Celine Dion made a rare appearance at the 2025 Eurovision semi-final on Tuesday, joining via video call that left fans emotional.
The 57-year-old singer shared a heartfelt message ahead of Saturday's grand finale in Switzerland.
Her surprise appearance came amid her ongoing battle with stiff person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder she was diagnosed with in 2022.
The appearance sparked speculation about whether she might perform at the final, given her historic connection to the contest.
The 57-year-old singer shared a heartfelt message ahead of Saturday's grand finale in Switzerland
EUROVISION SONG CONTEST
Dion famously won the Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland in 1988 with her performance of "Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi".
During her video appearance, she expressed her gratitude to the country that launched her international career.
"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," she said.
She reflected on her victory 37 years ago, calling it "a life-changing moment" and thanking everyone who supported her.
Dion appeared to rule out attending the final in Switzerland, disappointing fans who had hoped to see her perform.
"I'd love nothing more than to be with you," she told viewers, suggesting her health condition would prevent her from attending in person.
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Her message to the Swiss people was particularly poignant: "To the people of Switzerland, thank you for your love. This night is yours and I hope you feel as proud as I do."
Fans expressed their sadness online that the star would not be making an appearance at the final.
Tuesday's semi-final saw 10 acts qualify for Saturday's grand finale, including Swedish entrants KAJ with their song "Bara Bada Bastu".
Other countries making it through included Norway, Albania, Iceland, Netherlands, Poland, San Marino, Estonia, Portugal and Ukraine.
The successful qualifiers knocked Azerbaijan, Belgium, Cyprus, Croatia and Slovenia out of the competition.
Tuesday's semi-final saw 10 acts qualify for Saturday's grand finale, including Swedish entrants KAJ with their song "Bara Bada Bastu"
GETTYThe results set the stage for an exciting final, with Switzerland hosting the event for the first time since Dion's historic win nearly four decades ago.
Dion's rare appearance comes amid her ongoing battle with stiff person syndrome, which she was diagnosed with in December 2022.
The incurable disorder affects just one to three people per million and causes severe muscle spasms that impact her ability to sing.
She previously described the condition as feeling like "someone is strangling you."
Despite these challenges, Dion made her comeback at the 2024 Paris Olympics after fearing she would never perform again.
Dion's rare appearance comes amid her ongoing battle with stiff person syndrome, which she was diagnosed with in December 2022
GETTY
She continues to undergo rigorous physical and vocal therapy five days a week.
Fans took to social media to express their emotions after seeing the music icon's rare appearance.
"That was beautiful. Celine Dion's song is actually one of my favourite Eurovision songs," wrote one viewer.
Another commented: "This tribute to Celine Dion's #Eurovision win in 1998 is emotional and beautiful. Well done #ESC2025 Proper respect to a legend."
"Little tears in my eyes Celine Dion ily," shared a third fan.
Others noted their sadness about her absence: "It's so sad Celine Dion couldn't attend Eurovision."
