Celine Dion Surprises Fans with Emotional Eurovision Message in 2025

Basel, Switzerland – Celine Dion made a surprise appearance during the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest semi-final, delighting fans with a heartfelt video message broadcast on May 13. Although the renowned singer couldn’t attend in person due to ongoing health issues, her emotional message resonated deeply with the audience and contestants.

Dion, who won Eurovision for Switzerland in 1988, opened her message expressing her regret about not being able to be in Basel. “I’d love nothing more than to be with you in Basel right now,” she said. “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 described her Eurovision victory as a “life-changing moment” and remarked on the significance of Switzerland hosting the contest again: “37 years later, it is so beautiful to see Switzerland winning and hosting this incredible event once again.”

In her conclusion, Dion expressed gratitude to the people of Switzerland, saying, “Thank you for your love. This night is yours, and I hope you feel as proud as I do.” She added a heartfelt message in French, noting that “Music unites us” in difficult times, emphasizing its power and importance across cultures.

Dion’s message came as she continues to manage her battle with stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that has limited her public appearances since her diagnosis in 2022. Despite these challenges, she has slowly returned to the spotlight, including a notable performance at the City of Hope’s Spirit of Life Gala in Los Angeles in late 2024.

Months earlier, in July 2024, Dion delivered a powerful performance of “L’Hymne à l’amour” at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. Since her diagnosis, she has been candid about her health struggles, openly expressing her dedication to return to the stage. “If I can’t run, I’ll walk. If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl… I won’t stop,” she stated.

As a testament to her resilience, Dion’s appearance at Eurovision underscored her enduring connection to her fans and the world of music, serving as a reminder of hope and unity amid adversity.