Canadian music icon Céline Dion made a surprise appearance at the 2024 National Hockey League Draft in Las Vegas, despite her ongoing battle with the rare neurological disorder, stiff person syndrome.
On Friday night, the 56-year-old singer took the stage at the Sphere to announce the Montreal Canadiens’ selection with the draft’s fifth overall pick. Dion, dressed in a white button-down shirt and cream-colored skirt, was accompanied by her 23-year-old son, René-Charles Angélil, as she revealed the Canadiens had chosen Russian-born player Ivan Demidov.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Dion, known for her hit song “My Heart Will Go On,” made the dramatic announcement. Demidov later expressed his disbelief, saying it was “unbelievable” and “like a movie” to have Dion call his name.
Dion has made limited public appearances since revealing her stiff person syndrome diagnosis in December 2022. The rare condition can cause muscle spasms and mobility issues. However, the singer has been gradually returning to the spotlight, attending Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers games with her family in recent months.
In February 2024, Dion made a triumphant return to the Grammys stage, presenting the award for Album of the Year. She also attended the red carpet premiere of her Amazon Prime Video documentary “I Am: Céline Dion” in New York City, where she became emotional while expressing gratitude for her fans’ support during her health struggles.
Dion’s surprise appearance at the NHL Draft, where she enthusiastically announced the Canadiens’ pick, was a heartwarming moment for her fans and the hockey community. It showcased the singer’s resilience and her continued connection with her Canadian roots, despite the challenges she faces with her rare condition.
