After months of anticipation and official confirmations, Céline Dion‘s highly awaited return to the Eurovision stage in Basel, Switzerland, ended in disappointment when the legendary singer suffered a seizure shortly before her scheduled performance. The incident forced her immediate withdrawal from the event and a swift return to Las Vegas via private jet, dashing hopes of fans who had enthusiastically anticipated her comeback.
Céline Dion’s triumphant Eurovision return crumbled as a pre-performance seizure forced her sudden withdrawal and hasty flight back to Las Vegas.
Dion had been set to perform “Ne partez pas sans moi,” her winning song from 1988, at Eurovision 2025, marking what would have been her first major live appearance in years. The performance was intended to celebrate both the contest’s return to Switzerland and Dion’s own Eurovision legacy, which she has often described as “life-changing” for her career.
The singer’s health crisis underscores her ongoing battle with stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder she publicly disclosed in 2022. The condition, which causes severe muscle spasms and affects voluntary muscle control, has greatly limited Dion’s performances in recent years, with her appearance at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris being a notable exception. This latest setback has further impacted her ability to generate income through live performances, which remains one of the most significant revenue streams for established musicians.
Eurovision organizers quickly pivoted, replacing Dion’s live appearance with a pre-recorded video tribute during the first semi-final. Media outlets extensively covered the situation, with reports from various sources highlighting the severity of her health scare and the subsequent disappointment among Eurovision fans. The planned performance was also connected to a documentary celebrating the 30th anniversary of her landmark album “Deux,” which became the best-selling French-language album of all time. Contestants from the previous year’s competition performed in her honor, maintaining her presence at the event despite her physical absence.
The 2025 contest, hosted in Basel after Switzerland’s 2024 victory with “The Code” by Nemo, ultimately saw Austria’s JJ win with “Wasted Love,” securing Austria’s third Eurovision triumph. French media outlet Le Parisien had initially reported Dion’s planned performance, sparking widespread anticipation that intensified when fans spotted her arriving in Basel.
While the cancelled performance represents a missed opportunity for Eurovision to showcase one of its most successful winners, the tribute performances and video presentation assured that Dion’s connection to the contest remained intact, highlighting her enduring influence on the Eurovision stage and global music scene. Music industry experts suggest the singer could still maintain her presence through streaming platforms, which offer artists alternative ways to reach audiences when live performances aren’t possible.
