Céline Dion's Rep Hits Back At 'Entirely False And Potentially Damaging' Eurovision Claims

Céline Dion is clearing up rumours about whether she was ever officially booked to perform at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

Now best known for hits like My Heart Will Go On, That’s The Way It Is and It’s All Coming Back To Me Now, many music fans’ first introduction to Céline will have been in 1988 when she won Eurovision on behalf of Switzerland with the song Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi.

Earlier this year, Eurovision returned to Switzerland off the back of Nemo’s 2024 victory, which led many fans to speculate about whether she might put in an appearance, or even perform, especially after her show-stopping number at the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics.

While Eurovision took place months ago, reports about Céline’s involvement have surfaced in the press in the last few weeks, which her team has now branded “entirely false and potentially damaging”.

A spokesperson told the PA news agency (via The Independent): “We would like to address the false reporting regarding Céline Dion and the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest earlier this year.

“Céline was not in Basel [in May], nor did she ever plan to attend, perform, or present at the event. Furthermore, contrary to certain claims, she does not own a private plane.

“Recent published stories are entirely false and potentially damaging since they suggest that she accepted the organisers’ invitation to attend in person and that her subsequent non-attendance resulted from ill health. This is completely untrue.”

The statement continued: “What is accurate is that Céline was invited to record a brief video greeting for the occasion, which she was happy to provide.

“In an era where sensational headlines often take precedence, we urge media outlets to uphold journalistic integrity and even minimal fact-check before publishing such inaccuracies.”

As her rep’s spokesperson pointed out, the Grammy winner did film a pre-recorded video message for this year’s Eurovision, which played during the first semi-final.

Céline said in the clip: “Dear Eurovision family and contestants, I’d love nothing more than to be with you in Basel right now.

“Switzerland will forever hold a special place in my heart. It’s the country that believed in me and gave me the chance to be part of something so extraordinary.

“Winning the Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland in 1988 was a life-changing moment for me, and I’m so thankful to everyone who supported me. Now, 37 years later – I know! – it’s so beautiful and emotional to see Switzerland winning, and hosting this incredible event once again. To the people of Switzerland, thank you for your love. This night is yours, and I hope you feel as proud as I do.”

Speaking in French, she concluded: “Music unites us, not just tonight, not just in this wonderful moment. Music is our strength, our support and our companion in a moment we need it. Europe, and the rest of the world, of course – I embrace you. I love you.”

A tribute to Céline was also performed by four of last year’s contestants during the semi-finals.

For the past few years, Céline has been taking a step back from the spotlight after being diagnosed with stiff person syndrome.

Last year, she spoke about her experiences of living with the rare neurological condition in a candid documentary, I Am: Céline Dion, which preceded her triumphant Paris Olympics performance.