BASEL, May 14 — Canadian songstress Celine Dion has said she wants “nothing more” than to be at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Switzerland, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.
Dion, 57, won in Dublin 1988 with “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi”, and Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR confirmed earlier on Tuesday it is still in “close contact” amid speculation she would perform during the final.
At the first semi-final on Tuesday, she delivered a pre-recorded video saying Switzerland has “always held a special place in my heart” as she spoke in French and English.
Dion added: “It’s a country that believed in me and gave me the chance to be part of something so extraordinary, winning the Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland in 1988.
“(It) was a life-changing moment for me, and I’m so thankful for everyone who supported me.”
She also said she would want “nothing more but to be with you” in Basel as discussions continue with the organisers for her to make a stage comeback on Saturday during the final amid her health issues.
This was before “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi” was performed by previous Eurovision stars including Silvester Belt and Iolanda.
Since Dion won, Switzerland has not triumphed until Nemo clinched victory with The Code last year at Malmo.
Dion has stepped away from touring in recent years because of increasing health issues while living with stiff-person syndrome.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, she made an emotional comeback with Edith Piaf’s classic “Hymne A L’Amour” while in the Eiffel Tower.
Earlier on Tuesday, Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR said there “are currently no changes regarding Celine Dion — we are still in close contact with her”. — Bernama-dpa
