Who knew that the magnificent Celine Dion, the voice that launched a thousand standing ovations, has been privately battling a rare neurological disorder? In her new documentary, I Am: Celine Dion, she opens up about the nightmare that is stiff person syndrome.
Picture this: Celine, the queen of power ballads, fighting a medical battle so daunting, it’s worthy of its own Broadway musical. During a physical therapy session, she encounters a severe medical crisis, and yes, the cameras captured it all—a reality show moment none of us wanted.
Back in 2022, Dion bravely disclosed her diagnosis, but the symptoms? They’ve been lurking around for 17 long years! That’s 17 years of powering through with a smile and hitting notes that seem to climb Everest.
In the docu, she reveals, “I need my instrument. And my instrument was not working. So we started to elevate the medicine.” Now, that’s the resilience of a true superstar. During her 2018 and 2019 tours, she struggled to hit those iconic high notes we all know and love.
Despite championing through her 2018 tour, 2019 wasn’t playing fair. She postponed dates due to what seemed like a “common cold,” only for the pandemic to wave its chaotic wand and halt everything.
Fast forward to her tour resuming in 2022, and guess what? More cancellations. The ultimate heartbreak came when she had to cancel the remaining shows after going public with her diagnosis.
“I can’t lie anymore,” she poignantly confesses in the documentary. “From a sinus infection to an ear infection to whatever. Sometimes I would point my microphone toward the audience, and I would make them sing it. There’s moments where I cheated and I tapped on the microphone like it was the microphone’s fault.” Classic Dion, blending honesty with a touch of humor.
Another powerful moment in the documentary shows Dion grappling with an intense full-body spasm. Cue the shivers. She’s lying on a massage table, her foot cramps, and within minutes, her entire body is locked up, rendering her speechless. The room erupts with concern as a medic rushes in with benzodiazepine nasal spray. It’s heart-wrenching to watch.
Once the spasms subside, lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, Dion can finally sit up and talk. “Every time something like this happens, it makes me feel so embarrassed,” she admits. “I don’t know how to express it, you know, to not have control over yourself.”
Her physical therapist speculates that the attack stemmed from being “overstimulated” by a singing session earlier. The pain, the exhaustion—it’s all too real.
Dion contemplates her future, questioning, “If I can’t get stimulated by what I love, then I’m going to go on stage, and you’re going to put the pulse oximeter on me and turn me on my back?” What a heavy question from a woman who has given so much of herself to the world.
Despite the struggles, Dion remains hopeful. She dreams of returning to the stage, dazzling us once more with her unparalleled talent. And while she’s not currently performing, the documentary offers a raw, unfiltered look into her life. It’s a must-watch, even if you’re not a massive Celine fan.
This documentary isn’t just for Celine devotees; it’s for anyone who appreciates strength and perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity. So, go ahead, grab that box of tissues, and dive in. You won’t regret it.
