Rhianna Benson
Since news was confirmed earlier this week that Celine Dion was set to perform tonight at the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony in Paris, some fans have been left concerned for the legendary singer's wellbeing, amid her arduous battle with Stiff Person Syndrome.
And while many fans hoped that the French-Canadian musician would at least by taking home a pretty hefty pay cheque for her time and effort at tonight's sporting games, it has since been revealed that she won't be paid at all.
For those out of the loop with the 'My Heart Will Go On' singer's recent health ailments, Celine, 56, first broke the news of her life-changing diagnosis in 2022.
The rare autoimmune neurological disorder is recognised most commonly for causing muscle stiffness and painful spasms that can worsen over time.
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These spasms also tend to be triggered by everyday and often unavoidable factors, including changes in temperature, light physical touch, loud noises and stress.
Over the last two years, at the height of her ongoing health battle, the mother-of-three has subsequently been forced to postpone several of her global tour dates.
Naturally, therefore, when it was announced that Celine would be performing alongside fellow chart-topper Lady Gaga at this year's Olympic Games, fans were worried about the impact that the high-profile gig could have on her health.
So much so, that many followers of her work were seemingly under the impression that the concert must have been impossible to turn down.
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According to initial reports released by TMZ, Celine was rumoured to take a staggering $2 million USD back home to Canada this weekend, despite only being scheduled to perform one number.
But Olympic organisers have since released a statement, revealing that no performers will be paid at all for a pretty astonishing reason.
In a statement released to their official website, a spokesperson explained: "Contrary to some media reports, the music artists who will be appearing at the Paris 2024 Games Ceremonies will not be paid a fee for their services."
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The message continued: "Their decision to perform under these conditions reflects their desire to be part of a historic event for France, and for the world of sports.
"In addition, Paris 2024 will cover all technical production and performance organisation costs, as is customary.
"Paris 2024 would like to point out that 96 percent of the Organising Committee's budget is funded by private revenues and that no public contributions are used to pay the artistic teams."