Eurovision fans in tears over emotional Celine Dion appearance amid health struggle

Eurovision viewers couldn't contain their emotions as Celine Dion made a rare public statement amid her recent health struggle.

The Canadian singer, 57, famously won the contest for Switzerland in 1988 with Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi, kickstarting a career that's seen her become one of the biggest-selling artists of all time.

She's been out of the limelight for several years as she battles the debilitating condition known as "stiff person syndrome" but she made a return to the stage last summer to perform at the Paris Olympics.

The icon made an emotional comeback with Edith Piaf's classic Hymne A L'Amour while in the Eiffel Tower. During tonight's (May 13) first 2025 semi-final, Celine shocked fans when she made an appearance on the show in a pre-recorded video message, where she admitted that Switzerland has "always held a special place in my heart".

As the video started to play, the star was greeted with a loud cheer from the audience as she started off by saying: "I'd love nothing more than to be with you."

She continued: "Switzerland will always hold a special place in my heart. It's the country that believed in me and gave me the chance to be part of something so extraordinary."

The star continues to say that winning Eurovision was "a lifechanging moment" and that seeing the contest return to Switzerland is "beautiful and emotional".

As expected it didn't take long for viewers to rush straight to social media to share their reaction to the emotional moment as one viewer wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: "QUEEN CELINE IM CRYING #Eurovision." (sic)

Another said: "She said "Bisou", I love you Céline #Eurovision #Eurovision2025." A third wrote: "OMG that's so beautiful right now." (sic)

One emotional fan commented: "That's beautiful, stop it right now. Definitely stuff for the final." Another wrote: ""he way i love celine dion, i thank my parents who forced me to listen to her since i was like 4, what a queen, i miss her #Eurovision." (sic)

Another fan said: "This tribute to Celine Dion's #Eurovision win in 1988 is emotional and beautiful. Well done #ESC2025 #Eurovisión2025. Proper respect to a legend." (sic)

Meanwhile one added: "That was beautiful. Celine Dion's song is actually one of my favorite Eurovision songs.#Eurovisión #Eurovisión2025." (sic)

The first Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Final aired tonight at 8pm and the second will air on Thursday at the same time on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

The Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final 2025 will air from 8pm to 12am this Saturday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.