View this post on Instagram
The legend that is Celine Dion released “Courage” on Friday. It’s her first English-language album in six years. To mark the occasion, she delighted and surprised some gay fans in New York City.
Just after midnight on Friday morning, she showed up at Lips. It’s a restaurant on the Upper East Side that has regular drag shows.
The venue was hosting a Celine-themed night to tie in with the new album. Fans sung karaoke versions of Dion’s biggest hits – unaware of the evening’s big surprise.
Dion, 51, took the stage and proceeded to sing one of her latest songs. The karaoke screen ensured everyone else could join in.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Related: Celine Dion’s ‘Carpool Karaoke’ is a modern masterpiece
One lucky man in the audience tweeted his surprise.
“I can’t believe I watched Céline Dion do karaoke of her own song at a gay bar at 12:30 AM last night,” said @dbenderstern. His tweet, which included a clip of Dion, has gone viral and been liked almost a quarter of a million times.
I can’t believe I watched Céline Dion do karaoke of her own song at a gay bar at 12:30 AM last night pic.twitter.com/zuquPmX1Qq
— dbs (@dbenderstern) November 15, 2019
He had to assure some of those commentating that this was indeed Celine Dion, and not drag queen Jeffree Star (who bears a passing resemblance to the Canadian superstar).
“This album has been a long process,” Dion told the packed audience. “I’m sorry it took a while, but thank you so much for all your support through the years and for being here tonight.
“I hope René will like the album, and I hope you like it as well, of course. I put my heart into it. I love you all very much.”
René is her late husband, René Angélil. He passed away in 2016. Dion went on to sing her new track, aptly entitled, “Flying On My Own”.
One of the drag queens present on the stage alongside Dion was Stephanie Stone. She told Today: “As we know in life sometimes there are disappointments. Celine is not one of them. She delivers. So funny, kind and everything you hope for.”
You can watch more of Dion’s appearance below.
Related: Gay New York guide
Meanwhile, the audience at Lips were not the only ones going gaga for Dion this weekend. Sam Smith has co-written one of the tracks on the new album. They took to Twitter to singer Dion’s praises.
Truly honoured to have written ‘For The Lover That I Lost’ for the new @celinedion record, with the incredible @jimmynapes & @stargatemusic ?? Celine, you are my everything and you are the reason I even sang in the first place. All hail the queen, the legend and the icon x pic.twitter.com/9Co34cYXnh
— Sam Smith (@samsmith) November 16, 2019
“Truly honored to have written ‘For The Lover That I Lost’ for the new @celinedion record, with the incredible @jimmynapes & @stargatemusic,” they said. “❤️Celine, you are my everything and you are the reason I even sang in the first place. All hail the queen, the legend and the icon x”
gavo92
Wow she’s 51? A year behind Jennifer Lopez. I always thought she was older. Maybe because my Grandpa always talks about her.
Chrisk
She’s only like the biggest Las Vegas show in town. Yes and my parents love her too. I think she looks older because of her anorexic issues.