live rendition of Edith Piaf’s ‘L’Hymne A L’Amour’ from the Eiffel Tower last Friday (July 26).

It marked her first performance since she revealed her stiff person syndrome (SPS) diagnosis in 2022.Ahead of the appearance, it was falsely reported that Dion would be earning $2million (£1.5million) to play just one song at the huge event in the French capital.However, the Olympic Committee has now debunked the rumour in a statement – and confirmed that the artist did not receive any payment (via UNILAD).“Contrary to information relayed in the media, the performers who will perform during the Paris 2024 Games ceremonies will not receive a fee for their performance,” the message began.“This commitment on their part – under these conditions – reflects their desire to participate in a historic event for France and for the world of sport.”It continued: “Furthermore, Paris 2024 will cover all technical production and performance organisation costs, as is customary.Celine Dion #Paris2024 #Olympics #Olympic2024 pic.twitter.com/3f8Pm0qqrE— Celine Dion Icon (@celinedionlcon) July 26, 2024A post shared by Céline Dion (@celinedion)“Paris 2024 reminds that the budget of the organising committee is 96 per cent financed by private funding and that at no time do public contributions pay the artistic teams.”Lady Gaga sang ‘Mon truc en plumes’ earlier in the opening ceremony.