The musician presented the coveted award to Taylor Swift
Twenty-seven years ago, Celine Dion was presented Album of the Year for Falling into You by Diana Ross and Sting. The Canadian musician reflected on that career highlight during a rare surprise appearance at the 2024 Grammy Awards, where she presented that same award to Taylor Swift for Midnights.
“When I say I’m happy to be here, I really mean it from my heart,” Dion told the audience. She has scarcely been seen amidst her ongoing battle with stiff-person syndrome, an autoimmune neurological disease that causes muscle stiffness and painful spasms. “Those who have been blessed enough to be here at the Grammy Awards must never take for granted the tremendous love and joy music brings to our lives and people all around the world.”
Dion most recently appeared during a hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Montreal Canadiens in November. It was an even more rare instance given that the singer was able to deliver a performance for the audience.
Most of Dion’s recently scheduled live performances have been canceled in light of the rare disorder. Last year, she scrammed a number of shows in Europe, explaining: “I’m working really hard to build back my strength, but touring can be very difficult even when you’re 100%. It’s not fair to you to keep postponing the shows, and even though it breaks my heart, it’s best that we cancel everything now until I’m really ready to be back on stage again.”
In September, Dion’s sister Claudette shared a brief update on her health journey. “There are spasms — they’re impossible to control,” Claudette told Hello! in an interview. “You know people who often jump up in the night because of a cramp in the leg or the calf? It’s a bit like that, but in all muscles. There’s little we can do to support her, to alleviate her pain … She’s doing everything to recover. She’s a strong woman.”
