Celine Dion [Getty Images]
Celine Dion [Getty Images]

Celine Dion, 58, who has returned to the stage after overcoming a rare neurological disorder, made a surprise appearance on the runway at Paris Fashion Week.

According to AFP, Dion took to the runway Monday (local time) at the close of a fashion show by French beauty group L'Oreal held beneath the Eiffel Tower.

Dressed in a black gown, Dion performed her 2002 hit "I'm Alive" before a crowd that erupted in cheers at her unexpected appearance.

It was a surprise public glimpse of the singer since her recovery.

Dion then shared the stage with L'Oreal ambassadors including Kendall Jenner, Viola Davis, Simone Ashley and Eva Longoria.

She is currently in Paris ahead of her first solo concert in six years.

'I held on to a faint ray of light'

Celine Dion [Getty Images]
Celine Dion [Getty Images]

A global superstar from Quebec, Canada, Dion is also widely known as the singer of the theme from the film "Titanic."

In 2022, she announced she had been diagnosed with Stiff-Person Syndrome, a rare condition that causes severe muscle stiffness, and stepped back from performing.

Having recovered enough to hold a microphone again, she reunited with audiences on Sept. 12 at a concert venue on the outskirts of Paris — her first show in four years.

According to AFP, Dion opened up about the difficult journey, saying it had been "a much harder road than expected," while fans made no effort to hide their emotion at seeing her again.

Dion appeared deeply moved from the start of the concert and was seen in tears. "These are tears of joy," she said. "I am so happy to see you."

She added that she had "held on to a faint ray of light visible deep in the mountains far away," and said, "Tonight I will sing for you, for myself, and for life."

Some 30,000 fans attended the concert. Michelle Obama, wife of former President Barack Obama, was also in the audience.

Over a 40-year career, Dion has sold approximately 260 million albums in English and French. She has also won five Grammy Awards.


yul@heraldcorp.com