Céline Dion is not one to be messed with, especially when it comes to the unauthorized use of her iconic music. The legendary singer recently made headlines after Donald Trump’s campaign used footage of her performing “My Heart Will Go On” at a rally in Montana, and let’s just say, Dion’s response was nothing short of epic.
Céline’s Savage Cease-and-Desist
After discovering that the Trump campaign had used a video of her singing the classic Titanic anthem during a rally for Donald Trump and JD Vance, Céline Dion’s management team, along with Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc., quickly took action. On Instagram, Dion’s team posted a sharp and humorous cease-and-desist letter that left no room for misinterpretation.
“Today, Céline Dion’s management team and her record label Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc., became aware of the unauthorized usage of the video, recording, musical performance, and likeness of Céline Dion singing ‘My Heart Will Go On’ at a Donald Trump/JD Vance campaign rally in Montana,” the post began, making it clear that the campaign had no permission to use Dion’s music.
The letter continued with a pointed message: “In no way is this use authorized and Céline Dion does not endorse this or any similar use.” But the real kicker came at the end, where the team couldn’t resist taking a jab at the campaign’s choice of song: “…and really, that song?” The quip was a clear reference to the Titanic connection—a movie about a disastrous sinking ship—implying that the choice of “My Heart Will Go On” was anything but appropriate for a campaign rally.
Céline’s Triumphant Return to the Stage
Céline Dion’s fierce response comes on the heels of a major personal triumph. Despite battling stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that severely impacts her ability to move and sing, Dion recently made a stunning comeback at the Paris Olympics. The 56-year-old icon wowed audiences with her powerful performance of Edith Piaf’s “Hymne à l’amour” at the Eiffel Tower on July 26, marking her return to the stage after a long hiatus.
OK! Magazine quoted an unnamed source close to the singer, who revealed just how much this performance meant to Dion. “Céline is over the moon with how well things went in Paris. It was the ultimate comeback and something that she worked so hard for. It was incredibly emotional and a huge triumph for her because although she never stopped believing that she’d return to the stage, pretty much everyone in her life, doctors included, told her it was going to be next to impossible.”
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Dion herself has described the challenge of singing with stiff-person syndrome as being “like somebody is strangling you,” making her recent performance all the more remarkable.
Why Céline’s Clapback Matters
Céline Dion’s decision to publicly call out the Trump campaign highlights a growing trend among artists who are taking a stand against the unauthorized use of their work for political purposes. Dion’s firm but humorous approach to the situation not only protects her artistic rights but also sends a message that her music—and the messages it conveys—should not be co-opted without consent.
The choice of “My Heart Will Go On” for a political rally, especially one associated with Donald Trump, was bound to raise eyebrows. The song, forever linked with the tragic story of the Titanic, seemed an odd choice for a campaign event, and Dion’s witty cease-and-desist drove that point home.
What’s Next for Céline Dion?
As Céline Dion continues to manage her health while pursuing her passion for music, fans are eager to see what the future holds for the superstar. Her Paris performance has reignited hope that she will continue to grace the stage, despite the challenges posed by her condition. Dion’s strength and determination have always been central to her persona, and her recent triumph is just the latest chapter in her inspiring journey.
In the meantime, Céline’s clapback at the Trump campaign serves as a reminder that she’s not just a musical legend—she’s also a force to be reckoned with when it comes to protecting her legacy.
FAQs
What did Céline Dion do about the Trump campaign using her song? Céline Dion’s management team issued a cease-and-desist letter after discovering that the Trump campaign used her performance of “My Heart Will Go On” without authorization. The letter humorously questioned the campaign’s choice of song, which is associated with the sinking of the Titanic.
Why is the use of “My Heart Will Go On” controversial? The song “My Heart Will Go On” is famously linked to the Titanic movie, which tells the story of a tragic shipwreck. Using it in a political rally could be seen as tone-deaf, particularly given the symbolism of a sinking ship.
How is Céline Dion’s health? Céline Dion has been battling stiff-person syndrome, a rare condition that affects her movement and singing. Despite this, she recently made a triumphant return to the stage at the Paris Olympics, where she delivered a powerful performance.
What song did Céline Dion perform at the Paris Olympics? Céline Dion performed Edith Piaf’s “Hymne à l’amour” at the Eiffel Tower on July 26, marking her return to live performance.
Is Céline Dion planning more performances? While Céline Dion’s future performances will likely depend on her health, her recent success in Paris has sparked hope among fans that she will continue to perform when possible.
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