When most people think of Céline Dion, they think of her hit song “My Heart Will Go On,” which was the soundtrack for Titanic.
However, many don’t often give credit to the song that started it all – without which we wouldn’t have ever gotten to hear her belting that hit later on.
Her fame and fortune came after the star won the 33rd Eurovision Song Contest in 1988 in Dublin. During the competition, the French-Canadian singer represented Switzerland.
The song that magically changed it all for her was “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi” by Nella Marinetti and Atilla Serftug. It was her jaw-dropping performance of it that took away the breath of viewers.
At 20 years old, she rocked the stage in a white blazer, ballerina tutu skirt, white stockings and white heels. She donned her red curly locks with a dark red lipstick and she gave it her all while she sang the French song.
The competition was intense as the performer beat the United Kingdom by only one point.
© Getty ImagesPost-contest success
After her huge win, Céline wasted no time whatsoever before making her mark on the industry.
Only two days later, she released her live album The Best of Céline Dion in Europe, and of course it featured her singing the ballad that made her the reigning contest champion that year.
The album also included other French songs that she previously put out back home in Canada, as she continued to introduce her unique sound overseas.
© Getty ImagesCéline used the momentum from her win to tour Europe. During the time, she also released her singles “Délivre-Moi” and “D’abord and C’est Quoi L’amour.”
The entertainer re-released her Canadian album Incognito and went on the Incognito Tour in her motherland next, with her last stop being in Switzerland.
Her new era
By that time, the singer already had eight French albums, therefore, she decided to record her ninth one called Unison in English.
Her hits such as “Because You Loved Me,” “The Power of Love,” as well as “Tell Him,” climbed the charts.
© ReutersA year after her win, Céline returned to the contest and sang “Where Does My Heart Beat Now” on stage, which became her first international hit.
She has gone on to sell over 250 million albums globally and has won five Grammy Awards, two Academy Awards and much more.
The entertainer was also honored with France’s Knight of the Legion of Honour in 2008. In 2024, the singer released her documentary, I Am: Céline Dion which showcased her personal life and career.
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