Latest news with #StiffPersonSyndrome
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Music Legend, 57, Makes Rare Public Appearance Amid Heartbreaking Diagnosis
Music Legend, 57, Makes Rare Public Appearance Amid Heartbreaking Diagnosis originally appeared on Parade. Celine Dion made a very rare public appearance in Las Vegas on June 6. The music icon took in Coldplay's show and shared a post about her experience on Instagram a few days later — and she gave the show her seal of approval. "What an unforgettable evening with @Coldplay at @AllegiantStadium…My heart is still singing," Dion captioned a post that included photos from her backstage as well as in the stands at Allegiant Stadium. Dion attended the concert with her sons, René-Charles Angélil and twins Nelson and Eddy Angélil. "A heartfelt thanks to the band and their amazing team for welcoming my family with warmth and kindness. It was all…fantastique," she added. Dozens of fans reacted to Dion's post in the comments section, many excited to see her out and about as she continues treatment for Stiff Person Syndrome, which has kept her from performing. "You look so beautiful. So happy to see you!!!!" one person wrote. "It's so amazing to see you having fun and doing well," someone else said. "Couldn't be more happy for seeing you having fun with your sons," a third comment read. "It's so good to see Celine out and about enjoying herself with her boys and looking fabulous," a fourth Instagram user echoed. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 Dion has been plagued with symptoms of Stiff Person Syndrome since 2008. In 2022, Dion was officially diagnosed with the rare neurological condition, which causes mobility issues, pain and muscle spasms. The "Taking Chances" singer hasn't performed a concert since 2020. However, in each health update she gives her fans, she's said that she hopes to return to the stage soon. Dion has performed a handful of times over the past couple of years, but her appearances tend to be sporadic. Music Legend, 57, Makes Rare Public Appearance Amid Heartbreaking Diagnosis first appeared on Parade on Jun 9, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘I Am: Celine Dion' will now compete for Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking at Emmys — so what's the difference?
Prime Video's documentary I Am: Celine Dion, which chronicles the iconic pop singer's battle with Stiff Person Syndrome, has been accepted to compete in the Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking category at the 2025 Emmys, Gold Derby has confirmed. This juried award, presented at the Creative Arts Emmys since 2005, honors documentaries that "showcase an exceptional filmmaker's vision, compelling storytelling, artistic innovation, and the ability to inform, transport, impact, enlighten, and create a meaningful, indelible work that elevates the art of documentary filmmaking." Notably, films selected for this category are not eligible to compete in Best Informational Series or Special or Best Documentary or Nonfiction Special. More from GoldDerby How the longtime 'Severance' cinematographer wound up directing Season 2's standout episode 'We could do this show forever': 'Somebody Somewhere' creators on final season, heart, and the humor of Bridget Everett The Making of 'Out of My Mind': Inside the groundbreaking Disney+ film redefining disability representation on screen What's the difference between Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking and Best Documentary or Nonfiction Special? According to the 2025 Emmys rulebook, documentaries with an aggregate theatrical release exceeding 70 days must enter the Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking category. They are ineligible for competition in the Documentary or Nonfiction Special or Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special categories. The television broadcast or streaming debut of these documentaries must occur within one year of their initial public exhibition, excluding film festival screenings, which do not count as theatrical screenings. Programs nominated for an Oscar in any category are also barred from submitting. In essence, the Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking category was created to celebrate documentaries that had a robust theatrical run before airing on television. For example, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, another standout film that was in contention for last year's Best Documentary Feature Oscar, will also compete in this category. Speaking to Gold Derby last year, director Irene Taylor reflected on her initial surprise when approached about the project. "I did not know Céline before this film," she admitted. "In fact, I was a little bit surprised when a producer contacted me — someone who had worked closely with her and her management in the past. She said she was thinking of me for this possible film that Céline was open to. I was surprised because my films are very much character-driven, but I had never focused on someone with as much celebrity as Céline has." As the film delves into Dion's struggles with a long-hidden illness, Taylor speculated why the singer chose her for the project. "I think Céline was looking for someone she could tell her secret to. That's really what the film is about — this unfortunate lie that she had been telling the world." Filmed more than two years ago, Taylor sought to focus the most pivotal and deeply challenging period in Dion's life. "It would have been out of bounds just to do a straightforward biopic when her body was going through this tumultuous detox off of medications. She was trying to figure out what was happening with her vocal cords. She was also at home with her children, adjusting to having the kind of time she hadn't had for decades. It was very clear that the film needed to focus on this exceptional period of her life." A performer since childhood, Dion's identity has long been intertwined with her role as a global entertainer. "Céline began performing before she was even a teenager, so she didn't necessarily know how to step out of that role," Taylor explained. "I wanted the film to have some balance between the struggle and that essential talent and joyful person Céline is at heart," she explained, adding that these elements helped "brighten up the film a little bit." One of the film's most harrowing moments captures Dion experiencing a medical crisis while undergoing therapy for her illness. Reflecting on the scene, Taylor revealed, "We call it a medical episode because her body just goes into this rigid stance, and we didn't know if she was breathing." Initially, the crew prioritized Dion's safety, but it quickly became clear that she was in capable hands. "Her bodyguard and her physical therapist had a protocol given to them by doctors of exactly what to do," Taylor explained. Ultimately, they decided to continue filming. "Céline had told us, 'Don't shy away. Always film, and I'll tell you to stop.' Remarkably, Céline never asked to see the footage — she trusted us to document her truth." I Am: Celine Dion is streaming on Prime Video. Best of GoldDerby Chloë Sevigny on Kitty Menendez and 'Monsters' fascination: 'People are endlessly curious about those who have privilege and abuse it' Jason Isaacs relives filming 'The White Lotus' piña colada scene: 'It was one of the reasons I was worried about taking the job' Kaitlyn Dever on playing 'horrible' characters in 'Last of Us', 'Apple Cider Vinegar': 'I just don't see any other option but to give 100 percent' Click here to read the full article.
Gulf Today
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Celina Dion skips Eurovision contest
The 69th Eurovision Song Contest was held at Basel's St. Jakobshalle, packed with 6,500 excited ticket-holders dressed to the nines while 36,000 others watched a live transmission in a nearby stadium. An estimated 160 million people across Europe and beyond were expected to tune in for the annual TV spectacle, where kitsch, glam and spectacular staging go hand in hand. Twenty-six countries were in contention, with 11 having been eliminated in the semi-finals during the week. Basel had been abuzz all week with rumours that Celine Dion might make an emotion-laden appearance as she battles Stiff Person Syndrome. The Canadian superstar, now 57, launched her international career by winning Eurovision 1988, while competing for Switzerland. But in the end, she did not appear. "We have been in contact with her through various channels and regret that ultimately it was not possible to include her in the show," Eurovision organisers told AFP. "We send her all our best wishes and, above all, good health." Sweden had long been the bookmakers' hot favourite to win in Basel with the comedy trio KAJ's sauna song "Bara Bada Bastu". But they finished fourth ahead of Italy, Greece and France as JJ scooped up the microphone-shaped trophy. Albania, Ukraine and Switzerland rounded out the top 10. Agence France-Presse
The Sun
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Eurovision fans devastated as Celine Dion fails to appear despite series of huges clue amid her crippling health battle
EUROVISION fans were left devastated as Celine Dion failed to appear at tonight's grand final - despite a series of huge clues. Canadian superstar Celine, 57, who famously won the contest for Switzerland in 1988, had been widely anticipated to perform live at St. Jakobshalle in Basel. It would have marked her first public stage appearance in almost a year amid her ongoing battle with Stiff Person Syndrome, a rare autoimmune neurological disorder. The singer had even jetted into Basel ahead of the show - but, as the four-hour extravaganza came to end, viewers shared their disappointment that she didn't appear. One wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "I can't believe I sat through 4 hours of this for Celine to no show." Another said: "Imagine waiting all night to see Celine Dion and she doesn't even come on." Someone else added: "I had myself convinced Celine was going to be there, ffs." A fourth joked towards the ceremony's end: "Just cancel the damn votes and bring on Celine Dion!! I can't take this haha." Celine has kept a low profile in recent years while undergoing treatment for the condition, which affects the brain and spinal cord and causes severe muscle stiffness and spasms. Her team previously confirmed she had cancelled all remaining tour dates to focus on her health, with no immediate plans to return to performing. However, commentator Graham Norton had teased during the BBC One broadcast that he was hopeful she would be there. The Sun also told this week how her private jet left Paris for Switzerland Thursday morning. Eurovision fans in tears as Celine Dion makes surprise appearance after health battle At the time of publication, negotiations were still ongoing and the potential performance had been up in the air due to her turbulent health. Celine has struggled to sing since she revealed her health struggles in December 2022, although she did give a rare performance at the Paris Olympics last summer. A Eurovision insider said: 'The team have been talking to Celine about appearing or performing at the ceremony for months and it has been very up and down. "At one point this week, it looked like she would not be attending, but now it is looking far more likely she will be there. "Rehearsals have gone ahead without her, but everyone is crossing their fingers. 'It'll be down to the wire.' Celine sent a video message, shown during Tuesday's semi-final, which appeared to indicate she would not be travelling to the event from her Las Vegas home. The My Heart Will Go On singer said: 'I'd love nothing more than to be with you in Basel right now. Winning the Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland in 1988 was a life-changing moment for me. 'Music unites us. It is our strength, our support... in times of need.' What is stiff person syndrome? Stiff person syndrome or SPS is a condition caused by persistent spasms. This usually involves multiple muscles, primarily the lower limbs, experts at University College London say. Most people who develop the illness will receive a diagnosis from the ages of 40-60-years-old. It's a neurological disease with features of autoimmune conditions. The first signs would be intermittent spasms which then become continuous. Other symptoms include: Minor sensory stimuli (being more sensitive to noise, light and touch) Severe spasms Impaired breathing (in advanced cases). The experts said that spasms don't usually occur during your sleep. How is it treated? In most cases people with SPS respond to high doses of diazepam, which is often used as anti anxiety medication. Pain relievers will also improve the symptoms but these will not cure the disorder. Many people with SPS will experience falls because they lack defensive reflexes, experts at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke added. 3 3
The Irish Sun
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Eurovision fans devastated as Celine Dion fails to appear despite series of huges clue amid her crippling health battle
EUROVISION fans were left devastated as Celine Dion failed to appear at tonight's grand final - despite a series of huge clues. Canadian superstar 3 Eurovision fans were left devastated as Celine Dion failed to appear at tonight's grand final Credit: Getty It would have marked her first public stage appearance in almost a year amid her ongoing battle with Stiff Person Syndrome, a rare autoimmune neurological disorder. The singer had even jetted into Basel ahead of the show - but, as the four-hour extravaganza came to end, viewers shared their disappointment that she didn't appear. One wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "I can't believe I sat through 4 hours of this for Celine to no show." Another said: "Imagine waiting all night to see Celine Dion and she doesn't even come on." read more on CELINE Dion Someone else added: "I had myself convinced Celine was going to be there, ffs." A fourth joked towards the ceremony's end: "Just cancel the damn votes and bring on Celine Dion!! I can't take this haha." Celine has kept a low profile in recent years while undergoing treatment for the condition, which affects the brain and spinal cord and causes severe muscle stiffness and spasms. Her team previously confirmed she had cancelled all remaining tour dates to focus on her health, with no immediate plans to return to performing. Most read in Music However, commentator Graham Norton had teased during the BBC One broadcast that he was hopeful she would be there. The Sun also told this week how her Eurovision fans in tears as Celine Dion makes surprise appearance after health battle At the time of publication, negotiations were still ongoing and the potential performance had been up in the air due to Celine has struggled to sing since she revealed her health struggles in December 2022, although she did give a rare performance at the Paris Olympics last summer. A Eurovision insider said: 'The team have been talking to Celine about appearing or performing at the ceremony for months and it has been very up and down. "At one point this week, it looked like she would not be attending, but now it is looking far more likely she will be there. "Rehearsals have gone ahead without her, but everyone is crossing their fingers. 'It'll be down to the wire.' Celine sent a video message, shown during Tuesday's semi-final, which appeared to indicate she would not be travelling to the event from her Las Vegas home. The My Heart Will Go On singer said: 'I'd love nothing more than to be with you in Basel right now. Winning the Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland in 1988 was a life-changing moment for me. 'Music unites us. It is our strength, our support... in times of need.' What is stiff person syndrome? Stiff person syndrome or SPS is a condition caused by persistent spasms. This usually involves multiple muscles, primarily the lower limbs, experts at Most people who develop the illness will receive a diagnosis from the ages of 40-60-years-old. It's a neurological disease with features of autoimmune conditions. The first signs would be intermittent spasms which then become continuous. Other symptoms include: Minor sensory stimuli (being more sensitive to noise, light and touch) Severe spasms Impaired breathing (in advanced cases). The experts said that spasms don't usually occur during your sleep. How is it treated? In most cases people with SPS respond to high doses of diazepam, which is often used as anti anxiety medication. Pain relievers will also improve the symptoms but these will not cure the disorder. Many people with SPS will experience falls because they lack defensive reflexes, experts at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke added. 3 Celine did send in a video message for an earlier semi-final Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 It would have marked her first public stage appearance in almost a year Credit: Getty
