Céline Dion, despite her ongoing battle with stiff person syndrome, surprised the audience at the 2024 NHL Draft when she appeared on stage to announce the Montreal Canadiens' first selection. Dion has made few public appearances since revealing her diagnosis in 2022.
Céline Dion, the iconic Canadian singer, made a surprise appearance at the 2024 National Hockey League Draft, defying her stiff person syndrome diagnosis and delighting fans and hockey enthusiasts alike.
On Friday night, the 56-year-old singer graced the stage at the Sphere in Las Vegas, her presence announced by Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes amidst thunderous applause.
Céline Dion Makes Surprise Appearance at NHL Draft Amid Battle with Stiff Person Syndrome
"To make our 2024 first selection, I'm pleased to invite onstage our No. 1 fan, the one and only, Céline Dion," Hughes declared.
Dion, clad in a white button-down shirt and cream-colored skirt, beamed as she walked hand in hand with her son, René-Charles Angélil, 23, through a tunnel. "Good evening, everyone. I'm excited — not even a hockey mom," Dion told the audience with a laugh. "With the fifth overall selection in the 2024 NHL draft, the Montreal Canadiens are proud to select Ivan Demidov."
Céline Dion Makes Surprise Appearance at NHL Draft Amid Battle with Stiff Person Syndrome
The crowd erupted in cheers as Dion revealed the pick, prompting an ESPN analyst to remark, "The most dramatic, dropped announcement of all time."
Russian-born player Demidov made his way to the stage, shaking hands with Dion and René-Charles and posing for group photos. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Demidov expressed his awe at hearing Dion call his name, describing it as "unbelievable" and "like a movie."
Céline Dion Makes Surprise Appearance at NHL Draft Amid Battle with Stiff Person Syndrome
Dion took to Instagram to share a series of photos from the event, including a snapshot of herself with René-Charles and her 13-year-old twin sons, Nelson and Eddy.
"I was very pleased to announce the selection of the Montreal Canadiens for the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft!" she wrote in French. "Congratulations to Ivan Demidov! Thank you Canadiens for having me, and NHL for taking such good care of my family.. we had a lot of fun! - Celine xx."
Céline Dion Makes Surprise Appearance at NHL Draft Amid Battle with Stiff Person Syndrome
Dion's appearance at the NHL Draft marks one of her few public appearances since revealing her stiff person syndrome diagnosis in December 2022. The rare neurological disorder can cause muscle spasms and mobility issues.
In October 2023, she made her first public outing since the announcement when she attended a Canadiens game in Las Vegas with her three sons. The family also attended a hockey game played by the Edmonton Oilers in February.
Céline Dion Makes Surprise Appearance at NHL Draft Amid Battle with Stiff Person Syndrome
Dion returned to the spotlight at the 2024 Grammy Awards, where she presented Taylor Swift with the award for album of the year, marking her first performance since 2020. She received a standing ovation from the audience.
On June 17, she attended the red carpet premiere of her Amazon Prime Video documentary "I Am: Celine Dion" in New York City, accompanied by René-Charles. During the screening, Dion expressed her gratitude to her fans for their support amidst her health struggles.
"Thank you to all of you, from the bottom of my heart, for being part of my journey," she said. "This movie is my love letter to each of you. I hope to see you all again very, very soon."
