Cliff Notes – Why Celine Dion’s surprise cameo at Eurovision 2025 has left fans upset

Celine Dion made a heartfelt video appearance during the first Eurovision semi-final, reflecting on her 1988 win for Switzerland and expressing her sadness over not being able to attend in person due to health issues.
Many fans were left confused and disappointed that her cameo occurred during the semi-final rather than the grand final, leading to speculation about her potential live performance.
Despite her absence, Dion’s message evoked strong emotional reactions from viewers, with many expressing their hopes for a surprise appearance at the final, despite her stated inability to attend.

Why Celine Dion’s surprise cameo at Eurovision 2025 has left fans upset

Tonight’s Eurovision Song Contest semi-final reduced fans to tears thanks to a special appearance from Eurovision legend herself, Celine Dion.

However, many viewers have been left confused by the cameo for one devastating reason.

Taking place in Basel, Switzerland for 2025, the annual singing extravaganza kicked off its run of live shows this evening as the first semi-final sent 10 countries through to Saturday’s final.

Following 15 performances, the result was decided by a public vote, but before the finalists were revealed and as the numbers were verified, Eurovision fans were treated to a special video message.

Her appearance had been teased early on by hosts Hazel Brugger and Sandra Studer, but two hours later, Celine finally appeared on the screen.

A special rendition of her song Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi was also performed by previous Eurovision stars, including Silvester Belt and Iolanda.

The My Heart Will Go On hitmaker, 57, took the chance to reflect on her own Eurovision journey, having represented Switzerland in 1988.

Speaking both in French and English, she told viewers that the country ‘has always held a special place in [her] heart’.

‘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,’ she said.

‘(It) was a life-changing moment for me, and I’m so thankful for everyone who supported me.’

Celine 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 this weekend amid her health issues.

Alas, those watching at home reckon Celine’s video cameo somewhat confirmed that she won’t be performing in the final after all.

Although, it seems many people are still hanging onto the sliver of hope that she might show up.

‘Would it be possible that Céline Dion could be doing a special appearance in the Grand Final? I still have hopes’, tweeted @beardedeurofan.

‘Is there any chance the Celine Dion video is a red herring and she may still appear in person during the final?’, pondered @eurobvision.

Echoing their suspicions, @Dan_the_runner posted: ‘I’m convincing myself that Eurovision are throwing the biggest curveball ever tonight. Why would they put a video message from Celine Dion in SF1 instead of the final if she isn’t appearing?’

Needless to say, Celine’s message left people very emotional, with many taking to social media to say they were ‘in tears’ at the mere sight of her on screen.

‘The Celine Dion message got me so emotional my gwad’, wrote @rumbalunchable.

It’s yet to be either officially confirmed or denied whether she will, in fact, travel to Switzerland for the Grand Final, even though she said in her address that she’s unable to make the trip.

Earlier today, Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR released a statement as an update, sharing with fans: ‘There are currently no changes regarding Celine Dion—we are still in close contact with her.’

The music legend last performed in Paris for the 2024 Olympics, making a powerful return with Edith Piaf’s Hymne à l’Amour, which she belted out from the Eiffel Tower.

Celine has been largely absent from the limelight in recent years, having faced health struggles due to stiff-person syndrome (SPS), with which she was diagnosed in August 2022.

Cutting back her touring schedule, she immediately began undergoing intense treatments several days a week for the rare neurological disorder.

The second Eurovision 2025 semi-final takes place on Thursday and airs on BBC.