Celine Dion
MONTREAL, Aug 11 — Celine Dion’s management and Sony Music Entertainment Canada have taken a strong stance against Donald Trump after the former president used Dion’s iconic song, “My Heart Will Go On,” during a rally in Montana on Friday. The rally featured a video of Dion performing the song on a big screen, a move that has sparked significant backlash on social media.
Dion’s team and her record label released a statement on X (formerly Twitter), condemning the use of the song and clarifying that it was done without authorization. “Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use… And really, THAT song?” the statement read, reflecting the disapproval from Dion’s camp.
The use of “My Heart Will Go On” in Trump’s rally has led to widespread mockery on social media, with users drawing comparisons between Trump’s campaign and the ill-fated Titanic, the very ship at the heart of the 1997 blockbuster film directed by James Cameron. The song, one of the biggest hits of all time, was originally released on Dion’s album Let’s Talk About Love and the Titanic soundtrack. It sold over 18 million copies worldwide and earned Dion several prestigious awards, including an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and multiple Grammys.
The timing of Trump’s choice to use the song has added to the controversy, as his campaign has faced challenges since Kamala Harris replaced Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential candidate. Biden’s withdrawal from the race on July 21 set the stage for Harris to take the lead, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. Trump, who had been on track to reclaim the White House, now finds himself grappling with the momentum gained by Harris.
Celine Dion, 56, has been in the public eye recently after canceling several shows in 2023 and 2024 due to health issues related to an autoimmune disorder. Despite these challenges, she made a triumphant return last month by performing from the Eiffel Tower during the opening of the Olympics in Paris, much to the delight of her fans.
The use of Dion’s song at Trump’s rally has raised questions about the ethical and legal implications of using music without the artist’s permission, especially in political contexts. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Trump’s campaign will respond to the backlash and whether this incident will have any lasting impact on his bid for the presidency.