The 2024 Paris Olympics are officially here, and we're ready to watch athletes from all over the world compete for sports glory. As one of the biggest events occurring internationally, people tune in to not just watch their favorite stars on TV. They also love watching the opening ceremony, which sets the precedent for what's to come during the three weeks of various sporting events.
This year's opening ceremony on July 26, 2024, from the Trocadero in the heart of Paris, featured a number of unique elements. Along with the over 10,000 athletes sailing along the Seine River to their desired location, folks got to see some of the world's biggest names perform for all to witness.
One such singer set to sing for the audience? It's none other than Céline Dion, with Variety reporting she'll make a comeback performance for the first time since her 2022 diagnosis with Stiff Person Syndrome.
"I’ve chosen to work with all my body and soul, from head to toe, with a medical team," she teased her impending performance to Vogue France back in April. "I want to be the best I can be. My goal is to see the Eiffel Tower again!"
With details behind Céline's performance being kept under wraps, one thought may just be crossing viewers' minds as they watch the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony. How much do performers get paid to sing at the Olympics opening ceremony? We found the answer, and it will likely shock you.
How much do Olympics opening ceremony performers get paid?
While some media outlets indicated Céline would be paid big for her Olympics appearance, Page Six revealed the "My Heart Will Go On" singer will not receive a paycheck for being part of the program. What's more, the outlet shared none of the performers will receive any sum of money to be a part of the opening ceremony.
"Contrary to some media reports, the performers at the Paris 2024 Games ceremonies will not receive a fee for their performance," a spokesperson for the Olympics told the publication on July 24. "Their decision to perform under these conditions reflects their desire to be part of a historic event for France and for the world of sports."
Despite not getting any money for her performance, the Olympics organization will pay for some things. Mainly, any expenses needed for the production and performance aspects will be paid for and not the responsibility of Céline's team.
Nonetheless, it looks like Céline was thrilled to be in Paris, teasing her appearance at the Summer Games on social media. Posting a photo taking at the Louvre Museum on Instagram, Céline expressed how much she's enjoying returning to the city she loves.
"Every time I return to Paris, I remember there’s so much beauty and joy still to experience in the world," she wrote on July 24. "I love Paris, and I’m so happy to be back! Thank you to our wonderful friends at The Louvre!"
What's more, when it came time for Céline's performance, she closed out the Olympics opening ceremony by singing "Hymne A L'Amour" while standing at the base of the Eiffel Tower.
As the world couldn't believe how incredible her comeback was, daytime host and NBC Olympic commentator Kelly Clarkson had an emotional response to Céline's return to the stage.
"I've been inspired. I've been dancing, I was not ready for that ending," she stated in a clip posted on X (formerly Twitter) on July 26. "If you know anything about Céline right now ... this is her purpose ... I'm trying to hold it together. That was incredible, and in my field, she is the gold winner for vocal athletes."
Lady Gaga also performed at the Opening Ceremony, performing Zizi Jeanmaire's song "Mon Truc En Plumes" in the style of a French Cabaret.
As the entertainment and news associate editor for Good Housekeeping, Adrianna (she/her) writes about everything TV, movies, music and pop culture. She graduated from Yeshiva University with a B.A. in journalism and a minor in business management. She covers shows like The Rookie, 9-1-1 and Grey's Anatomy, though when she’s not watching the latest show on Netflix, she’s taking martial arts or drinking way too much coffee.
