Five days after her first Paris residency show, Celine Dion once again captivated a crowd of 35,000 at the Plénitude Arena on Wednesday, September 16. The second performance of her highly anticipated residency went off without a hitch, much to the delight of fans and a slew of celebrities in attendance, including Kim Kardashian, Marion Cotillard, and Teddy Riner.
A Night of Consistency and Surprises
Unlike her first show, which started nearly 50 minutes late, this concert began promptly as scheduled. Dion delivered the same 29-song setlist, opening with “On ne change pas” and featuring hits like “My Heart Will Go On,” “J’irai où tu iras,” “I’m Alive,” and “Encore un soir.” She also performed her new track “Dansons” and a cover of “Sweet Dreams,” with the audience—including Rihanna—singing along in unison.
While the setlist remained unchanged, some fans expressed concerns about spoilers circulating on social media. However, as noted by Le Parisien, Dion has a history of tweaking her setlists during her Las Vegas residency, sometimes adding songs as tributes to late artists. This suggests future shows may offer surprises.
A Commanding Performance
Attendees and critics alike praised Dion’s vocal prowess and stage presence. She hit every note with precision and even treated the audience to a few dance steps. The second-night performance, often a challenge for artists after a triumphant opener, proved that Dion is in top form.
Richard Walter, co-producer of Dion’s 1994 Olympia concerts, had previously highlighted the difficulty of maintaining momentum. “The first concert, you draw from deep within yourself, you’ve rested, you succeed. The audience is supportive, there’s family, friends, fans,” he told Le Parisien. “It’s a blessing to have succeeded, so you go lighter, and that’s when problems start.”
Dion, however, has taken measures to ensure consistency. She has retreated into a bubble, distancing herself from fans to preserve her focus and energy. This is particularly important given her stiff-person syndrome, a condition that requires careful management. Her efforts have clearly paid off, as fans and experts agree that her second show was a resounding success.
What’s Next for the Residency
With 14 more dates scheduled through October 17, and an additional 10 shows planned for next spring, Dion’s Paris residency is off to a stellar start. Fans fortunate enough to have tickets for upcoming performances can rest assured: the queen of power ballads is delivering nothing short of perfection.
