Céline Dion makes surprise video appearance at Eurovision, 37 years after winning the contest

Céline Dion made a surprise video appearance at Eurovision on Tuesday night, seemingly throwing cold water on the rumours that the Canadian artist might perform during the singing contest’s grand final in Basel, Switzerland, on Saturday.

The appearance, which took place during the contest’s semi-final, comes 37 years after Dion won Eurovision on behalf of Switzerland for her performance of the song “Ne partez pas sans moi.” The contest, which Dion has described as formative, was considered the young star’s introduction to the world beyond Canada and France.

“I’d love nothing more than to be with you in Basel right now,” an emotional Dion said in the video, speaking from a remote location. “Winning the Eurovision song contest for Switzerland in 1988 was a life-changing moment for me and I’m so thankful for everyone who supported me.”

“Music unites us,” she added in French. “It is our strength, our support and our support in the moments where we need it. I love you all, Europe and the rest of the world, of course. Kisses, I love you.”

Following the video, a number of former contestants paid tribute to Dion with a cover of “Ne partez pas sans mo.”

Prior to her appearance Tuesday, several reports hinted that Dion could show up at the Eurovision Grand Final, either to sing or just be celebrated. But the appearance was said to hinge on her health. Dion was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome in late 2022, following a series of show cancellations and postponements for “severe and persistent muscle spasms.” Last summer, she gave a triumphant performance beneath the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Olympics, her first since going public with her health condition.

Earlier this month, Dion shared pictures on Instagram from her past Eurovision experiences, fuelling more speculation about a potential performance.

It’s unclear whether Dion will make another appearance, though Tuesday’s remote appearance suggests that it is unlikely.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is the 69th edition of the ultra-popular event. Switzerland is hosting the event after the nation won the 2024 contest with the song “The Code” by Nemo.

The live portion of the contest kicked off on Tuesday, with performers from 15 countries battling it out in front of thousands of fans for 10 spots in Saturday’s final, with the result decided by viewers’ votes. A second semi-final will take place on Thursday.

The two semi-finals will narrow the field of 37 nations down to 26 who will compete in Saturday’s grand final. Twenty finalists will be decided by viewers’ votes, while six countries automatically qualify for the final: the host, Switzerland, and the “Big Five” who pay the most to the contest — France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the U.K.

This year’s frontrunners are KAJ, a trio of Swedish-speaking Finns.