Celine Dion surprised the audience with a thrilling performance at 'Eurovision 2025', 37 years after the historic victory for Switzerland

Celine Dion surprised audiences across Europe on Tuesday night with a surprise video appearance in the Eurovision semi-final, 37 years after her victory for Switzerland at the legendary festival.

The Canadian-born star gave a heartfelt message to the contestants, organizers and viewers, recalling the moment that changed her life forever. Dion had won Eurovision in 1988 in Dublin, Ireland, representing Switzerland with the song "Ne partez pas sans moi", in a close competition with 20 other countries, writes CNN.

Her words were broadcast on a giant screen on stage, where the singer said: "My beloved Eurovision family and wonderful contestants, I would love nothing more than to be with you in Basel tonight. Switzerland will always have a special place in my heart. It is a country that believed in me and gave me the opportunity to be part of something so extraordinary."

She added: "Winning Eurovision for Switzerland in 1988 was a life-changing moment for me, and I am infinitely grateful to everyone who has supported me."

Dion, now 57, expressed her excitement for Switzerland's return as host of this grand event: "It is so beautiful and emotional to see Switzerland win and host this extraordinary event again. People of Switzerland, thank you for your love. This evening is yours and I hope you feel as proud as I do."

Then, in French, Dion added: "Music unites us, not just tonight, not just in this moment. It is our strength, our support in times when we need it most. I love you all, Europe and the rest of the world, of course. Kisses, I love you!"

Following her message, several of the singers from the previous Eurovision edition performed a new version of her winning song from 1988. At the time, Dion won by just one point over British representative Scott Fitzgerald, in one of the closest competitions in the festival's history.

Although she was already a household name in Canada and France, it was Eurovision that catapulted Celine Dion to global fame. After the victory, she began work on her first English-language album, "Unison."

In December 2022, Dion announced that she would be temporarily retiring from performing to focus on her health, after being diagnosed with a rare neurological condition called Stiff Person Syndrome.

However, she delighted millions of fans around the world last summer when she took to the stage to perform at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics – which had raised hopes that she might also appear at Eurovision this year. And although she wasn't physically present on stage, her touching and light-filled message made the evening even more special. /Telegraph/