Celine Dion

Celine Dion, born on March 30, 1968, in Charlemagne, Québec, was the youngest of 14 children. Her early years were filled with music, as her parents and siblings formed a local performing group. Even as a child, Celine’s talent was unmistakable, and her mother, Thérèse, recognized her potential. By the age of 12, Celine had written her first song, "Ce n’était qu’un rêve," which would set the stage for her future stardom.

In 1981, Celine's life changed forever when her mother sent a recording of her singing to René Angélil, a music manager known for his work with Québécois singer Ginette Reno. Struck by her talent, René became her manager and took a significant gamble by mortgaging his home to finance her first album. His belief in Celine paid off, as she quickly rose to fame, winning the gold medal at the 13th Yamaha World Popular Song Festival in Tokyo in 1982 and becoming a household name in Québec and France.

As Celine transitioned from a child star to a global sensation, she made her mark on the international stage. In 1990, she broke into the American market with her first English-language album, Unison, which included the hit single "Where Does My Heart Beat Now." Her career continued to soar with the success of "Beauty and the Beast," a duet with Peabo Bryson that earned her a Grammy and an Academy Award. Celine’s powerful voice and emotive performances captivated audiences worldwide, solidifying her status as a once-in-a-generation talent.

Celine’s personal and professional life intertwined when she married René Angélil in 1994. Together, they built an enduring legacy, with Celine becoming the best-selling female artist in history. Despite personal tragedies, including René’s passing in 2016, Celine’s passion for music never waned. She continued to perform, launch successful tours, and release new albums, including her 2019 album Courage. Even as her diagnosis with stiff person syndrome has impacted her ability to perform, Celine remains an enduring icon in the music industry, celebrated for her extraordinary voice and unwavering dedication to her craft.