Celine Dion is back, and in the finest of form. Australian audiences got a glimpse at the Canadian superstar’s rare talent on Sunday (Sept. 20), when she appeared remotely for an all-star concert celebrating the songs and career of John Farnham.
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Dion joined in on the action midway through the show presented at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, and beamed into Hoyt’s cinemas around the country. She had no easy task — performing Farnham’s greatest of all hits, 1986’s “You’re The Voice,” a song regarded in these parts as the “unofficial” national anthem.
“Hello, everyone. I really wish I could be with you there tonight, to celebrate my dear friend John. But I am on my new stage in Paris this week,” she said at the top. “You know, John, you’ve always been such a deep inspiration for me. I always loved to hear you sing. And the way you sang one song, in particular, is one of my very, very favorite performances ever. That’s all. It’s so dear to my heart.”
Dion dueted with Farnham back in August 2018 during her concert in the same venue. On that occasion, they also performed “You’re the Voice.”
“It was such an honor,” she said during the remote rendition. “And at the same time, so much fun, to sing it with you. And that, my friend, is… eight years ago. I know, I think you know this one, very well.”
As previously reported, Farnham, aged 77, was unable to attend the show due to poor health.
Dion, who is battling with stiff person syndrome, a rare autoimmune neurological disorder that causes muscle stiffness and painful spasms, is currently powering through a 16-date comeback residency at Paris’ Plenitude Arena.
The chart-topping star was one of more than 120 artists and musicians who participated in the Songs Of John Farnham: A Living Legend – The Celebration Concert, alongside the likes of Vanessa Amorosi, Tina Arena, Jimmy Barnes, Kate Ceberano, Diesel, Human Nature, Richard Marx, Jessica Mauboy, Jon Stevens, Keith Urban, Mark Vincent, Ross Wilson, and surprise guests Chris Martin and Hugh Jackman.
The 15,000-capacity Rod Laver Arena was a swift sellout, while more than 23,000 Farnham fans packed Hoyt’s cinemas nationwide, reps say.
Following strong audience demand, the concert, produced by Cochrane Entertainment and TEG Dainty, will return to the big screen for an encore season, featuring a re-edited version.
Watch Dion’s performance below and here.
