Photo Credit: Egghead06 / CC by 4.0
Celine Dion and Lady Gaga were not paid for their appearances at the 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony in Paris. Here’s why.
Both Lady Gaga and Celine Dion dazzled with performances at the 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony in Paris, France on Friday. But despite TMZ reporting that the stars would be “paid handsomely” for “just one song,” with the Olympics paying around $2 million to each of them after travel and expenses, another source confirms otherwise.
“Contrary to some media reports, the performers at the Paris 2024 Games ceremonies will not receive a fee for their performance,” a spokesperson told Page Six. “Their decision to perform under these conditions reflects their desire to be part of a historic event for France and for the world of sports.” Still, the Olympics does indeed cover “technical production,” as well as “costs for the performances, as is customary.”
But fans left wondering why these two A-list stars would agree to perform for free should look no further than the NFL Super Bowl Halftime Show for the answer. Massive events like the Halftime show and the Olympics Opening Ceremony drive considerable revenue for artists with a significant boost in both sales and streams.
For Celine Dion, who has not performed since her diagnosis with Stiff-Person Syndrome has made it impossible for her to reliably return to the stage, such a show serves as both a boost to her celebrated career, and a vehicle to raise awareness of her condition. Her presence at the Olympics means people will be talking about her, and increasing searches related to her on the internet. Ultimately, that means more people will learn not only about the singer herself, but about her diagnosis with Stiff-Person Syndrome, raising public awareness of what is still a relatively unknown disease.
“I’m honored to have performed tonight, for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, and so full of joy to be back in one of my very favorite cities,” wrote Celine Dion. “Most of all, I’m so happy to be celebrating these amazing athletes with all their stories of sacrifice and determination, pain, and perseverance. All of you have been so focused on your dream, and whether or not you take home a medal, I hope that being here means that it has come true for you! You should all be so proud; we know how hard you have worked to be the best of the best. Stay focused, keep going,” she concluded. “My heart is with you!”
Celine Dion performed at the Olympic Games back in 1996, singing “The Power of the Dream,” with 3.5 billion people watching the performance.
