Emotions
ran high at Dion's bye-bye
Fans turned
sold-out show into love-in
CHARLIE FIDELMAN
The Gazette
In a choreographed, emotional scene, René Angelil climbed onstage and on the stroke of midnight kissed his wife as 20,000 fans at the Molson Centre clapped and chanted: "Bonne année, Céline."
With tickets ranging from $69 to $499, the sold-out show was a love-in for Céline Dion, who has a legendary connection with her fans in Quebec.
The international megastar touched her fingers to her lips and responded to the crowd.
"I wish you love, peace and above all, health to everybody," Dion said, dabbing at tears at her "farewell" New Year's Eve concert yesterday. She's to give another show today in Las Vegas.
The blockbuster New Year's Eve show featured a star-studded supporting cast, including rocker Bryan Adams, stand-up comedian Stéphane Rousseau and performers from the Notre-Dame de Paris musical, including Bruno Pelletier, Garou, Daniel Lavoie and Luck Mervil.
Earlier, while awaiting the diva's appearance, fans from Halifax counted themselves extremely lucky to see Dion perform live one more time before she puts her career on hold for a few years.
"We were lucky to find such good tickets," said Bob Mathieson, who bought five tickets at $500 a pop. Tickets for the fin-de-siècle concert first went on sale in September.
"I don't know where (her voice) comes from, because she has this tiny, tiny body," Mathieson said.
"When I heard she was giving her last concert in Montreal, I said, 'This is it,' " said Mathieson, who does not speak a word of French.
"But even if you don't speak the language, you can feel the passion," he said.
The same admiration for Dion was expressed by Annie Pagau of Montreal North, who sported a Dion T-shirt.
"Céline is the biggest love of my life. She'll never deceive me," Pagau said, describing herself as Dion's biggest fan.
Pagau said she hoped Dion would return to the stage after her planned hiatus.
"Her voice is a gift, but she deserves a rest."
Dion showed up halfway through the four-hour concert, after comedian Rousseau did his routine and after the cast of Notre-Dame de Paris wooed with a medley of tunes from the popular musical that's been a hit in English and French.
The crowd responded by singing along to the familiar songs.
At 11 p.m., dressed in a sleeveless, backless, black skin-tight number, Dion walked onto a heart-shaped stage bathed in red lights.
She belted out the theme from the movie Titanic, My Heart Will Go On. She also delivered the expected staple of award-winning tunes, starting with her very first hit, Ce n'était qu'un Rêve, written by her mother and taped when Dion was 12. It was the song that captivated Angelil and catapulted Dion to fame.
Fans were given gift bags filled with small bottles of champagne and glow-in-the-dark blue sticks, which they waved in unison as Dion performed.
Just before midnight, Dion sang L'Amour Existe Encore.
"Thank you for being here. It's a big gift that you are giving me," Dion said just before champagne corks popped and bubbly spilled on the floor.
Then several members of the Dion clan climbed onstage as fireworks went off inside the Molson Centre and balloons exploded overhead.
She then presented veteran rocker Bryan Adams, who had written Let's Talk About Love for her.
Looking into each other's eyes, Adams and Dion crooned a few duets, including It's Only Love and Everything I Do.
Thousands of fans across the province tuned into Dion's bye-bye show on television as the TVA network (CFTM-10 in Montreal) had live coverage yesterday.
Former TVA talk-show celebrity Julie Snyder, who got close to Dion in a documentary called Un An Avec Céline (A Year With Céline), provided the narrative.
The show is to rerun today at 6:30 p.m.
Dion exited Molson Centre without theatrics and without "a little tear in the corner of my eye," as she had predicted earlier on.
Dion and Angelil, who is recovering from cancer, have said they want to retire to start a family.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jam-1-1-2000
Celine
Dion ends 1900s with final concert before two-year break
MONTREAL
(CP) -- Celine Dion wrapped up the 1900s in Quebec but her best wishes
for 2000 went first to U.S. President Bill Clinton.
"Good evening Canada and good evening America," she said after finishing her opening song, the tear duct-grabbing My Heart Will Go On from the movie Titanic.
"Mr. President and Mrs. Clinton, I know that you're watching us right now and I would like to wish you and everyone in Washington a very, very Happy New Year."
Dion did not mention any Canadian politicians in her opening comments, which were broadcast live on networks in Quebec, Canada and the United States.
But she later turned her attention to her local -- and most fervent fans -- before swinging into a duet with a video of Frank Sinatra.
"There's lots of emotion in the air tonight -- it's incredible," she said, thanking fans for their constant cheers.
"There is nowhere else in the world that I would want to be tonight. I am with all my family, my friends and all you. I am really happy."
Dion belted out the countdown to 2000 holding hands with husband Rene Angelil as fireworks went off and balloons and confetti streamed from the ceiling.
Dion hugged various other performers at the show and blew kisses at the TV audience.
"I wish you peace and love but mostly good health," Dion said.
Earlier, Dion told the audience she was nervous "but nostalgic at the same time."
"It's not only the end of the year but the start of the new century. It's not just my last performance but the start of a new life for Rene and me."
The reigning Queen of Pop is putting her crown on the shelf for a few years as she begins a self-imposed two-year break to begin a family with Angelil.
She dedicated the duet of Sinatra's All the Way to him.
Fans welcomed her to the stage waving glowing blue batons as images of the award-winning singer from her beginnings as a gangly teen chanteuse to her more glitzed-out current persona were projected on a big screen.
And she didn't disappoint them.
Asked what he thought was the best part of the show, Montrealer Michel Chopin said, "Celine, definitely."
He didn't begrudge her a short break either.
"It's the year 2000. I think it's a good time for her to stop for a couple of years."
Natasha Adams, who came from Cedar Rapids in Iowa, said she's admired Dion since she was 13 and thought the concert was a treat.
"It was amazing, she was great," said Adams, 28. "High points? The standing ovation."
She also didn't object to a break -- "I think she needs it."
But two Montrealers, Bob Schneider and his wife Sandy, were a tad more cynical about the star's time off.
"I think it's more a marketing ploy than anything," he said with a chuckle.
They did praise Dion's duet with rocker Bryan Adams -- "They sing well together," said Sandy Schneider.
Adams was among a galaxy of stars on hand to be with Dion as she warbled her way into temporary retirement -- an event that seemed to be hyped almost as much as the year 2000 celebrations.
The four-hour show was broadcast live on the TVA network and parts of it were shown on CTV.
Among those who expected to take away lifelong memories from the show was one pragmatic panhandler.
"I hope I'll get some American money," he said.
Dion, a rail-thin singer from Charlemagne, Que., leaves an impressive legacy.
She has stayed close to her roots and large family while her earnings climbed to an estimated $55 million a year. She has sold about 100 million albums and recently was honoured by the United Nations as an artist promoting peace.
Dion had previously announced her retirement several times.
She'll keep busy during her break.
Besides planning a family, the multiple Juno and Grammy winner also has to settle a lawsuit by a former drummer who's claiming wrongful dismissal and copyright infringement on one of her songs.
Seventeen restaurants in the Nickels chain, founded by Dion and husband Rene Angelil, were also closed while Revenue Canada investigated allegations three of them used illegal software programs to make cash sales disappear from electronic registers.
She has
said she has little to do with the chain any longer.
And so the final public emotions begin...
Friday, 31-Dec-1999 12:46:57
The night of
year 2000
Magic and
emotions guaranteed!
The last show
of Céline Dion: "Of course, for me I will cry, " says René
Angelil.
If repetition
can guarantee a spectacle, there will be much magic this evening in the
Molson Centre, where Céline Dion and her guests celebrate the arrival
of year 2000. And it's as René Angelil says, there will be also
much emotion when Céline herself realizes that she is giving her
last concert.
They were
waltzing in the snow in Montreal
Jazz festival
'better than being home in my living room'
Elena Cherney
National Post
MONTREAL - Thousands of revellers cheered and hugged outside city hall in Old Montreal last night as the sky over the city turned pink with the first burst of fireworks at midnight.
The countdown of the last 10 seconds before midnight ended with a roar from the crowd and then an uncertain moment as the fireworks on the top of Mount Royal were concealed from the city hall crowds by the downtown skyline.
But the singing, shouting, bell-ringing and horn blowing turned into confident cheering as the fireworks shot over the Hydro-Quebec building a few seconds after midnight. Strangers embraced and shared bottles of champagne before dispersing to seek out better vantage points for the fireworks display.
For those willing to shell out $350 per ticket, the Celine Dion farewell concert at the Molson Centre offered four hours of entertainment. A tickets to see Ms. Dion, the international singer who plans to take two years off to start a family, reportedly sold for as much as $500. It was her last concert before her break from touring.
Earlier last
night, the much-hyped New Year's appeared to be fizzling in Montreal, with
city streets quiet and one of the major venues, the jazz concert for 5,000,
empty.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hi everyone,
There's a
paragraph on Celine in the Jan. 1 issue of People (p. 77). Here it
is:
Who needs
Santa Claus at Christmas? Not relatives of divine diva Celine
Dion.
That was the singer herself, accompanied by an assistant in New York
City's Chanel
boutique at the height of the shopping season, snapping up all the jewels
she could carry for her 13 siblings. Among her dazzling buys?
A pink tourmaline cross set in 18-karat gold (cost: $4,950) and Chanel's
signature white-gold star pendant ($4,250)...
~Karen
Jan. 1,
2000 - END
NEW YORK (PC)
- Singer Céline Dion sold 100 million albums during the last decade,
and this feat has been underlined yesterday, in New York, with the discount
of a special price by her label, Sony Music. The price handed her by the
president and chief of operations of Sony Music Entertainment, Thomas D.
Mottola, during
a ceremony deprived to the Sony Club. After the Beatles and Elvis Presley,
Céline Dion makes a club a lot of sélect of artists having
sold more 100 millions of albums. All The Way...A Decade Song, the most
recent Celine Dion English album, has been launched November 16 and distributed
to
more than
10 million copies around the world.
French-Canadian
recording artist Celine Dion poses with a plaque honoring her work at a
ceremony in New York on Thursday where Sony Music cited her career sales
of more than 100,000,000 albums. Dion, a five-time Grammy Award winner,
is perhaps best known for her rendition of the theme song of the blockbuster
movie 'Titanic'. (Reuters)
K.GREENAWAY
Celine Dion got two new honours to add to her trophy case yesterday.
The singer was named a special ambassador of UNESCO and was given the key to the city of Montreal in two separate ceremonies yesterday.
Dion received the title of UNESCO artist in a ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
Dignitaries from the United Nations organization, Quebec Culture Minister Agnes Maltais and federal Heritage Minister Sheila Copps stressed the important role artists play in promoting peace and harmony and heaped praise on Dion for her humanitarian work and her music.
They said Dion's talent transcends language and cultural barriers to become a voice for peace. Dion is the first Canadian artist to receive the UNESCO honour.
Dion was accompanied by her mother, father and other relatives, husband Rene Angelil and his three children, along with well-heeled guests and a crush of photographers.
Dion dedicated the honour to her parents, saying they taught her about love and sharing.
"Peace begins within," Dion said after accepting a plaque from Ndeye Fall, director of the Canadian office at UNESCO.
"What I hope for in the year 2000 is less violence among young people."
Later in the afternoon, Dion and Angelil walked a red carpet at city hall, where they were greeted by Mayor Pierre Bourque.
Bourque presented the couple with a key to the city and a framed certificate praising Dion's talent and the loving image the couple project.
The mayor unveiled the model of a plant sculpture honouring Dion that will be erected at Place de la Dauversiere in Old Montreal next year.
The crowd at city hall was seeded liberally with bona-fide fans who didn't shy away from demonstrating their enthusiasm. Dion signed autographs as she made her way toward the centre of the hall, stopping to embrace a little boy reaching out to her from his mother's arms.
"You were my first audience, and you will always be my first audience," Dion said. "There's nothing like being honoured at home. I'm proud to be one of yours."
"My parents are no longer here, but if they were, I know they would be proud of their son," said Angelil, who was treated successfully for throat cancer recently.
Dion has said she plans to take the next two years off to spend time with her family and friends. She will give a farewell concert at the Molson Centre Dec. 31. She will donate $1 million of the concert's proceeds to one of her favourite causes - the fight against cystic fibrosis.
The Gazette
Celine Dion
and her husband, Rene Angelil, were surprised to learn that Revenu Quebec
had made a all out search for tax evasion regulations in the businesses
of the chain of Nickels restaurants, which were suspected from tax evasion...as
they were a months ago.
Joined, yesterday,
in Las Vegas, Rene Angelil declared to the Newspaper of Montreal that him
and Celine had asked explanations considering why their name is brought
into this "Zapper" tax evasion search of the Nickel's restaurant's, in
a rather unpleasant way.
Wednesday, the Tax Revenu Quebec carried out a series of 26 searchings in the restaurants and in the the Nickel's registered office, as an inside extensive investigation of fraud. The government Québécois estimates that more than 250 million dollars, is the amount of the fraud made annually in the field of the restoration/restaurants. Three years ago the tax department had suspected that. And for three years, some franchized as well, as the registered office of the company hid some $13,000,000 of incomes. They are taxes of $2,000,000 which would have been perceived and nonversed with the government, say the civils servant of Quebec Tax Income.
Mr. Angelil
revealed, yesterday, that him and the famous singer had yielded their shares
in Nickel's for approximately two years.
"I gave our
shares to my cousin ", said the husband and manager of Celine Dion.
Later in the
interview, Mr. Angelil did not remember any more if he had given or sold
his shares in the trade. This is the first time that the Angelil-Dion couple
has stated publicly about its withdrawal from the Nickels chain, of which
they were large shareholders since its creation, nine years ago.
As a busy
man "You know, said Rene Angelil, I deal with so much of businesses. "It
affirms that celebrates it couple was only shareholders of the company
of restoration.
"We never
had a role of administrator, says Angelil. We were never involved with
the daily operations. We did nothing wrong.
"Celine and
I, he adds, we are a little like everyone in Quebec, we are anxious
to get to the bottom of all this tax evasion business."
The fame of
Celine Dion was used to float the the businesses success of the chain of
restaurants misant on the nostalgia of the Fifties.
As lately
as yesterday, it was not possible to get the comments of various members
of the immediate family of Celine Dion, who are very much involved in the
direct business with Nickel's.
The provincial
revenue department in Québec has raided 17 Nickels and a number
of private residences. This is a continuation of the investigation of Zapper
use by some of the franchises located in Québec. (from CFCF 12 this
morning 08:30)
================================================
Dion's restaurants
searched
MONTREAL (CP)
- Seventeen restaurants, part of the Nickels chain founded by Celine Dion
and her husband Rene Angelil, were closed Wednesday while Revenue Quebec
officials executed search warrants.
A total of
26 warrants on 24 different Nickels restaurants were carried out. The chain's
headquarters was also hit. The individual restaurants are operated as franchises,
which pay royalties to Dion, Angelil, who doubles as the singer's manager,
and another investor.
Managers in
several of the restaurants refused comments on why they were being investigated
Wednesday.
Last March
and June, seven Nickels outlets were investigated for tax evasion.
The raids
were conducted into allegations that three restaurants used illegal "zapper"
software programs to make cash sales disappear from their electronic cash
registers.
The zapper
programs, which cost about $500, are easy to obtain on the black market.
They help restaurant owners to under-report revenues and thus evade taxes.
(translated
from Montreal La Presse mby Ric)
Celine Dion
and Rene Angelil Proudly Present World-Renowned Impressionist Andre-Philippe
Gagnon at Gala Premiere of C2K -- The Showroom at The Venetian
LOS ANGELES--(ENTERTAINMENT
WIRE)-Dec. 9, 1999--
Star-Studded Affair Will Be One of Celine's Last Public Appearances
On Saturday, Dec. 11, 1999, at 8 p.m., Celine Dion and her husband, Rene Angelil, will proudly present world-renowned impressionist Andre-Philippe Gagnon at C2K, the showroom inside The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas.
This very special
evening, which includes a cocktail reception at 7 p.m., followed by Andre-Philippe's
performance, will serve as the official Grand Opening of C2K and the kick-off
of Andre-Philippe's 40-week schedule at The Venetian showroom.
......
PARIS (AP) - Private broadcaster TF1 will feature guests like Lara Fabian and Johnny Hallyday.
Thus, 36 hours of live, "cut & paste sections," will comprise TF1's "Millennium" programme, which will co-mingle celebrations in Paris, in province and abroad, so indicated the channel belonging to the Bouygues group.
In Paris, three sets will be installed at the palais de Chaillot, Trocadéro and on a terrace of the Champs-Elysées. TF1 is planning an interview of the civil administrator of the United Nations in Kosovo, Bernard Kouchner, the concert of Jean-Michel Jarre in front of the pyramids, in Egypt, and that of Céline Dion in Montréal.
The portion which runs until 23:15 will be that with Michel Sardou, Lara Fabian and Johnny Hallyday. Another team will then take over from the Champs-Elysées, for the final countdown of December 31st.
-translated
from - Canadian Press, 1999
-posted by
Ric
OK, Tal, I
know you said you'll translate it, but I decided to help you out!
Here are some
stuff you may not know...(I only translated the interesting parts)
"Some mayors
fill their rooms with plans to improve the education and the health system.
Some mayors busy with the political fights. And one mayor devotes his time
to one singer - Celine Dion. This mayor is Rene Duphra, from Charlemagne
of Quebec, Canada. In this small town was born and raised who surprisingly,
and to spite all the critics became the most successful and popular female
artist in the world, pushing out of her way many talented, interesting
and prettier singers.
We were not
allowed to talk to the mayor, and were told:"He's a busy man. You have
to request for a meeting 2 weeks ahead." And so we were sitting lost by
the city hall, as a young man wearing jeans and sweatshirt came towards
us asking what are we doing there. We told him we're here to follow Celine
Dion's way to the top, and we wanted to talk to the mayor. He shook our
hands and said:"Nice to meet you! I'm the mayor." Minutes later we were
at his offices.
At Rene Daphra's
office there are articles and pictures of Celine Dion since 1982, and everything
is kept in several tick leather bags, with the name Celine Dion written
with big letters on them. But the mayor isn't just a groupie of the singer;
he is a smart politician who wants to make profits of the Cinderella. His
grandiose plan is to make a museum of the house where the singer grew up,
and to build a park around it. The Celine Dion Museum will be an attraction
for tourists from everywhere, and it will include photos of different chapters
in her life, awards and trophies she got, multimedia presentations, and
even clothes she wore on her big performances. The mayor wants Dion to
do for Charlemagne what Elvis done to Memphis. The estimated cost: 6 million
$. Investors are more then welcomed.
There are 6000
people living in Charlemagne. It’s a small gray town, full of small houses
of hard working citizens, most of whom are working in paper factories at
the area. Most of the population is elderly people, or citizens whose economic
situation is down. They speak only French. They don’t know English, and
it doesn’t bother them at all.
The people
of Charlemagne love Celine Dion, and they love talking about her. A big
smile covers their faces when they learn the reason of our visit. The success
of Dion brought them pride and hope. “Le petit Quebecois”, as they like
calling her, made their dream come true, and no one says a bad word about
her. Everybody praise her, admire her, maybe expect to get some star dust,
or a few cents from that 240 million $ fortune (she is the only woman on
Canada’s 100 richest people list).....”
“......The Dions are supportive about the mayor’s idea to open a museum dedicated to the singer, but they think that the country should take care of it. Jacques Dion: “Today we can afford to buy the whole city, but it’s not very nice to build a museum to yourself. It doesn’t look good. Celine brought pride to Canada, so the country should invest. He expects a 30 million $ investment, 5 times more then the mayor suggested. Who has more power? When Jacques learned that the mayor helped us, he smiled and said: “He had to. If he didn’t treat you nicely, he would have problems with us, and then he couldn’t be the mayor anymore.”......”
“......At school
Dion was a bad student, so bad she had to stay in 6th grade when her classmates
went to junior high. Isabelle Duclos, who was her best friend, and today
is a waitress, recalls:
“At school
they didn’t like both of us. I was even beaten by the kids, she wasn’t
but she was laughed at, and she always ran home to her warm family. She
had such a warm, loving family; they protected and spoiled her all the
time. They kept telling her how talented she was.
Except for
music she didn’t have much in her head. She was also very naive and not
very sophisticated. Once we decided to steal something from the toy store,
and Celine stole some worthless cartons, they weren’t even for sale. And
she made such a big deal out of it.”
Isabelle’s
and Dion’s families were neighbors, and Celine spent hours at Isabelle’s.
Isabelle: “We used to play with dolls and build snow people. We also dressed
up a lot. She always liked dressing up as a princess or a good fairy.".....”
.....”Her childhood in fact ended when she was 12 years old. Isabelle: “She was constantly travelling and performing, and when she was at Charlemagne, Angelil wouldn’t let anyone come near her. He controlled her completely. One time I tried to talk to her after her performance here, and he was quite rude to me. He said: ”Do you know who do you want to talk to? This is a big star!” He wanted to throw me out of there, but Celine interfered and told him who I was.”......”
.....”Not very
far from the Dion house there is a bakery where Celine used to visit on
her way to school. Louis Messier, who was the owner of the place, remembers
the child very well."She was very shy, little and thin.”, they recall.”
At school she had no friends. She was isolated from the kids, who made
fun of her skinny legs and crooked teeth. She prefered being home with
her family, and she was very attached to her mother.” The old baker smiles
when he recalls the singer’s mother, Therese. “Ho, she was quite a lady,
much more dominant then her husband. She controlled those kids1 Celine
was very much dependent of her.”
Sophi, Messier’s
grand daughter, used to go to school together with Dion. Today she’s a
housekeeper. “ Celine wasn’t popular with the kids. I was one of her friends,
and I was very disappointed when she came to school after she already been
on TV, and barely said hello to me. Another time I went to see her perform
at the mall. I tried to talk to her, smiled, but she didn’t answer. I was
mad, and very upset.”
More then
a year ago Dion wished to straighten things up with the Messiers. When
she came to her hometown making a documentary about her life, she went
to the bakery, and bought her favorite donut, like she used to. When she
learned that the bakery has a new owner she went to the house of Messier,
who sold her so many donuts before, and rushed to him with kisses. The
meeting was photographed.
In fact, Dion
keeps in touch with Charlemagne. Every year at Christmas time, she chooses
5 poor families and asks the children to make a list of gifts they would
like to have. She promises a gift for every child, but eventually brings
the all the gifts in list. She also fill the house’ refrigerator with food
for the Holidays, and buys clothes for the whole family.
All Dion’s
charities are managed by her brother Jacques, and her sister Liette, who
are the presidents of the fond created for that purpose. “ We help people
all around Canada to make their dreams come true. We don’t just give away
money, we counsel people and orient them. We help them doing what they
love, and this way they make a living. We believe in that. It worked for
Celine, it can work for anybody. You just need to believe, and you need
support – that’s what we supply.”......”
Well, that’s
it basically. The stuff I didn’t translate were the usual story of Celine’s
life, we all know by heart. What I think? It’s quite impressive for Israeli
newspaper, obviously the writer is far from being Celine’s fan, and about
that baker’s grand daughter story… We can’t be sure how accurate it is.
Besides no body said Celine was perfect, and how many of us dissed friends,
without even paying attention? Oh well…
In general
it was very nice.
Wasn’t it?
-Translated
and posted by Julia
CELINE DION AND RENE
A US TWO the LIFE
The singer was very afraid to lose her husband. After eighteen years of baited work, it A decides to take time to like. And to make a child.
A serious illness,
it is like an accident. There is front and afterwards. Some come out of
there destroyed, others stronger. For Celine Dion and Rene Angelil, the
test was revealing which made their couple more solid than ever. Last April,
Rene learns that it is reached of a cancer. Anguish, despair and fear.
The singer and her husband do not want to intend some to speak. The meetings
of chemotherapy and the daily combat against the pain bring them closer
still more. When in 1980 Celine meets her Pygmalion, this one crosses a
bad master key. Depressive, struggling in financial problems, Rene sees
in this exceptionally gifted singer the chance of her life. In 1994, they
married in the basilica Our-Lady of Montreal. Next 5 January, to Las Vegas,
in the medium of a crowd of friends, they will marry again to symbolize
the resurrection of their couple. The worst being behind them, it remains
to them to benefit from best.
The test A
as well bring closer as on January 5, for their fifth anniversary of marriage,
they will be repeated yes
" I will marry with my husband, not with my manager and Rene will marry his wife and not a singer! ". With this declaration, it is at the same time an announcement and a setting so much so that Céline wanted to address to whole planet. However, so no one does not dispute the love which binds it to Rene, it is quite difficult to disregard 110 million sold albums - an unequalled record for an artist woman. After eighteen years spent on the scenes of the whole world, Céline Dion decided to put a term at her career not without sparing a memorable output with her last album " All the Way... " which joins together its larger tubes. Henceforth, the woman wants to forget the singer. Its next success, Céline wishes that it be a girl or a boy. In a word, a child for whom it will not be a star, but a mom.
Céline: " Its fragileness gave me an incredible force. Me only could help it to surmount its cancer. Suddenly, I became the woman of my husband " Interview C Tabouis
Wednesday November 17. Studios of S.f.p. in Boulogne-Billancourt. Céline Dion records the special evening which devotes to him T.f.1. at the sides of the troop of " Our-Lady of Paris ". She took delay on the schedule envisaged. One informs me that it will be able to thus devote me only a few minutes and one pushes me in black Mercedes, parked in front of the output of the artists. I am alone with the back. The engine turns. A sandwich is posed on the bench. With the shelter of the tinted panes, I cannot prevent myself from admiring the fans which, under the beating rain, await their idol stoically. It is 18h05. Céline appears, smiles, to them greets them in a friendly way hand and moves while running towards the car, guided by the driver and his personal bodyguard, an American Black with the impressive stature. Vêtue of a beige leather skirt and a black poncho, it assoit highly with with dimensions of me. Tired but apparently happy. It is not surprised to find me there and notes: " One had not seen oneself since one moment. We will be able to speak quietly. If you knew as I am hungry! " add it into corrosive in the sandwich. Direction studios of the Plain-Saint-Denis for another emission of which it is the guest of honor. In the intimacy of the car, it entrusts as it would do it to a friend.
Paris Match: It happens sometimes that the disease breaks certain couples. Yours comes out reinforced by the test which you have just crossed. What enabled you to hold during these long months?
Céline Dion: The fact that Rene needs me. It always proved to me that it liked me, but, at this time there, it made me understand that I was the only able one to help it to surmount his cancer. I suddenly became the woman of my husband, person in charge of his life. Its sudden brittleness gave me an incredible force. For him, I felt able to raise mountains. I adored this role and what binds us today is even stronger than the love.
Paris Match: Had no index informed you danger which threatened Rene?
Céline Dion: Not. One always tends to believe that health is an acquired good. For oneself and its close relations. And when the disease sinks you above, it is always for those which one likes that one is more afraid.
Paris Match: Rene acknowledged that you marvelously helped it to support his processing and that you always found the words right to encourage his/her children.
Céline Dion: I felt so strong that, wrongly undoubtedly, I did not test the need only one helps me. I had the feeling that the others, around us, had more difficulties in live this situation.
Paris Match: Where did you draw the force not to crack?
Céline Dion: Undoubtedly in all that I received since my childhood. I knew that I was strong, but I was unaware of at which point. I do not have as a practice to question the life. I live the things. The existence is been dawning goods and bad. They should be taken as they come and to make the voyage with the luggage that God gave us.
Paris Match: A painful voyage... [ Céline turns to the pane, the glance lost over the night. One rolls quickly. Very quickly. I understand that it retains its tears. The voice enrouée by the emotion, it continues... ]
Céline Dion: I acknowledge that it sometimes happened to me to cry, but seldom. What enabled me to hold, it is to have been able to speak to a friend whose trade is to listen. After having read many books on the disease and the patients, in whom I did not recognize us, I turned to this " good ear ". I knew that if I collapsed only once, all would be foutu. I always kept the moral one. I had instituted a kind of countdown of the 38 meetings of radiotherapy envisaged. I arrived at the hospital while saying: " Hello everyone! Does that go well today? Still twelve processing. One arrives there. " Then, I hung the cap, the jacket and the shirt of Rene to the coat rack, I accompanied it to the treatment room, I extended on him a cover and I left. At the end of the meeting, I ran towards him and we re-entered hand in the hand to the house. No moment, I wanted to inflict to my family my fears and my sorrows. In fact, this voyage, we did it to two.
Paris Match: How that, to two?
Céline Dion: In May and June, Rene and me decided to insulate to us in our house from Florida to brawl us with his cancer. For the first time for eighteen years, we had been at the head at head, twenty-four hours out of twenty-four. One was afraid together. One suffered together. And especially, it was realized that, if one were in love for a long time, one really did not know oneself.
Paris Match: And then? [ In the half-light, I guess the smile which lights its face abruptly. ]
Céline Dion: That was the thunderbolt! During these two months, we lived only one for the other. Our days were organized around the processing of Rene and simple joys all. I cooked to him each day his vegetables preferred or of mashed potaties easy to swallow. I improvised dinners in love with the four corners with the house, I were done beautiful for him... I felt finally woman of interior. And I wanted which my husband says: " That woman also is extraordinary. "
Paris Match: A true parade of seduction...
Céline Dion: Reciprocal! During all these years, not more than me Rene did not take time to take time. Suddenly, and in spite of its disease, it discovered the pleasure of alluring me. Certain evenings, whereas I was on the point of laying down me, it took to me by the hand and involved me in a romantic dance. The first time, surprised a little, I wondered whether it were for the hidden camera. [ It laughs. ] On my side, I initiated it with the pleasure of a bath taken with two. We lived finally one for the other. The days when Rene did not have the force to rise, I lay close to him and often deadened me in its arms. If it were able to me to move away a few moments, it worried at once. He, hitherto so concentrated on its work and my career, was filled with wonder at all these small happinesses like a child. This new tenderness upset me. During these two months, we discovered a fantastic country and we have only one desire: y to turn over as quickly as possible.
(Page 3 of the article)
Céline Dion: " When it was question of chemotherapy, we made our provisions. In three months, places at the baby! "
Paris Match: It sometimes happened to you to think of death? [ Its glance darkens. It reflects a few moments before answering me. ]
Céline Dion: I do not have the memory which we pronounced this word. Simply, with his way of tightening me against him, Rene made me understand that it was afraid. And, this fear, it undoubtedly felt it as in me, while knowing as I would be always present. For him. For his/her children. For all those which he likes. It can obviously happen that I die before him. We of it are quite conscious and, which we want, it is to say to the different one: " For you, I will hold out. " Vis-a-vis with this disease, two attitudes are possible: to fight against it or with it. We chose the second by putting all the chances on our side. Today, Rene goes as well as possible and we are even more plain than in the past. You know, that it lasts seventy-five years, twenty years or ten minutes, the love is as invaluable as a diamond.
Paris Match: Did this black period have effects on your own physical state?
Céline Dion: It is known, the concern make lose certain people. Me, I took a few kilos, of which I was very proud besides! I think that I especially owe them with a radical change of rate/rhythm of life. During eighteen years, I lived under the pressure. Suddenly, I was released. And then, it was necessary well that I encourage my husband to feed.
Paris Match: Finally, you leave one and the other grown this experiment.
Céline Dion: I cry perhaps more than front, but they are good tears. This test enabled me to understand that if the love and the disease often make suffer, they enrich and balance us good side of the road.
Paris Match: You stated to want from now on " to nourish your heart " and " to create differently ". What do you want to say?
Céline Dion: That time had just opened out me in the music, while composing of the songs perhaps, and out of the music. To share the love which links us, my husband and me, with a child. To benefit from our families, our friends, my girlfriends. Think how Andréa, the last of my nieces, of which Rene and me are godfather and godmother, came in the world more than one month ago and which we do not know it yet!
Paris Match: Isn't the disease of Rene likely to compromise your desire of maternity? [ It poses its hand on my arm and tightens it with force. ]
Céline Dion: Absolutely not! When it was question of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, we made the useful provisions. Initially, I thus will rest. Then, I will make all the vaccines against the infantile diseases to which I have mysteriously escaped. Lastly, in three months, places at the baby!
Paris Match: As of January 1 2000, Céline Dion thus will be erased in front of Céline Angelil...
Céline Dion: I am very proud when me am called " Mrs Angelil ". It is velvet for me, but I will never give up Céline Dion.
Paris Match: Why did you decide, January 5 at 17 hours, of you remarier?
Céline Dion: Because the 5 is our figure amulet. That we want to repeat ourselves, higher and strong than ever, this " yes " magic and to bring together our families.
Paris Match: It is hard to imagine that you can live without singing.
Céline Dion: But I will continue to sing. In a house full with happiness.
[ the limousine stops. The way between Boulogne and the Plain-Saint-Denis appeared very short to me. Celine embraces me and, always accompanied by her bodyguard, quickly joined the studios of M6. Into large professional. End of the gift! ]
(Page 4 interview with René)
René: " A each one of my 38 meetings of rays, Céline came with me " Rene Angelil, hardly thinned down, a little tired perhaps, very of black vêtu, attends in slides the recording of the emission of Celine for T.f.1. Two weeks ago, the doctors said to him that its evil was stopped. And gave him go in three months for a check-up to renew during two years. Initially reticent with the idea to reconsider the painful period that it has just lived, it ends up agreeing to sit down a few minutes near me. The words come all alone... " When Celine finished her spectacles in Europe, we spent two months both only. For the first time of our life. When the disease strikes, you carry out whereas each day is significant. You know at the bottom of yourself with which you want to live. Celine and me measured how much we were significant one for the other and decided to live each hour intensely, as if that were to be the last. In these terrible moments, its force was necessary for me and, once again, it did not disappoint me. Its tenderness helped me to overcome that history. Death, it was never question between us, but when one is very sick, there are the good and bad days. The black days, one needs assistance and love. it be necessary sometimes that somebody we bring back to reality, we recall how much the life be worth the blow that one himself beat for it. Celine knew to do it. She always was close to me the days when I smelled myself less extremely. She accompanied me with my 38 meetings by radiotherapy and, during the chimio, she remained to sleep with me at the hospital. She suffered, but, in front of me, she was always perfect. It sometimes happened to him to crack, but not in my presence. One also cried together, sometimes. Of sorrow, of course, but especially of joy, certain days. That arrives to us besides often so much we are friendly. Thanks to this two month old bracket, we had the feeling to live in another world. More normal. A prelude to what awaits us. "
Thanks to Teresa
W.
Re: Re: Re: Celine articles and pictures in magazine- http://www.parismatch.com/
Saturday, 04-Dec-1999 12:47:03
Nothing really new that hasn't be said somewhere else before. Neverthelees, here's a brief sampling from her in-limo interview with PM...
CELINE DION
AND RENE, OUR LIFE AS TWO- They will say yes again
-Celine: "
Its brittleness gave me an incredible force. "
- Celine:
" In three months, I'll be pregnant! "
- Rene: "
At each one of my 38 treatments, Céline came with me "
Celine: "Its brittleness gave me an incredible strength. Only I could help him to surmount his cancer. Suddenly, I became the wife of my husband."
Interview by C. Tabouis (PM) Wednesday, November 17th. Studios of S.f.p. in Boulogne-Billancourt.
Céline
Dion records a special evening for T.f.1. together with the troop from
"Notre-Dame de Paris." She caused a delay in the planned schedule. I am
told that she will be able to devote to me only a few minutes and someone
pushes me into the black Mercedes, parked in front of the artists' exit.
I am alone in the back seat. The engine starts. A sandwich is put on the
seat-bench. With the shelter of the tinted glass, I cannot prevent myself
from admiring the fans who, under the beating rain, stoically await their
idol. It is 18:05. Céline appears, smiles at them, greets them by
hand in a friendly way while running towards the car, guided by the driver
and her personal bodyguard, a black American of impressive stature. Dressed
in a beige leather skirt and a black poncho, she is much taller than me.
Tired but apparently happy. She is not surprised to find me there and notes:
"I haven't seen you for a while! We'll be able to speak here in peace.
If you only knew how hungry I am!" she adds diving into the sandwich. Now
we're heading in the direction of La Plaine-Saint-Denis for another show
where she is the guest of honour. In the intimacy of the car, she entrusts
as she would a dear friend.
>>>
Paris Match:
It happens sometimes that disease breaks certain couples. You come out
reinforced by the test which you have just endured. What enabled you to
hold on during these long months?
Céline
Dion. The fact that Rene needs me. He always proved to me that he loved
me, but, at this time, he made me understand that I was the only one able
to help him to surmount his cancer. I suddenly became the wife to my husband,
the person in charge of his life. Its sudden brittleness gave me an incredible
strength. For him, I felt able to move mountains. I adored this role and
what binds us today is even stronger than the love before.
P.M. Was there
any indication to you of the danger which threatened Rene?
C.D. No. One
always tends to believe that health is an acquired good. For oneself and
close relatives. And when the disease hits you from nowhere, you are most
afraid for those who you love.
>>>
P.M. And then?
[ In the half-light, her smile suddenly lights up her face. ]
C.D. That
was the thunderbolt! During these two months, we lived only one for the
other. Our days were organised around the treatments for Rene and simple,
joyful things. I cooked for him every day his favourite vegetables or mashed
potatoes that were easy to swallow. I improvised romantic dinners in all
four corners of the house, I made myself beautiful for him... I felt finally
I was a housewife. And I wanted to be what my husband says I am: "That
woman is extraordinary."
P.M. A true
parade of seduction...
C.D. Reciprocal!
During all these years, not more than me, Rene did not take time to take
time. Suddenly, and in spite of his disease, he discovered the pleasure
of alluring me. Certain evenings, when I was on the verge of just laying
down to rest, he took me by the hand for a romantic dance. The first time,
I was surprised a little, I wondered whether it was for some hidden camera.
[ She laughs. ] On my side, I initiated with him the pleasure of a bath
for two. We finally lived one for the other. The days when Rene did not
have the strength to get up, I lay close to him and often just died in
his arms. If I moved away for even a few moments, he was worried at once.
Before this he was so concentrated on his work and my career, now he was
filled with wonder of all these small happinesses just like a child. This
new tenderness moved me deeply. For these two months, we discovered our
fantastic world and we have only one desire now: to return there as quickly
as possible.
Celine: "When it was question of chemotherapy, we made our provisions. In three months, I'll be pregnant!"
P.M. Do you
sometimes think of death? [ Her glance darkens. She reflects a few moments
before answering me.]
C.D. I don't
remember saying this word. Simply, with his way of tightening me against
him, Rene made me understand that he was afraid. And, this fear, he undoubtedly
felt was in me also, while knowing I would always be there. For him. For
his children. For all those who he loves. It can obviously happen that
I may die before him. We are quite conscious of it and, what we want, is
to say to the other one: "For you, I will hold out." Vis-a-vis with this
disease, two attitudes are possible: to fight against it or accept it.
We chose the second by putting all the chances on our side. Today, Rene
is as well as possible and we are even more simple than in the past. You
know, if it lasts seventy-five years, twenty years or ten minutes, love
is as invaluable as a diamond.
P.M. Did this
black period have effects on your own physical state?
C.D. It is
well known, that worry makes certain people lose weight. Me, I gained a
few kilos, of which I was very proud besides! I think that especially for
me this is owing to a radical change of lifestyle. For eighteen years,
I lived under constant pressure. Suddenly, I was released. And then, it
was necessary for me to encourage my husband to eat as well.
P.M. Isn't
the disease of Rene likely to compromise your ability for maternity? [
She puts her hand on my arm and tightens it with force. ]
C.D. Absolutely
not! When it was a question of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, we made some
useful provisions. Initially, I will rest. Then, I will take all the vaccines
against infantile diseases to which I have mysteriously escaped. Lastly,
in three months, I'll be pregnant!
P.M As of January
1, 2000, Céline Dion will be erased in front of Céline Angelil...
C.D. I am
very proud when I am called " Mrs Angelil. It is like velvet for me, but
I will never give up Céline Dion.
P.M. Why did
you decide, January 5 at 17:00, to remarry?
C.D. Because
five is our lucky number. That we want to repeat to ourselves, higher and
stronger than ever, this "yes" its magic and to bring together our families.
P.M It is hard
to imagine that you can live without singing.
C.D. But I
will continue to sing. In a house filled with happiness. [ The limousine
stops. The route between Boulogne and La Plaine-Saint-Denis appeared very
short to me. Céline embraces me and, always accompanied by her bodyguard,
quickly enters the studios of M6. A great professional.
[End of gift!
]
Ric
-posted by
Ric
-----------------------------------------------------------
Theres a Medical Discovery For The Immune System That Seems To Help Celine's Husband ...Rene Angelil!
Celine Dion
can now sing `my heart will go on' with a very new meaning.
Over eight
months ago her husband, Rene Angelil, was diagnosed with a melanoma skin
cancer which cast a shadow over her career and personal life. Subsequently,
she has taken a break from concert touring and recording, to concentrate
on more important matters-her personal life.
Now thanks to breakthrough research from Montreal, Canada , it has been reported that Rene is making good progress. He his using an experiemental drug discovered by the research scientist, Dr. Gustavo Bounous.
Since the Dion family has knows doctors working in cystic fibrosis research, they became aware of respirologist, Dr. Larry Lands, who is one several other specialists who are working with applications of Dr. Bounous' medical discovery. Dr. Lands said, "In situations of on-going oxidative stress like COPD and cystic fibrosis, there is an even greater demand for the antioxidant Glutathione (GSH), compared to normal healthy individuals. Nothing can be more vital for anyone than breathing, but that can be exhausting for patients with lung disease. The same oxygen that sustains life, poses metabolic challenges to human cells that need to mount adequate defense. It appears that increasing GSH is the cells' most effective response. The delivery of Immunocal(R) provides the only safe, effective and convenient source of the essential precursors."
In fact, there is much more that can go wrong with the human body when the immune system begins breaking down. When it begins, people can lose the battle against many common microorganisms, toxins, sometimes even cancer.
In March, when
Therese Dion, Celine Dion's mother, conferred with Bounous, Lands and others
to talk about their work, she became fascinated by the new steps to health
cures and disease management.
Mrs. Dion
said recently, "I don't believe in coincidences" "It all happened
at the time that I learned that Rene had cancer. I called Celine to tell
her about Immunocal. Rene's doctor, who had contacted Dr. Bounous himself,
saw no reason why Rene couldn't take this supplement."
It's now over
six months since Rene has been taking "Immunocal" on a daily basis, which
seems surprisingly effictive.
Dr. Bounous
comments that, "the discovery that specific whey proteins slow carcinogenesis
(the process of cancer formation) and tumor growth itself have been confirmed
by researchers in Australia, the US and Europe. The tests were conducted
on different species of animals and on different types of tumors. These
remarkable proteins which are also found in mother's breast milk, encourage
the cellular production of glutathione, which acts to strengthen the cells
of the immune system. We can presume that under these conditions, the immune
system is more effective in combating renegade cells and small tumors.
"Preliminary
results are encouraging but this theory must be proven scientifically,"
continues Dr. Bounous. "This is why the work of renowned researchers like
Dr. Lands is necessary."
Studies of
"Immunocal" will be offered in May at an international conference in New
York, sponsored by Mount Sinai Hospital. They will discuss specifically
the manipulation of cellular glutathione in the treatment of cancer and
AIDS.
That's is
supposed to be..just the beginning.
Dion Delivers Declaration of Love to fans...
The 'hometown'
girl packed plenty of song, dance and charming chatter into her show.
it's easy
to make fun of celine dion.
the canadian
vocalist is so dramatic, so perky, so...adult contemporary.
but just as
easy as it is to snub dion, it's hard to dislike her. she's so happy, so
giving, so (cringe) talented.
dion, a part time resident of south florida, peppered her two hour concert at the national car rental center friday evening with so much goodwill that it would be hard to complain. and even if her music isn't exactly your cup of lipton, it's clear that dion is IT to thousands of music listeners for a good reason.
from the moment she emerged on stage on a rising platform, in a white dress with angel-wing arms, dion was prepared to entertain.
let's talk about love was performed with the full, sweet voices of a children's choir surrounding her on stage.
the the transformation from dramatic dion to sexy one was immediate, as she shed the ethereal overdress for a spangled, tight fitting pantsuit replete with silver fringe and plunging neckline.
dion pranced about, struck laura petrie dance poses and belted it out with teh best of tem on "declaration of love"
from there, there would be no telling where dion would go...to the sweet and pure "because you loved me" to the mega hit, "it's all coming back to me now." whether swirling on a center stage platform in elvis presley stance or skipping from on side of the stage to another, she was every bit teh showgal she's billed to be.
as the audience cheered loudly at the end of a song, dion clutched the mike to her chest, smiling the infectious smile of a child who's pleased a favored adult.
dion was in good vocal form too, sliding from alto to soprano and back in fluid shifts, adding the musical flourishes her fans have come to expect..but ultimately, it didn't matter what songs she sang. dion could have charmed the audience on her chat alone.
"how's my neighbors doing?" she asked, early in the show. "i'm so excited you have no idea! rene and i live here...this is home for us. so we're doing a show at home tonight."
she vowed that the show...her last for some years, except a new year's eve gala in her native montreal, would be special...and so it was.
well, that was the absolute best concert i've ever been to. i was asked by all my friends how i liked the concert and what my favourite part was...i didn't say, 'such and such song' cus it wasn't the music...it was just her...like the article said, she coulda charmed us on her chat alone...and that's exactly what she did...my favourite part what when she was talking to us...like she knew all of us personally...it was sooo great. oh, btw...i got some special connections w/ cel...and i was over at her house on halloween. she and rene, her sister linda, bro in law eley were dressed up as the addams family...along with her massuse. i got a milky way handed to my by rene...and its in my freezer and will never be eaten!!! cel wasn't talking though...she had a show the next day. (a make up date from when rene was sick) my mom's friend angie cleans cel's house and she got me a job...i'll be cleaning celine dion's house this summer...i know most of you don't believe me...but those of you who do...thank you so very much!!!!! well, that's all for now
luv n hugz
to all,
Kayce D...
(posted at the message board)
Dion is supposed
to be writing an intimate diary-like journal!
It appears
that this pop diva has a lot to to talk about in her coming new book titled
'All The Way'! (told by the Journal de Montreal)
From what
the co-author Georges-Hebert Germain, says the book will be about her personal
life and will reveal Dion's more intimate side in connection with her career,
family, emotions, love life and other experiences.
Germain, who also wrote Dion's other authorized biography, said, "I want to avoid the well-known anecdotes. It will be Celine's ideas that appear in this book."
The book (250-pages & will be translated into six languages) is to be on store shelves by the singer's birthday next March 30. But the public launch won't be until September...for a simultaneous release in the United States, Britain and France.
Right now, Celine Dion is about to release a greatest hits album titled "All The Way...A Decade of Song".. due out Nov. 16th.
Along with
her top singles from the previous years, the greatest hits album features
seven new songs, including the title track in which Dion sings a duet with
the late, great "Old Blue Eyes"...Frank Sinatra.
Old
Blue eyes are proudly shining again...through Celine Dion's brown eyes...and
sparkling voice!
Céline Dion is working on a book to be called, S'il suffisait d'aimer, which takes on the tone of a private diary. This book, which will carry her signature, will appear in September 2000 in the Robert Laffont Edition and will be published under the title "All The Way" by William Morrow in the U.S.A. and Harper Collins in the United Kingdom, both quite prestigious editors.
Manon Guilbert (says)
The remarks
of the singer, who chose to move away from the scene to know another way
of life, will be collected by George-Hébert Germain, journalist
and author of a preceding biography. "The context is completely
different," he explains. "At that time I had made a portrait.
This time, it is her who speaks everywhere. We have chosen
the topics and it tells.
She takes
stock. She confides on her career, on her family life and in love,
her experiences and emotions, on this turn which it is on the point of
negotiating and over the first months of her life as a housewife, her new
passion." It was last June, the 19th, as Céline Dion took
the Stade de France by storm, that the proposal to write this book came
to him from an editor at Laffont.
Céline is with an "I"
"It is written
in the first person because that's undoubtedly the winning formula," specifies
George-Hébert Germain. René Angélil proposed
that I work it out with Céline. He said to me: if you refuse,
it is quite simply not going to be done. Céline did not want
to begin again at zero with someone else. "Between Céline
Dion and George-Hébert Germain, the relationship is a friendly one.
One remembers that the journalist followed the star in round and lived
in her proximity for the needs of writing "Céline." She's
transparent. You can ask her all types of questions and she answers.
"Initially, S'il suffisait d'aimer was to appear on March 30, 2000, on
her birthday. Instead, to allow for a simultaneous world-wide release
in the U.S.A., the United Kingdom, and in France, we chose to delay it
to September 2000, which will also make it possible for Céline to
tell us about the first months of her life "of retirement." "I want
to avoid the
known anecdotes.
In fact the ideas of Céline will pass in this book. She'll
tell about this trip, the huge change which she undertakes with a certain
degree of anguish since she knows no other life. She communicates
her new passions including those to become an accomplished housewife, excellent
in
the fine arts
of the table, the wines, the decorations.
She affirms to have been a slave of her voice, subjected to a discipline of pure hell. Céline has enormous control of her emotions. One will also see how quickly she had to become an adult. She did not live a normal adolescence and must mourn never having a childhood friend in who to confide. One will know also all that she lived through the sicknesses of Réne. "The reflexions, the interrogations, the memories of Céline Dion will be compiled in this 250-page book that will be translated into six languages and distributed world-wide. "She is as determined to invest herself in the production of this book as she has in all that she touches," comments George-Hébert Germain who has already had some meetings with her. Several other meeetings will be held in the Palm Beach house in the months to come.
-Translated
by Ric..in his own wording-
Thanks, Ric!
Fraulein Céline - 11/03/99
TORONTO (PC) - Singer Céline Dion is among the guests of a variety programme which will air from Berlin, next Saturday November 13th, on German broadcaster ZDF. During this special hosted by Thomas Gottschalk, her label, Columbia, says she will interpret the song "The First Time… ."
ZDF will also feature Laetitia Casta as well as Tina Turner, Chris de Burgh, Britney Spears and Phil Collins.
In addition,
the new album from Ms. Dion, titled "All the Way," will be on sale Tuesday
November 16th. One of the seven new songs is sung in virtual duet with
the québécoise artist.
© Canadian
Press, 1999 (posted by Ric)
Since it's been a long 10 years of working steadily in the International entertainment spotlight, Celine Dion is ready to take a long break...including her heart.
Celine said,
"I'm looking
forward to having no schedule, no pressure, to not caring about whether
it's raining or not, just visiting with family and friends, cooking at
home, trying to seriously have a child," she says. "I want no pressure
for a while."
Before Celine begins her well-known, extended break from the entertainment/music industry beginning Jan. 1, she will be releasing a new album on Nov. 16, "All The Way...A Decade Of Song," which includes seven new songs and nine of her earlier hits..with the seven to include these songwriter's; Max Martin; Robert "Mutt" Lange; James Horner and Will Jennings ("My Heart Will Go On"), Diane Warren, David Foster and the French songwriter, Luc Plamendon.
This new album will join her other hit albums (through Epic/550 Music) as a added reward to a 10-year period in which Celine has sold well over 100 million records on a worldwide basis; including over 27 million copies of each of her last two English albums.
Upcoming also is Celine's second Thanksgiving TV special, on Nov. 25 (CBS), which includes guests..Gloria Estefan and 'N Sync, along with a "virtual Frank Sinatra duet" ..of the song "All The Way."
Celine will also be the guest on the "Oprah Show" on the day of the album's release (Nov. 16), along with making an appearance on the "Today Show," "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno," and "The Rosie O'Donnell Show."
Along with all these appearances, she will be a featured singer on Rosie O'Donnell's coming Christmas album, which will coincide with a Holiday TV special coming in the next month. Celine song is titled, "I Met An Angel (On Christmas Day)" which will be sold through the Target stores...coinciding with the December TV show guest appearances.
Celine's voice can also be heard on two other albums...with the song "Then You Look At Me" (by Jennings/Horner)..on the upcoming movie soundtrack "Bicentennial Man," which stars Robin Williams; and "Live,"(by Plamendon) which is the English version of the French song "Vivre," which will be sung on the French play and on the album "Notre Dame De Paris."
Celine will end this busy year, after performing in international concert tours for over 2 years...with a 2-hour millennium concert at the Molson Center in Montreal's, with guests appearances by Bryan Adams and others.
This big blitz
of recording and TV appearances will be the musical pinnacle that proves
what a truly internationally
respected
star Celine Dion has become...all the way...from a local Canadian singer..in
the last ten years.
With the release of d seven English albums, from "Unison"(1991) to the soon-to-come "All The Way," and six other French albums, released; which includes "Au Coeur Du Stade,"..recorded live at the Stade de France in Paris with an audience of over 90,000 fans.
Diva Dion has
become one of the most successful singers of this generation.
She has sung
with many great artist's, including the Pope, Pavarotti...in arenas all
over the world..and in several languages. It's no surprise that Celine
Dion is and has been regularly recognized with awards along her journey
to the top...including five Grammy Awards, American Music Wards, Blockbuster
Awards, World Music Awards, Juno Awards and many Felix Awards.
In fact, Celine Dion's voice is so Internationally recognized and popular, that there are to be eight different versions of her upcoming "All The Way...A Decade Of Song", released according to the the popularity of her past hit songs...familiar in North America, Europe, the U.K., France, Brazil, Latin America, Asia, and Australia/New Zealand.
Celine says,
"I'm still
amazed by the career that I've been having," Dion acknowledges. "Of course,
I'm very thankful for having great people surrounding me and a record company
that treats me more like a human being with feelings than a product. I
have great fans who want to travel with me through my music, and there's
no price for that; it's the greatest reward."
Celine says,
"To be honest,
I'm not aware of everything that's happening around me," she adds. "I go
and do my shows. I don't live with the success, so I don't completely understand
how I've come to where I am. And I don't want to understand it, I don't
want to know about all the elements that have to be put in place. I just
want to walk on the road that was offered to be my destiny."
Celine's management and career progress has been sculpted carefully by her longtime manager/husband, Rene Angelil and Dion's crew at Sony & Epic/550, including Polly Anthony of Epic Records.
Polly Anthony
says:
"I believe
that Celine's voice is unparalleled, as is her ability to reach out and
touch, whether via her music, interviews, or live concerts," Anthony says.
"She's still the girl next door, still your best friend, and she still
maintains and cherishes all the values that I think people around the world
hope to hold near and dear to them. She touches every segment of any demographic.
The gender and age landscape is amazing. I truly place her at the top."
Sony said (partly
paraphrased):
Compiling
"All The Way" was not an easy task.
It's a long,
laborous process which includes decisions about how many and which hits
should be included, along with choosing new songs to balance the track
listing while still revealing a fresh, innovative aspect to her music.
"We had hourly conversations, back and forth, about what the combination
should be," says John Doelp, the album's co-executive producer, who is
also president of Sony's Crescent Moon Records and has been involved
with Dion's career almost from the beginning.
"We wanted
to make sure we had some new sounds and that we were able to go new places.
It's the culmination of a chapter in her career, with some parting gifts
before she takes her break."
Sony Music Canada/Sony Music Quebec's Vito Luprano(co-executive producer and VP of A&R) who has also been involved with most of Dion's career progress says: "The first idea was to record three new songs, then Celine said, 'Let's go for five,' her lucky number. But we had so many great songs coming in that we ended up recording nine. Out of that, we decided to go with seven."
Maybe one of the most stylishly, innovative songs from her new album is her first single to be released, "That's The Way It Is," an upbeat, pop tune that reveals how Dion's voice can master any musical mood...in any musical style. Dion's voice will surely take this song to the top, while proving once-and-for-all that she is an artist whose voice and ability can make a masterpiece from any musical art, including; ballads, gospel, blues..from pop to rock...in any tempo. Celine Dion is today's "Queen Of Pop"!
This song (co-written and co-produced by Martin) reflects today's most popular sound in a very upbeat, youthful manner...letting it become an instant AC radio airplay hit (from No. 28 to No. 18), along with being popular in the top 40 airplay, where radio stations have commented that Celine's songs are much too adult.
John Ivey,
from Boston's WXKS Kiss 108 radio said:
"The first
time I heard it, I thought it sounded like a Backstreet Boys record," ..."I
think it was really smart on her part to have production done like that,
and I love the way it sounds. Traditionally, her ballads have worked really
well, and her uptempo material hasn't. This is the sound of today, it's
off to a quick start, and I only have positive feelings for it."
Hilary Shaev,
the senior promotion VP for 550 says:
"This record
is very youthful-sounding and very contemporary,"... "There is a perception
out there that Celine can't do tempo, but this probably sounds more like
pop radio than a number of her previous releases.
"We really
felt the need to bring everybody at the label together for this one to
realize that even though Celine has gotten continuously bigger and sells
more and more records, it's still important to get everybody on this in
the first two weeks," adds Shaev. "She touches a chord in the American
people, and they react when they hear her."
"That's The Way It Is" is supposed to be released as a single everywhere except the U.S.-in the an adult top 40 radio market, along with its AC radio airtime.
Dion's beleives the song is a welcome change also, saying.."It brings me great joy because I know most people see me as a ballad singer," she says. "But of course I can do uptempo songs, and I'm very fortunate to have this song. I had a great time recording it."
"Max and his team are so energetic in the studio, you can't believe it," Angelil adds. "He's always jumping around and is so funny. We think he did a fantastic job"(the track recording and the videoclip was completed in LA on Oct. 19th).
"All The Way" includes a gentle remake of Roberta Flack's hit "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," which Celine she has performed in her "Let's Talk About Love" concert tour; the ballad by Lange, "If Walls Could Talk," hears Shania Twain in the background; her well-know ballad voice is at its peak during "I Want You To Need Me" written by Dianem Warren; while the big, orchestra sound of a power ballad is delivered in Dion's own irresistible singing style with "Then You Look At Me," (from Horner and Jennings)...in an obvious, emotional "My Heart Will Go On" spirited mood.
Sony has already planned four music videos by years end which most likely will include "If Walls Could Talk," "I Want You To Need Me," and "Live"(maybe trying to stretch the albums consumer popularity).
Sony comments:
"The Celine
music consumer is not necessarily one that runs to the record store on
the day of release," says Epic Records Group VP of worldwide marketing
Randy Irwin. "Our campaigns on her records usually last 18 months to two
years. The big thing for us is to just find ways to reach the public, to
let them know that this new album is out there."
"We're planning a big AOL promotion that's just coming together, and we intend to go places that music artists don't necessarily pop up," he adds. "Her consumers go to a lot of nontraditional places, and we have to do everything that we can to find them."
"Then there's the combination of radio and the TV specials and press, all peaking with the millennium show," Irwin says. "We intend to take this campaign well into next year and into Christmas 2000. There are a minimum of three singles; past that is anyone's guess."
Paul Yamada
(a buyer for Tower Records)says,
"I think this
record will be more compelling than a lot of other things coming out, with
the combination of the greatest hits and close to 50% new material,"
"If this first single takes off, it should do well for us."
Richard Zuckerman, Sony Music Canada's VP of international marketing and A&R says that the plan is to commercially offer this album on a global basis. It's also a fact that Dion will promote the album in Europe in mid-November, along with appearances in Japan.
Celine's CBS
TV special will be shown on a worldwide basis in December, along with her
millennium concert airing live across Canada and France.
Angelil says
that Celine will make absolutely no more appearances after Jan. 1st...including
awards shows. That's when he and Celine will begin their well-known, semi-retirement
break from the bright lights of show business.
Dion says,
"I'm looking
forward to that, because you want to be honest and sing to the people and
say, 'It's wonderful to be here.'I never want to feel like, 'Oh, no, not
a show tonight,' not for people who pay the money to hear me. It's time
for a break, so that I have something new to say and sing about, just to
refuel."
Angelil says,
"We know that
fans understand; there have been so many letters from people wishing us
the best. People ask if we aren't afraid that if we stop, it could go away.
That's a gamble you have to take in life. We've taken bigger gambles, when
she started singing and I mortgaged my house, which was all I had. It could
go away, we could lose our fans, but that's life."
Angelil also
emphasizes that he and Celine realize this break from all of the stress
of show business is more important now than ever...since his recent health
problem with skin cancer...in which Dion took two months off from her concert
schedule to be with him. "We've missed out on a lot of important things,
and now we want to enjoy the real values of life. It becomes even more
important," he says.
Angelil has
completed his cancer treatments in June and has had two cancer-free check-ups.
Epic/Sony acknowledges that Celine's needs a break for her personal life...and to cool off a little..away from the fast-paced, music entertainment scene (she signed with Sony in 1991).
Anthony says,
"I have never
seen an artist who works so hard, who employs the sort of discipline that
Celine does," .. "With all of her fame has come a certain sacrifice. I
think her fans around the world understand why she wants time off...But
we're going to miss her and want her back soon."
Celine Dion readily admits that she, will likely feel a little regret and sadness...with mixed feelings...as she begins her last concert on Dec. 31.
Celine says,
"It will be
very emotional because it's my last show for a while," she says. "Everybody
wants a party, and so do I, but I'll have a
little tear
at the corner of my eye."
Below Celine's speaks of her upcoming album, "All The Way...A Decade Of Song (Epic/550 Music)...featuring hit songs, along with "That's The Way It Is," written by Max Martin, Kristian Lundin, and Andreas Carlsson and produced by Martin and Lundin:
Celine said,
"I've been
very lucky to record some great ballads, and I'll always enjoy singing
them, but it's so refreshing for me to have a really good uptempo song
like this," says Dion. "It brings me a lot of joy because I know that most
people see me as a ballad singer.
And I need
these kinds of songs onstage; it can be long and boring if I sing ballads
for two hours. I'm very happy about this song."
"If Walls Could Talk," written and produced by Robert "Mutt" Lange. "This is my sexy song. I love it because I don't feel like I have to show off. Most of my ballads start slow and go high, and then I hold the notes. I enjoy that, but once in a while, it's nice to have a song with a great mood that I don't have to sing too loudly. I sang this one in kind of a whisper, which is a different approach for me. It's a beautiful song."
"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," written by Ewan MacColl and produced by David Foster. "A classic-it's been one of my favorite songs throughout time, and I love Roberta Flack. I remember telling [manager/husband] Rene [Angelil] many years ago that I wanted to sing this one onstage, but he told me I was too young to sing it then. We gave it a try with our last tour, and I sang it acoustically. People responded very well to it, so we decided to record it. It was the first song that we did for the album."
"All The Way,"
written by J. Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn and produced by Foster and Rene
Angelil. "One night Rene and I were in Florida having a romantic dinner
with candles and listening to Frank Sinatra, our favorite singer, and Rene
got this flash.
He called
Mrs. Sinatra, whom we've known for years, and she gave us permission to
sing [in a "virtual duet"] with Frank. We got married to this song, and
it's always been 'our song'; every person in love has a special song, and
this is ours. Whenever we talk about doing something new, we always say,
'Let's go all the way.' It's our line. I was thrilled to be able to do
this."
"Then You Look
At Me," written by James Horner and Will Jennings and produced by Foster,
Horner, and Simon Franglen. "After what happened with the 'Titanic' song,
it was very natural for me to do another song from Will Jennings and James
Horner.
[Horner] has
become a wonderful new friend; he's very talented and a great man. So when
he proposed this song and was so involved in it, I was ready to go into
the studio and sing it. In a way, I thought of 'Titanic' when I was recording
it because it has that big orchestration. I'm very happy he thought of
me."
"I Want You
To Need Me," written by Diane Warren and produced by Matt Serletic. "This
song was difficult to sing because it's very high. It sounds a little rock'n'roll
to me, with a voice that's a little edgy. It was the first time that I
worked with [Serletic], and it was a little frightening for me to do that.
I never know if a producer is going to want me to spend two or three hours
on one line or whether they'll be nice or impatient, but we had a
good time with him. He's a new person on our team. And, of course, a new
Diane Warren
song is always welcome for us. We've had a lot of success with her songs,
so again, I'm very thankful."
"Live," written by Richard Cocciante and Luc Plamendon, with English translation by Jennings, and produced by Foster and Angelil. "This song is from 'Notre Dame De Paris,' and I love both the play and the songs. Luc Plamendon had this idea for me to record this in English, and I just love that song so much. It's simple, but it's very big. When I think of that song, I think of the play and like it even more."
(paraphrased-
with direct quotes included ) ;-)
TORONTO, Sept. 17 /CNW/ - Today seven-year-old Caitlyn Brady will meet
her idol. The little girl with cystic fibrosis will present Celine Dion
with a bouquet of flowers on behalf of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation,
when Dion unveils her star on Canada's Walk of Fame. The public ceremony
will
take place
in front of the Royal Alexandra Theatre on King Street West, at 4:00 p.m.
``Caitlyn is having quite a time controlling her excitement over meeting
Celine,'' says her mother Sheilah Brady. ``This opportunity couldn't have
come at a better time. Her sister, Elizabeth, who was also a huge fan,
lost her battle with CF this summer; but Elizabeth will be there in spirit,''
she added.
``Our Foundation is extremely fortunate to have Celine Dion as our Celebrity
Patron. Her leadership means the world to us,'' said Cathleen Morrison,
Executive Director of the CCFF. ``Ms. Dion, whose niece Karine died of
CF at the age of 16, has been helping the Foundation raise funds and wareness
since 1982.''
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis,
which attacks the lungs and the digestive system, is one of the most deadly
inherited diseases affecting Canadian children and young adults. One in
every 25 Canadians carries the defective gene for cystic fibrosis.
The CCFF is
a world leader in the fight against CF. Canadians discovered the gene responsible
for cystic fibrosis in 1989, and continue to play a leading role in the
worldwide race to develop new treatments for the disease.
Sony Music
Canada Media Relations
"TITANIC SUM
In one of the mos-talked-about deals at the Frankfort Book Fair,
Celine Dion
has sold her memoirs, with HarperCollins chief Jane Friedman
snagging English-language
rights for a rumored mid-six figures. Dion will work
in French
and deliver by next spring for a fall 2000 publication.
Celine Dion has issued a statement in response to several news stories released this past weekend which speak about allegations made by a former member of her band. The stories refer to a claim made by her drummer of four years ago, Mr. Peter Barbeau, who is suing her for wrongful dismissal and infringement of copyright. The stories also quotes Mr. Barbeau, who claims that Ms. Dion uses recorded samples of her voice at her live shows. Says Ms. Dion "I wasn't really involved too much with Peter leaving the band. This really had more to do with the musicians and how they wanted to change a few things. As far as the publishing stuff goes, I haven't had anything to do with this either, but the people who take care of my business have assured me that Peter has 100% control of his interest in his song.
The thing that really upsets me is what's been said about my live performances...
the way it was said makes it sound like I'm not singing live at my shows,
which is not true. In the past, we've used instrumentation and voice
samples on
the up tempo numbers. This just gives the dance tracks a bit more punch
to enhance the live performance, but I think that's normal. As far as singing
live, well this is what I love to do the most. My whole life revolves around
singing live and I think my fans know this about me. Whether it's not talking
for two days between shows or not eating certain foods on show days, or
not being near air conditioning even when it's 95 degrees... my whole focus
is to keep my vocal chords in top shape so that I can deliver when I'm
on stage. My fans know this, and everyone who's seen my show knows that
I put everything I've got into every performance that I give."
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