Eurovision organizers leave the door open for Celine Dion's possible participation.

 

Speculation has been rife in the Swiss city of Basel about the possibility of Celine Dion participating in Saturday's Eurovision Song Contest final, 37 years after winning it. Organizers have left the door open to the possibility of her attending, urging fans to "wait and see."

Dion's 1988 victory marked the launching pad for her career as Switzerland chose her to represent them in Dublin with the song "Ne Partez pas sans moi." Dion, who was not yet 20, won the award two years before releasing her first English-language album.

Eurovision fans are hopeful that the 57-year-old will be able to attend Saturday's final in Basel, despite her serious illness.

"Let's wait and see," Eurovision director Martin Green told AFP on Friday, leaving the door open to the possibility of her participation.

Celine Dion first revealed in December 2022 that she had been diagnosed with stiff person syndrome, an autoimmune disease.

The global superstar was forced to cancel a series of concerts scheduled for 2023 and 2024, stating that she was not strong enough to tour.

At the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, she performed Edith Piaf's hit song "L'Amour."

She also walked the runway for designer Elie Saab in Riyadh in late 2024 and made a surprise appearance at the Grammy Awards in February.

However, a video message released earlier this week during the first semi-final suggested she would not be able to attend.

"I wish I could be with you in Basel now," the singer said in a short video message broadcast Monday evening, just before rehearsals ended. "Switzerland will always hold a special place in my heart: a country that believed in me and gave me the opportunity to be part of such an amazing event."