Celine Dion recalled feeling apprehensive to return to the Grammys for the first time since being diagnosed with the rare autoimmune neurological disorder, Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS).
While reflecting on being asked to present the Album of the Year Award to Taylor Swift during the February ceremonies, the music icon, Celine Dion admitted to worrying about having a SPS crisis episode on stage if she became too overstimulated.
‘It was going to be my first time [back at the Grammys], and I didn’t want to feel wobbly,’ she told People.
The My Heart Will Go On singer continued: ‘I was going to be very, very nervous and happy at the same time.’
‘The applause… am I going to have a shock by seeing [the audience]? I didn’t want anything bad to happen,’ she explained.
The hitmaker said of being asked to present the award to Swift, 34, ‘It was an honor for me that they thought of me to present to Taylor Swift. It was [her] fourth [time] winning this award, which is exceptional.’
Celine Dion was accompanied to the awards by her oldest son, Rene-Charles, 23, and said having him nearby kept her calm.
‘I was so proud of my son asking me every two minutes before I was on stage, “Mom, are you okay?” I said, “I’m fine, I’m really fine.”‘
Celine Dion received a standing ovation from the audience as she walked on the stage.
‘When I felt that love, I had no doubt that [this is what] I miss and what I want. To see that I’m still in it and that they allowed me to be there… I enjoyed every moment.’
Since receiving her diagnosis, the determined singer has followed a treatment plan that includes a combination treatment plan involving medication, immune therapy, vocal therapy and intense physical rehabilitation five days a week in an effort to one day return to the stage.
The Power of Love artist discusses her condition in the upcoming Prime Video documentary I Am: Celine Dion.
The singer, who has been performing since she was five admitted, ‘I miss my fans tremendously.’
‘It’s a partnership. What I give, they give it back by their emotion that I see in their faces with their smiles, with their tears,’ she explained.
‘The curtain opens, and I feel the adrenaline. It’s pretty amazing after how many years that every time that curtain opens, I still feel that.’
I Am: Celine Dion will be released on June 25.
The accompanying soundtrack will be released June 21.