Celine Dion vehemently condemned Donald Trump and J.D. Vance for their unauthorized exploitation of her iconic ballad, "My Heart Will Go On," during a rally in Montana on Friday. Her management, on behalf of the esteemed artist and her record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc., issued a scathing statement addressing the blatant misuse of the Titanic masterpiece.
"Today, it has come to the attention of Celine Dion's management team and her record label with utmost dismay, the unauthorized appropriation of Celine Dion's video footage, audio recording, captivating musical performance, and even her likeness, as she passionately sings 'My Heart Will Go On,' at a political rally organized by Donald Trump and JD Vance in Montana," her official X (formerly Twitter) handle solemnly announced.
The statement further resonated with indignation, "This unauthorized usage is in no way condoned, nor does Celine Dion lend her support to such a practice or any of its ilk. The very idea of associating such a profound and emotive song with such a setting is nothing short of astonishing...and truly, THAT song? It deserves far more reverence than to be dragged into the realm of partisan politics."
The Trump campaign faced a deluge of criticism from an array of esteemed artists during his presidential bids, accused of unlawfully leveraging their musical masterpieces without consent. Rihanna, Axl Rose, and even The Rolling Stones, the latter of whom vowed to take legal recourse against the ex-president, were among the indignant voices. Neil Young took the matter to court, filing a lawsuit against the former leader for unauthorized use of his compositions. Moreover, the estates of Prince and Sinead O'Connor disassociated themselves from Trump's appropriation of "Purple Rain" and "Nothing Compares 2 U," respectively, expressing their disapproval in no uncertain terms.
The Tom Petty family also chimed in, expressing outrage over the unauthorized inclusion of "I Won't Back Down" in the 2020 campaign. Amidst all this, Dion, nearly two years after publicly announcing her battle with Stiff-Person Syndrome, triumphantly returned to the stage. Her comeback was nothing short of breathtaking, as she serenaded the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony with a poignant rendition of Édith Piaf's "Hymne à l'Amour," accompanied solely by the gentle caresses of a piano.
Post-performance, Dion poured her heart out on X (formerly Twitter), penning, "Tonight, I stand humbled and honored to have graced the stage for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony. My heart overflows with joy to be back in this beloved city that holds a special place in my heart. But above all, I am overwhelmed with happiness to celebrate these extraordinary athletes, each a testament to sacrifice, determination, pain, and unwavering perseverance. Their stories inspire, and I am proud to share this moment with them."
