Celine Dion is in top shape.

Reached in Las Vegas to discuss this Friday’s 3D theatrical re-release of the 1991 Disney classic Beauty and the Beast, the Canadian singer discussed the impact the title song had on her career.

The 1991 song Beauty and the Beast, which she sang in collaboration with Peabo Bryson and released on her 1992 album, Celine Dion, gained her a fan following in the United States.

“I think that this song gave me a name,” Dion said. “I had already released my first album in English (Unison). People knew my song Where Does My Heart Beat Now but didn’t know the singer. When I did Beauty and the Beast, people not only knew the song, but also knew who sang it. So I think that Beauty and the Beast put me on the map.”

When she thinks back on the song that got her on stage at the Oscars for the first time two decades ago, Dion said she feels privileged to have been able to contribute to a project with such long-term success.

“I am very aware that I am part of a classic,” she said. “Today, more than 20 years after its release, we are re-releasing the film in 3D. It’s as if the film has new life. It’s incredible.”

Dion, who resumed performing in Vegas on Dec. 28, said she is continually humbled by life. Her three children and husband Rene Angelil are all “great,” she said.

“Rene-Charles started back at school. These days, I’m playing golf. The weather is perfect for it. Between golf and my son’s studies, everything is going well. I can do five shows per week and be with my family. And, I have my mom here.”

Dion, also mom to 14-month-old twins Nelson and Eddy, said she is fortunate to have the support of family and friends. Even though she now only breastfeeds one of the twins, Nelson (after Eddy went on the bottle at nine-and-a-half months), Dion has to be well organized.

“I still nurse Nelson twice per day, before I leave for the show and when he wakes up at night. The nights still aren’t perfect, but it’s almost over.

“You have to know how to organize yourself. But I have amazing people around me, that ensure that the show is perfect, that the schedule is realistic and that the kids are well and everyone is happy. I have to have people around me so I can easily be in mom mode, but in singer mode too.”

Between the moments devoted to family and her concerts at Caesars Palace, Dion finds the time, and energy, to record songs that will end up on her future albums, one in French due out in October, and one in English to be released in April.

“We are always listening,” she said. “We have kept several songs. I’ve started recordings. I’ll get back to it in a few weeks. After Vegas, I will go back to Florida, so I will get back to it. When I’ve got a break from the concerts, I don’t stop recording.”

source: Canoe.ca

I hope the upcoming year will bring us finally a new English CD! :)

Superstar Celine Dion and her manager husband Rene Angelil confirmed to Vegas DeLuxe in an exclusive interview that negotiations are under way for their Caesars Palace contract to be extended. “We are in talks,” Rene said. “It’s not finalized yet, but soon. We love it here in Vegas.

“Celine does here what she loves to do. She loves the Colosseum. It has the best conditions for a performer. We couldn’t ask for better. We are close to lots of people in Vegas, and we are here to stay. You will probably be the first to know when it’s signed and extended.”

In April, I reported that although the 3-year deal called for 210 shows, no closing date was set. However, it’s definite now that not only will Celine perform more shows than originally planned, but also she’ll probably renew for an additional two years — similar to when she signed on the first time back in March 2003 for her “A New Day” run, which was for three years and extended to five. (Celine admits that five is her lucky number!)

John Meglen, head honcho at AEG Concerts West, which produces Celine’s shows, told me: “We’re very, very close with Celine and Rene. We don’t necessarily need to have options in the contract. If it’s working, we all trust each other, we’re all good to each other. The most important thing is she’s a mom now with three sons, and that comes first with Celine. We respect that, and we will follow that path.”

Celine confirmed that when we talked hours after the family returned to Las Vegas after four days of skiing in Utah and just before Wednesday night’s triumphant return to Caesars Palace: “We had a wonderful vacation there and great skiing — not so much for Rene but for me and Rene-Charles. You couldn’t get us off the slopes. Even the twins loved playing there for the very first time.

“It’s really all about family, love and the children for me. I work at that every day. Mothers know how intense, complicated and tiring it all is, but when they hug you hard at the end of a day, it’s the most incredible feeling.

“They are telling you they need you for comfort. It’s their way of telling me how precious I am in their lives. It’s mutual; their need for me is my need for them. What a wonderful way to end a day! Every day is new with them. They’re beginning to discover food. I can ask them something and get a response. I’m learning how they feel and react now when I talk with them.”

The twins, Nelson and Eddy, were born 1 minute apart Oct. 23 last year by Caesarean section at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Fla., near the family’s mansion. Each boy weighed just over 5 pounds.

Rene joined in and revealed that Celine is still breastfeeding one of the 14-month-olds: “Any day now they will be walking — they’ve made their first steps. We hold their hands as they are a little afraid about walking, but they’re doing great.” Celine interjected: “At this moment, they seem to prefer crawling. They go faster, but in a few weeks, we’ll be running after them! Walking is going to happen on this stay.”

I had to ask for their comment about rumors that because of the success of the in-vitro birth of Nelson and Eddy that she was planning to add to the family. “I don’t think so,” Rene said. “We have no plans for any additions. We have three wonderful little boys who are all great. We don’t need to push our luck!”

He added that their oldest son Rene-Charles, who will celebrate his 12th birthday Jan. 25, will be continuing his Florida school classes online daily while they play the Colosseum through Jan. 22. Celine chimed in: “It’s hard to believe he was not even 2 when we first came to Vegas. He’s now almost 12, so we have lived in Vegas now for a decade. We’re all very comfortable here.

“Vegas will always be home to us, as is Florida. The vibe here is different, and I think it’s good to have difference. The two homes are both different. The one here is smaller, but as a family together we have both stability and the added dynamic of being in two different places. We have a real comfort zone in Vegas, and it’s important to me to be warm, comfortable and safe while here. The children have the same toys to play with and same things to do, but in a different home with different rooms to explore — and that’s good for all of us.

“It seems strange to say this, but it is true: Coming back to Vegas to work is like going on vacation for me. I can’t tell you how excited I am to perform again on the Strip. I really miss it when I am not here. It’s a real night out for me, and I get to put on makeup and dress up in fancy clothes. I haven’t done that for quite a while. I can’t think of the last time I put on makeup and dressed up — this is fun again!
3/15/11: Celine Dion’s Post-Show News Conference
Celine Dion’s post-show news conference at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on March 15, 2011. Launch slideshow »
Celine Dion in Concert: 1/28/09
Celine Dion in concert in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 28, 2009. Launch slideshow »

Rene explained: “In Florida, she still gets very little sleep at night. The babies keep waking her up, so when she comes back to work in Vegas, her sister sleeps with the kids and two young ladies help her, so she gets proper long sleep, then enjoys the boys before she goes off to perform at night. I can’t tell you how very happy she is to be back. It all becomes organized with the work, so it’s like a vacation! We’re really excited to get right back into it.”

Rene confirmed our Vegas DeLuxe reports of small changes to the show with the new run that began Wednesday night with record producer David Foster, singer Jackie Evancho, TV titan Dr. Phil McGraw and hair guru Michael Boychuck all in the audience. Said Rene: “Yes, we have the change starting tonight of the duet with Andrea Bocelli as they sing ‘The Prayer’ together. We have one new wardrobe addition, too, for Celine. We are making a few other small changes, but gradually. We’re working on some other costume changes, but not all at once. We have only done 54 shows so far, so it’s not necessary to make any big changes.

“All were sold out, and we are sold out for the rest of this year!” he laughed. “The box office is looking very strong for the rest of the New Year, too — 65 shows right through Aug. 19, so it is all very good. Celine’s new English-language album will be released in April. We have four or five tracks already recorded, so there are still some to record when we return to Florida. All the songs are chosen for the French-language album later in the fall, so it’s just a case of recording them.”

The couple celebrated Wednesday the extraordinary news that Celine, who only performed at Caesars Palace this year, ranked 10th in all global touring shows for 2011 but claimed the top ticket sales price. U2 hit 21 cities to reach No. 1, with Taylor Swift in 2nd in 59 cities and Kenny Chesney 3rd with 51 stops. Celine had an average nightly sale of 4,336 tickets for her 54 shows, whereas U2 had 81,000 a night and Taylor 23,000 at each stop. In the Pollstar year-end chart, Las Vegas favorite Katy Perry placed 22nd.

I’ll join Rene and Celine for their New Year’s Eve show at the Colosseum, so it was only natural I ask them for their New Year’s resolutions. “Once again, I’m going to try and lose weight,” Rene chuckled.” I’m not so much doing an organized diet, but I have promised to exercise and cut down the size of all portions. This time it will work.”

Celine, who says she will have a special New Year’s Eve greeting for her audience Saturday night, concluded: “I make one new resolution every day because it always involves wanting the babies to stay healthy. But being really honest, I just want them to sleep all night as soon as possible!

“I am thrilled and excited to be back in Vegas. I love to sing and perform. It is what I do and love. It completes my life.”

source: Las Vegas Sun

For the third consecutive year, at producer Denise Roberts’ initiative, the ‘Sapins des Stars’ campaign is back until December 15. It’s great opportunity to purchase items donated by different celebrities. This year, more than 180 items can be found under the ‘Sapins des Stars’ tree, including a baseball cap autographed by director Steven Spielberg, René’s poker glasses, and a pair of Prada shoes autographed by Celine, which have already found buyers. Proceeds will be shared between the Dr Julien Foundation and Sainte-Justine Hospital. The donations will help make treatments easier and assist parents that accompany sick children at the hospital.

source: CelineDion.com

During the past several weeks, Celine has been relaxing, enjoying time off with her husband and children. The happy family recently celebrated Nelson and Eddy’s first birthday with a Disney themed birthday party!

This month, Celine and René will celebrate their 17th wedding anniversary with a first-ever family ski trip to Utah. René-Charles will learn how to ski, the twins will play in the snow and Celine will make snow angels! Everyone is super excited!

After her much deserved break, Celine will return to Las Vegas for her next series of shows starting December 28! She will also be performing at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival on January 27, 2012. This will be Celine’s first concert in Jamaica!

I’ve added some HQ photos of the Dion-Angelil family, check them out!

In the dressing room of her new Las Vegas show, Celine Dion shares her secrets for success, how she juggles work and family life, and what she’s picked up along the way.

> Names are important.
“My mother called me Celine after her favourite song by Hugues Aufray; my childhood was drenched in music.”

> 14 is a magic number.
“I grew up the youngest of 14 kids in a tight-knit family, and all that love gave me a real self-confidence. The values instilled in me by my family made me a balanced person.”

> Success doesn’t just happen.
“It takes discipline, work, having the right people around you and, of course, lots of luck.”

> You need to be surrounded
by people who speak the truth. “René [Angélil], my husband, has always made sure I am working with people who are unafraid to critique me while emphasizing my strongest attributes.”

> Being a mother is the ultimate motivator.
“I strive to be the best mom in the world. I’ve given a lot, professionally speaking, but with my three children I feel like I’m receiving. It’s happiness unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. My little boy Nelson (who recently turned one) just started saying ‘Maman,’ and it’s so touching. They are tiny, they trust me, they rely on me, they’re completely dependant. It’s a beautiful gift.”

> Men can change diapers.
“Diapers don’t sit dirty for long — we both take care of that!”

> I want to star in a movie.
“The missing link in my career is being in a movie. Someday I want to land a leading role on the big screen.”

> You need more than raw
talent to have a career that spans 30-plus years. “For true longevity you have to have charisma, know how to trust others and have a work ethic.”

> Everyone can be beautiful.
“For me, inner beauty is one of womankind’s strengths.”

> In life anything’s possible.
“Women need to trust and believe in themselves as well as set goals.”

> I am strong.
“When I want something, I make sure that I get it — even if it means a lot of work.”

I just watched an advance review copy of Celine: 3 Boys and a New Show in preparation for my planned phone interview with Celine Dion Tuesday afternoon … which, sadly, was postponed to Friday, Sept. 16. The television documentary airs on OWN – that would be the Oprah Winfrey Network – on Sunday, Oct. 2 in Canada and on the same network Oct. 1 in the U.S.

The show, produced by longtime Dion collaborator Julie Snyder and her company Productions J, has some surprisingly moving moments. The focus, as the title suggests, is how Dion and her husband/manager Rene Angelil, balance family life with the three boys mentioned in the title and her booming pop-star career.

The doc takes us through the birth of the twins last fall, on to her return to Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas and wraps with Dion coyly suggestings maybe she’s ready to bring another little tyke into the world.

“What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” says Dion. “So am I ready to be pregnant in Vegas and perform? Who knows. Stay tuned.”

This is just after Dion has said that, “I can’t believe I have three children. It’s the thing I’m most proud of.”

So you heard it here first. Stay tuned indeed.

source: Montreal Gazette

Celine Dion’s famous voice cracked and, unable to continue, she apologized for “getting so emotional.”

In a telephone interview on Sunday, the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks , the Caesars headliner was reliving what she characterized as one of the most difficult days of her career.

Ten days after 9/11, she had joined about 30 recording artists in New York City, where she was to sing the next-to-last song, “God Bless America,” at a live nationally televised benefit concert for the victims and their families.

She returns to New York City this week to tape a PBS concert Thursday in Central Park featuring Andrea Bocelli and the New York Philharmonic orchestra with Tony Bennett, trumpeter Chris Botti, David Foster, Dion and others.

What no one knew, other than her husband, was the depth of her panic over the trip to New York City 10 years ago.

“I cannot hide from you that I did not want to go,” she said by telephone from their home on Jupiter Island in Florida.

After struggling for years to have a child, she and her husband/manager Rene Angelil would be leaving their son, Rene-Charles, then 7 months old, behind for the first time.

It didn’t help her nerves that when they got to New York they had to wear surgical masks because of concerns over contaminated air.

“I couldn’t refuse that invitation. But I thought I was never going to see my son again. It was very hard ,” she said, her voice breaking. She paused about a minute to gather her emotions, before adding, “when I returned, it was the happiest moment of my life.”

She performed “God Bless America” like a trooper but it was difficult, she said, “probably harder” than going ahead with her Las Vegas show after the death of her father, Adhemar, 80, in 2003.

She hopes to pay her respects at ground zero this week “with a little prayer.”

Dion doesn’t return to Caesars Palace until Dec. 28. She has welcomed a number of 9/11 families backstage after her Las Vegas shows.

The behind-the-scenes making of her Caesars show will air as a 90-minute special on Oprah’s OWN network on Oct. 1 in the United States and a day later in Canada.

It is titled, “Three Boys and a Show,” a reference to Rene-Charles and her twin sons, Nelson and Eddy, who turn 1 on Oct. 23.

But, she joked, “it should be called ‘Three Boys, a Husband, a Dog and a Show.”

source: Las Vegas Review-Journal

Police say a man broke into pop star Celine Dion’s home Monday evening and felt comfortable enough to prepare a meal and run a bath before he was arrested.

The 36-year-old suspect was arrested at the luxury home located on Gagnon island, a private piece of land in the Mille-Iles River between Montreal and suburban Laval.

Dion’s security personnel called 911 after the mansion’s alarm system went off. Police quickly arrived on the small, wooded island and a dog handler entered the house to look inside.

Police found the suspect on the second floor.

Laval police Const. Nathalie Lorrain said the suspect had moved freely throughout the sprawling mansion and had even prepared a meal in Dion’s kitchen.

“He had a bath going but he didn’t have time to take it,” said Lorrain. “He thought he was at home and acted like it was his house. He even told the police, ‘Eh! What are you doing here?’”

Police say the suspect might have psychological problems. He spent Monday night in a mental hospital.

He is scheduled to appear at the Laval courthouse on Tuesday afternoon.

source: Torontosun.com