Celine Dion made a rare and dazzling appearance on Sunday night at the 66th Grammy Awards, stepping onto the stage to present the ceremony’s top honor to Taylor Swift. The “My Heart Will Go On” and “The Power of Love” singer received a standing ovation as she emerged at the Crypto.com Arena to present the award for Album of the Year, the evening’s final accolade.
Dion’s surprise appearance was a heartwarming moment, especially given that it came more than a year after she publicly revealed her diagnosis with stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that has affected her ability to sing. This condition also led to the cancellation of her 2024 Courage World Tour dates due to ongoing health concerns.
Despite her health challenges, Dion has continued to share updates with her fans. In December, her sister Claudette Dion indicated that the singer’s condition had worsened, stating that Dion “doesn’t have control of her muscles” and that “there are some who have lost hope.” This was after Dion made her first public appearance in over three years at a hockey game in Las Vegas in November.
Nevertheless, Dion has remained determined to return to the stage. On Sunday, she did just that, albeit in a different role, with her characteristic grace and poise. “When I say that I’m happy to be here, I really mean it from my heart,” Dion said before presenting the award. “Those who have been blessed enough to be here at the Grammy Awards must never take for granted the tremendous love and joy that music brings to our lives and to people all around the world.”
The emotional moment was a highlight in a night filled with poignant performances and surprises, including an album announcement from Swift. However, Dion’s triumphant return seemed overshadowed by the evening’s other star, Taylor Swift.
After Dion, 55, announced Swift, 34, and her album “Midnights” as the winner of Album of the Year, viewers took to social media to express their disappointment over what they perceived as Swift’s lack of acknowledgment towards Dion. As Swift hurried to the stage with producer Jack Antonoff and collaborator Lana Del Rey, many noted that she barely made eye contact with Dion and did not mention Dion’s illustrious career in her acceptance speech. Instead, Swift focused on praising Antonoff and Del Rey.
“I get to work with one of my best friends, who is not only one of my best friends but also a once-in-a-generation producer; that’s Jack Antonoff,” Swift said. “I’m so lucky.” She also lauded Del Rey, calling her a “legacy artist” and a “legend in her prime right now.”
This perceived snub did not sit well with some viewers. “Taylor Swift didn’t just walk up there and snub Celine Dion, did she? I feel a certain way, I believe Celine paved the way for you, little girl,” wrote one user on social media. Another commented, “I love Taylor Swift just as much as the next, but that snub to music royalty Celine Dion was so distasteful. Taylor didn’t even make eye contact with Celine when she grabbed the Grammy…gross.”
The debate continued in the comments section of a TikTok video that questioned whether Swift had snubbed Dion. “Like.. yes you’re Taylor Swift but that’s CELINE DION,” one user commented. Another added, “completely ignored her.” Yet another wrote, “I started to cry when I saw Celine…Taylor should have acknowledged her.”
However, loyal fans of Swift defended her, arguing that she was likely overwhelmed by the historic moment. Swift had just made Grammy history by becoming the first person to win the Album of the Year prize four times, breaking a record previously held by Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, and Paul Simon. Additionally, Dion had presented Swift with the Artist of the Year prize at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards, where the two shared a hug.
Others pointed out that Swift was shown during the Grammys telecast enthusiastically singing along to Dion’s “I’m Your Lady,” which played as Dion took the stage. Internet sleuths quickly found evidence of mutual admiration, noting that the two were photographed hugging backstage and posing with Dion’s son, Rene-Charles Angelil.
A spokesperson for Swift did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Despite the controversy, the night was undeniably significant for both artists. Swift appeared prepared for the latest round of awards-show chatter, carrying a black fan to shield her face from lip readers, singing and dancing along to the performances, and even receiving a shout-out in SZA’s acceptance speech.
Dion’s appearance at the Grammys was a testament to her enduring spirit and love for music, even as she battles a challenging health condition. Her presence was a poignant reminder of the power of resilience and the unifying force of music.
Source: Los Angeles Times, Billboard
