Céline Dion made a surprise appearance in the 2024 National Hockey League Draft amid her battle with stiff-person syndrome.
On Friday night, the 56-year-old Canadian singer took the stage at the Sphere in Las Vegas to announce the selection of the Montreal Canadiens with the fifth overall pick in the NHL draft.
“To make our first pick of 2024, I am pleased to invite our number one fan, the one and only Céline Dion, to the stage,” Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes announced as the crowd cheered in a clip shared by the NHL in Youtube.
The “My Heart Will Go On” singer, who wore a white button-down shirt and a cream belted skirt, was seen beaming 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, laughing. “With the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft, the Montreal Canadiens are proud to select Ivan Demidov.”
Céline Dion made a surprise appearance at the 2024 NHL Draft. (Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
“The most dramatic announcement ever,” one ESPN analyst commented after Dion revealed the pick.
Celine Dion describes the feeling of 'being strangled' when singing with stiff-neck syndrome
After taking the stage, Demidov, a Russian-born player, shook hands with Dion and René-Charles and posed for group photos.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Demidov later said at a press conference that hearing Dion say his name was “amazing” and “like a movie.”
“I've seen Titanic,” he responded when asked if he was familiar with the music icon.
Dion announced the fifth overall pick to the Montreal Canadiens during the first round of the NHL draft. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Dion revealed that Ivan Demidov was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
On Saturday, Dion shared a slideshow of photos from the event on Instagram, including a snap of her sitting with René-Charles and their 13-year-old twin sons, Nelson and Eddy.
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“I was very pleased to announce the selection of the Montreal Canadiens for the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft!” he wrote in his native French in the caption. “Congratulations to Ivan Demidov! Thank you Canadiens for inviting me and to the NHL for taking such good care of my family… we had a lot of fun! – Celine xx.”
Dion has made few public appearances since revealing in December 2022 that she had been diagnosed with stiff person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that can cause muscle spasms and mobility problems.
The singer was accompanied by her three children at the event. (Céline Dion Instagram)
In October 2023, Dion made her first public appearance since announcing her diagnosis when she attended a Canadiens game in Las Vegas with her three children. The family went to Las Vegas to attend another hockey game, played by another Canadian team, the Edmonton Oilers, in February.
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That month, Dion returned to the spotlight at the 2024 Grammy Awards, taking the stage for the first time since stepping away from performing in 2020. She appeared as the final presenter of the night, announcing Taylor Swift's win for album of the year.
“Thank you all, I love you too,” he told the audience while receiving a standing ovation.
Dion has made few public appearances as she has remained focused on her health amid her battle with stiff-person syndrome. (Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
On June 17, Dion was joined by René-Charles as she attended the red carpet premiere of her Amazon Prime Video documentary “I Am: Celine Dion” in New York City.
During the screening, Dion became emotional as she expressed her gratitude for her fans' support amid her health struggles.
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“Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for being a part of my journey,” the singer said, according to E! News. “This movie is my love letter to each of you. I hope to see you all again very, very soon.”
