Celine Dion left fans in floods of tears as she made a rare appearance at the 2025 Eurovision semi-final via video call on Tuesday.
The singer, 57, famously won the contest for Switzerland in 1988 with the winning number Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi.
And making an emotional return to the song contest, Celine shared some advice ahead of the anticipated final.
The songstress also seemingly ruled out an appearance in this year’s final after speculation she would be performing amid her battle with stiff person syndrome.
She said: ‘I’d love nothing more than to be with you. Switzerland will forever 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.
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Celine Dion, 57, left fans in floods of tears as she made a rare appearance at the 2025 Eurovision semi-final via video call on Tuesday
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The singer famously won the contest for Switzerland in 1988 with the winning number Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi (pictured)
Eurovision semi-final: Who qualified?
Norway: Kyle Alessandro – Lighter
Albania: Shkodra Elektronike – Zjerm
Sweden: KAJ – Bara Bada Bastu
Iceland: VÆB – RÓA
Netherlands: Claude – C’est La Vie
Poland: Justyna Steczkowska – GAJA
San Marino: Gabry Ponte – Tutta L’Italia
Estonia: Tommy Cash – Espresso Macchiato
Portugal: NAPA – Deslocado
Ukraine: Ziferblat – Bird of Pray
‘Winning the Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland in 1988, it was a life-changing moment for me and I’m so thankful for everyone who supported me.
‘Now, 37 years later, I know. It’s so beautiful and emotional to see Switzerland winning and hosting this incredible event once again.
‘To the people of Switzerland, thank you for your love. This night is yours and I hope you feel as proud as I do.’
10 acts qualified for Saturday’s grand finale during Tuesday night’s semi-final, including Swedish entrants KAJ, with song Bara Bada Bastu.
As well as Sweden, Norway, Albania, Iceland, Netherlands, Poland, San Marino, Estonia, Portugal, Ukraine made it through to the final. Booting Azerbaijan, Belgium, Cyprus, Croatia and Slovenia’s out of the competition.
Fans were left devastated as Celine confirmed she would not be performing or attending this year’s final in Switzerland.
‘That was beautiful. Celine Dion’s song is actually one of my favourite Eurovision songs’,
‘This tribute to Celine Dion’s #Eurovision win in 1998 is emotional and beautiful. Well done #ESC2025 Proper respect to a legend’,
