Fact Check: Was Celine Dion paid $2M for her Olympics Opening Ceremony performance? Viral report debunked

Recently, a viral report circulated on social media claiming that international superstar Celine Dion was paid a staggering $2 million for her performance at the Olympics Opening Ceremony. However, the claims are untrue.

On July 26, 2024, the Canadian singer marked her first performance after being diagnosed with stiff person syndrome (SPS) in 2022. Her performance garnered significant attention, not only for its striking quality but also due to the circulation of false claims.

The report, which originated from an unverified source, suggested that Dion received an excessive fee for participating in the event. This claim quickly gained interest online, sparking widespread speculation and debate.

However, it was confirmed that the information wass entirely false, as stated by the Olympic Committee to Page Six in a report on July 23. It said:

"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."

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Celine Dion was not paid $2M for her Olympics Opening Ceremony performance

Dion (Photo by Edward Berthelot/GC Images)

As previously mentioned, reports from unverified sources claiming that Celine Dion took a substantial fee for performing at the Olympics last Friday were found to be untrue.

The reports claimed that $2 million was for one song only. Furthermore, they contended that the Olympic Committee paid Dion's traveling expenses, including jets and other fees.

The claims were laid to rest when a statement from the Olympic Committee was published by Page Six publication. The Committee clarified that no artist, including Celine Dion, was paid for their performance at the 2024 Olympics.

The statement concluded with a clarification that the majority of the funding for the Paris 2024 Olympics comes from private sources, and public funds are not used to pay for artistic performances. The statement read:

"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."

However, Paris 2024 did cover all technical production and performance organization costs, as is customary. This statement effectively puts to rest the rumor that Dion received a substantial payment for her performance.

As of now, Celine Dion has not yet made any public comment or addressed these claims directly.

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Celine Dion's performance at the Paris Olympics 2024

On Friday, July 26, 2024, Dion opted for a Dior haute-couture gown glittering with sequins and silver beads for the performance at the Olympics 2024. She sang a flawless version of Edith Piaf's Hymne à l'amour.

After the performance, Dion took to her Instagram and stated that she was honored to perform at the Olympics and was happy to return to her favorite city, Paris. Dion wrote:

"I'm honored to have performed tonight, for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, and so full of joy to be back in one of my very favorite cities! Most of all, I'm so happy to be celebrating these amazing athletes, with all their stories of sacrifice and determination, pain and perseverance."

In April 2024, Celine Dion sat with Vogue, where she shared her goal, suggesting that her next goal was to see the Eiffel Tower again. Dion said:

"I've chosen to work with all my body and soul, from head to toe, with a medical team. I want to be the best I can be. My goal is to see the Eiffel Tower again! … I have this strength within me. I know that nothing is going to stop me."

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As per ABC News June 2024 report, Dion opened up about her stiff person syndrome diagnosis in December 2022, but her symptoms began 17 years ago. As per NINDS, this syndrome is rare but a progressive neurological disorder. The symptoms generally include stiff muscles in the torso, arms, and legs, while also impacting their ability to walk.