High Society & Prestige
You guess it. Let start with the obvious, or am I wrong? One of the biggest reasons she is heavily played is because many Haitians consider her music to be that of the French speaking elite. If you grew up going to Haitian weddings or gatherings, you have sat through the proverbial “they not like us” beginner segments of the festivities where the organizer wants to establish that there were people of prominence in attendance. Before that Zenglen hit the speakers, these songs were usually in French featuring a lot of Celine Dion, and whatever guy that sang “Boooooon Annivesaire!” that made we want to punch bottles of Kremas! But I digress.
The Songs
Speaking of Weddings….that march into the church by the bridal party and groomsmen was a MF! Hilarious yet appropriately slow, convoluted, and eventually exhausting. The underlying track on repeat was usually “The Power of Love”, a song originally made by Jennifer Rush in 1984, but perfected by Celine Dion in her remake in 1993. Or it was “Because You Loved Me”. Either track blared through the speakers if they paid for a DJ, or through a small boombox left in the hands of “Ti Junior” who knew how to press repeat at the right time for either this procession or the bride and groom’s first dance.
Her Voice
There was no denying the power of her voice. Like it or not, Celine Dion’s vocal range is that of legend. What further set her apart from others was her ability to make you feel the emotion the song demanded in reciprocity. Her high notes were clear, her lifts in octaves flagrantly easy and effortless. Forgive me yall, I’m a music head and have thing for Celine’s music from a composer’s standpoint.
Pageantry
Celine Dion’s performances, whether on tour, or televised was a spectacle to see. Between English & French songs, upbeat or slow ballads, Ms. Dion mission was always to steal the show and a few hearts in the process. There is a reason why her Las Vegas residencies in the past have been majorly successful with and anticipated return set for next year despite the singer’s struggle with Stiff-Person Syndrome.
Global Recognition
This is a great Segway point from the sickness that has put Celine on the shelf for a long-time which left fans speculating if she would ever return to the stage. Many Haitians were saddened to see her go through this as also many other former or current colonial French countries. Yet, Celine Dion mystique on a global stage was sweetly displayed and received when the singer made her grand return to the stage at the closing ceremony for the 2024 Olympic Games. As she belted out her signature voice over a live orchestra, singing the beautiful “L’Hymne À L’Amour”. The performance was electric. Even Adele broke down in tears at her own Las Vegas residency when she realized that Celine was in attendance. Haitians will always hold her in high regard.
