Review: Celine Dion (now with more photos!)
Photo by Chris Oberholtz/The Star
She may not be the queen of living divas (Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner are working that one out), but Celine Dion is arguably as popular or successful as any of them.
Before she took the stage at Sprint Center on Saturday, a video montage showed footage of her playing to enormous crowds all over the planet -- crowds that looked 10 times as large as the Sprint Center crowd. Her legions of fans are fervid. And they are apparently patient, too.
Approximately 16,000 people showed up Saturday; and many had been holding their tickets since they went on sale in November 2007 -- a year in advance. The show was originally scheduled for Nov. 15 (two months ago) but was moved when Dion had some vocal malfunction that needed healing. No problem. The place was still nearly sold-out. What's 14 months when you haven't seen your favorite diva in almost 10 years?
I'll assume nearly all of those who showed up will say it was worth the wait and the money. (The men watching the Colts/Chargers game in the sports bar don't count.) The show lasted nearly two hours; it featured plenty of Vegas-style flash and glitz; it included most of Dion's best-known songs; and it showcased that grandiose voice, which is too big for the average basketball arena.
Her voice is the deal-sealer. She rips hefty, high and hard notes effortlessly and fluidly. And she carries the average melody flawlessly. There's not a lot of soul in her act, but there's plenty of muscle and energy.
Her dance moves are more amateur than not, although she rocked a few high-karate kicks, like David Lee Roth in "Jump." But most of the time when she busts a move, Dion looks like a teenage girl dancing like a rock chick in front of her bedroom mirror: some air guitar, some head-banging, lots of fist pumping. She's so un-self-conscious about it, it's all kind of refreshing and endearing.
Her ace up the sleeve is the way she connects with her fans, the way she tries to make herself one of "them" (my quotes). They wait on her every word, and they seem to take heart in everything she sings and says, especially the personal stuff.
She expressed some plain-talk regret for calling in sick in November. She talked about her 81-year-old mother, who is on tour with her, and her 8-year-old son, who is, too. She accepted floral donations from a few fans, and then kissed them all as a thank you. After the show, she walked through the crowd, shaking hands and saying howdy, like Barack Obama.
That voice and that personality sell the franchise, but they need music, too, and she picks songs that suit both: skyscraping anthems and tender ballads about love, loss and the power of life. Two of her songs had the word mountain in the title, which is appropriate. When she uncorks herself into a tidal wave (like "Love Moves Mountains") she can move a few tons of earth, too.
She brought with her a big band and backup singers and sexy dancers, who filled in when Dion disappeared beneath the stage for a wardrobe change. The stage was a "round," with two long runways that led to the seats on opposite sides of the arena. If you saw the Dixie Chicks at Kemper Arena in 2003, you would have recognized this setup.
The highlights? It's hard to say. "My Love," the Linda Perry song (not McCartney's) was nice. The rip-roaring version of Heart's "Alone" was good. And the first encore, "River Deep, Mountain High," was a bona-fide high-voltage dance/video extravaganza.
But as devoted as her fans are, they have turned her concerts into a spectator sport. I was on the floor, among the devotees who shelled out $150 per seat, and no one within five rows of me stood up until the very end, when she almost ordered them to. Instead, they sat, watched, admired, cheered and applauded -- even during the "soul medley," which included some snippets of James Brown, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder.
The crowd did wake up at the end, when she played the big song: the gargantuan closing theme to the gargantuan romantic drama -- the "Gone With the Wind" of the 1990s. I saw her sing "My Heart With Go On" in 1999 at Kemper, and this time the response was just as cathartic and loud, as if it were the one moment everyone had been waiting for.
| Timothy Finn, The Star
Setlist: I Drove All Night; The Power of Love; Taking Chances; It’s All Coming Back to Me Now; Because You Loved Me; To Love You More; Eyes on Me; All by Myself; I’m Alive; Shadow of Love; Fade Away; I’m Your Angel; Alone; Pour que tu m’aimes encore; My Love; The Prayer; Soul medley: Sex Machine, Soul Man, Lady Marmalade, Respect, I Got the Feelin’ It’s a Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World; Love Can Move Mountains. Encore: River Deep, Mountain High; My Heart Will Go On.
I was one of them to buy ticket for me and my husband in November 2007, I was sitting waiting by my computer 9:50am just waiting for them to be released at 10am, got two tickets section 114 at 10:04 and waited for the day to come when we for the first time would see Celine Dion in concert and was exstatic! We kept them when she had to cancel her original show and yesterday at 4:30PM, I, the wife got sick, my stomach wouldn't co-operate so I went to be to lay down and hopefully it would go away so we could go to the concert. That didn't happen, I woke up at 6:15PM and told my husband to call his mom and dad to see if they wanted to take our tickets and go, which they did. They called during intermission to let us know how great the show was and though I'm happy they got to go, I was and still am, mortified that waiting this long still didn't provide me with the experience of Celine Dion in concert. Thank you for your great review, I can only imagine how good the show must have been!!
Posted by: Elisabeth Eyer | January 04, 2009 at 04:14 AM
I, of course didn't attend CELINE DION. But, recent I viewed a fan video of her current tour that was apparently taken from near the stage and I thought - wow! Is it just me or has DION filled out a little? I thought she looked great! Before she was too thin - I wasn't aware she had such a nice back side (trying to keep it clean, here). Thought a friend was MAYBE going to get free tickets - I would have gone then. Glad so many of you enjoyed the show.
Posted by: Bubba | January 04, 2009 at 04:34 AM
Bubba, there is no denying it,,you are a dirty young man ; )
Posted by: what up | January 04, 2009 at 05:03 AM
Dion has filled out a little. I think she has gone from a size 0 to a 0+. A totally heart stopping performance and experience. She can grab an audience and hold it in her hand until she has performed her final encore. Celine Dion doesn't need security, she is her own "crowd control".
Posted by: Roger L. Beard | January 04, 2009 at 08:26 AM
The show was amazing. The best we'd seen so far at the Spring Center. After seeing her show in Vegas, we knew this wouldn't be the same, but we were in NO way disappointed. It's about her voice. I've been to lots of concerts at the Sprint Center and never heard the place so quiet as it was during her quiet moments. I could actually hear the A/C fan blowing as the loudest sound. We were in Section 101 and were so pleased with the seats and the acoustics. Her genuine and personal banter always makes her that much more "real". The show was truly a highlight of my year, and well worth our $152 admission!!
Posted by: Glen | January 04, 2009 at 09:02 AM
I attended one of her concerts in Vegas and one of Lara Fabian who is the other international favorite outside of the United States. Lara is by far the better of the two singers. Lara puts passion in her songs, Celine looks like a robot just trying to pound out the notes. For her most famous song from the Titanic, another famous international favorite outside the United States, Sissel's voice was dubbed over Dion's because she couldn't get the job done.
I am glad for those attended and enjoyed her concert, but there are better singers without the PR teams behind them.
Posted by: Michelle | January 04, 2009 at 09:06 AM
Where can I verify that Sissel's voice was dubbed over Dion's ? I have never heard this before and would be very interested to know if it is accurate.
Posted by: Roger L. Beard | January 04, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Not much available to support that claim. I am from montreal and a longtime Celine freind, as well as having worked for Paramount Pictures on the Titanic film, and it is all Celine on all tracks, including the great version she piped out last night.
Posted by: LJM | January 04, 2009 at 10:09 AM
Michelle, that's a load of rubbish and you know it. We've heard countless times from various sources (Celine herself, the music composer James Horner, the writer Will Jennings, her manager Rene Angelil etc) about how Celine went into the studio to record "My Heart Will Go On", and the demo version ended up being the final song. They didn't ask her to re-sing it, and they certainly didn't dub her vocals. I think we'd be able to tell if it wasn't her voice, it is quite distinctive afterall. So take your pathetic Celine bashing elsewhere, it's not welcome here. Anyway, the show was amazing. Celine once again demonstrated her warmth and talent and she continues to show how it should be done. A+
Posted by: Thomas | January 04, 2009 at 10:31 AM
WHO CARES? IT IS CELINE DION.
Posted by: who cares | January 04, 2009 at 10:32 AM
I'm confused. "Not much available to support that claim"? Then why make such a statement? Also, your comments such as "robot" having to "pound out notes". Long time friend? I doubt that. You know what they say, "with friends like you . . . ".
Posted by: Roger L. Beard | January 04, 2009 at 10:41 AM
Awesome show. My daughter and I saw her at Sandstone about 12 years ago when in the first song, she got rained off the stage, but came back for the full performance. Then, I saw her in Vegas a year ago, with all the bells and whistles. She brings a full array of very talented and diverse musicians, dancers and backup and the stage and special effects were great! She definitely appeals to all ages and we greatly enjoyed a repeat, but very much more sophisticated performance.
Posted by: Rosie | January 04, 2009 at 10:47 AM
Sissel sang the background vocals on the movie's filmscore, NOT the song that played over the credits.
Posted by: brian | January 04, 2009 at 11:04 AM
This is my first time seeing Celine Dion in concert, it has always been a dream of mine. It's was all I expected and more. Can't wait to see more of her concerts in the future. I can't imagine anything better!
Posted by: Marie | January 04, 2009 at 11:15 AM
WHO CARES? IT IS CELINE DION.
Posted by: who cares | January 04, 2009 at 10:32 AM
**********************
God it must really suck to be you.
Posted by: AZZOne | January 04, 2009 at 11:50 AM
I agree with most here, her performance last night was spectacular!!! This was the first time seeing her and I sure wasn't dissapointed, even with seats on the last row, way up at the top!!! We could hear and see everything!!! I would see her again in a heartbeat!!! Awesome!!! By the time the last song came on, I was in tears, just knowing my long awaited dream has finally come true!!! She was just amazing!
Posted by: Daytha | January 04, 2009 at 12:23 PM
Thomas, I think you are confusing two posts here; I was debunking Michelle by saying that I am a longtime friend and know there was no substitution on the vocals or evidence to support the claim -you seem to have blended comments from both my follow-up post and the negative comments by Michelle together and confused me as saying something negative as well - I was helping to clarify for Roger and correct the false claim by Michelle. Celine is all her own, and she showed it with her elegance and class last night.
Posted by: LJM | January 04, 2009 at 01:03 PM
Sorry , that last response was meant for Roger, not Thomas - got my names confused.
Posted by: LJM | January 04, 2009 at 01:08 PM
My name is Michelle and I was one of the recording technicians recording and splicing in the music for the movie in London. I am back in the Kansas City area working. Sissel sang a lot of the background for the movie. In 1997, Sissel was asked by composer James Horner to contribute the haunting, ethereal vocal tracks for his soundtrack. Horner wanted Sissel's voice to sing the title song, but Dion was already under contract. Dion's voice was having trouble reaching the notes and she sounded too nasal (which is common with French singers). The producer decided to dub in Sissel's tracks to keep the cutting on track. In fact, we had to record Dion's voice at half speed so she could annunciate the words better and speed up the track to make her sound normal.
You can deny all you want, but it is the truth, get over it.
Posted by: Michelle | January 04, 2009 at 01:41 PM
My daughters and I have been fans for years. I've seen plenty of concerts in my 50 years, but this, by far, was the one that will be with me for years to come. She's the kind of person you want to be your girlfriend, your sister or neighbor. She's so personable, so down to earth, yet unarguably the most talented singer to come along since Barbra Streisand. Most definitely worth the wait and great to see Gordy Brown as well (what a talent he is!).
Posted by: Vicki | January 04, 2009 at 01:42 PM
My granddaughter of almost 6 and I just turned 70 loved every minute of Celines concert. This was the 1st personal concert experience for my granddaughter and she loved every minute of it. This was on my bucket list to see her as I didn't make it to vegas. Was very spectacular in every sense.
Posted by: Shirley Brown and Morgan Anderson | January 04, 2009 at 02:02 PM
You could not pay me enough to go see her in concert. Tim,very well written review and WELCOME BACK.
Tim, come on don't you think David Lee Roth also looks like a teenage girl dancing like a rock chick in front of his bedroom mirror.
Posted by: LWG | January 04, 2009 at 03:00 PM
I am 26 and suffer from Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome. I have always dreamed of the day I would be able to see Celine Dion in concert!! She is an inspiration to me with how down to earth she is along with being a spectacular vocalist!! Last night will most likely be the highlight of my year!! Celine was spectacular and well worth the money!!
Posted by: Jessica | January 04, 2009 at 03:05 PM
Saw her 10 yrs ago. Didn't think it could happen but she was better. The 10 yr + 2month wait was worth it. I may go on Pollstar and find out where she is going next and try to see her again. What a great voice and an entertainer who makes you beg for more. Never miss her if she comes back.
Posted by: Rick Merker | January 04, 2009 at 03:17 PM
The concert was enjoyed by all the women in our group, and even by all of their guys!
However, BOO to the Sprint Center and/or TicketMaster. The long waiting lines outside have got to go. And then, almost every seat in section 221 was doubly sold. When we finally got in, our section was already filled with folks who had tickets identical to ours. Fortunately, Sprint personnel were able to seat most of us.
It was aggravating and annoying - especially to find out that my $75 nosebleed tickets were resold for only $40!!! By Ticketmaster??
Posted by: Mike | January 04, 2009 at 03:39 PM
Hey, What Up - I ain't no dirty old man - I was merely pointing out that CELINE DION looks great with a few curves. apparently, she has many die-hard fans out there much like bands METALLICA, AC/DC and the EAGLES. It's all in the eye of the beholder, WHATEVER you like - enjoy it.
Posted by: Bubba | January 04, 2009 at 03:42 PM
My first time to see Celine and she had an awesome show. The digital box above the multifacited lighted stag was outstanding. She and her staff of dancers and back up singers were brilliant. I am so thankful we have the digital Sprint area to see Celine perform at a magnificent show. She is an icon in music. I can not wait to se her again.
Posted by: Ken | January 04, 2009 at 03:50 PM
For LJM. The comment about
being a "life long friend", etc. of Celine came in so quickly that I assumed it was from you instead of Michelle and didn't bother to check who had written it as I was upset. I'm the one who was confused and I apologize. I'm on your side. Thank you for clarifying this for me. I suppose Sissel was under the stage last night doing "voice overs" when Celine brought down the house with "My Heart Will Go On".
Posted by: Roger L. Beard | January 04, 2009 at 04:35 PM
As one of the husbands that was just keeping his wife happy by going with her to the concert last night. I was very pleased with Celine's show even not being a huge fan she won me over from the very start. Fantastic show!!!
Posted by: Michael Smith | January 04, 2009 at 05:13 PM
My son took me to the concert last night. It was my first Celine concert and I am still on cloud nine. My son gave me the most beautiful memory and I will never forget that magical night. The concert was even better than I imagined it would be. She is an amazing performer.
Posted by: Sharon Beckham | January 04, 2009 at 09:34 PM
a'ight bub,,,,I wont direct anymore fun your way, no problem.
Posted by: what up | January 05, 2009 at 08:18 AM
I'd been waiting since October, 2007 when the fan club presale happened, and while 15 months is quite a long wait, it was definitely worth it. I took my 7-year-old daughter, and we had a grand time sitting in the front row.
I really disagree a lot with what this review had to say. Just because the fans didn't stand up all the time during the show, doesn't mean we were "asleep." We were screaming, clapping and cheering Celine throughout the night. Asleep? Hardly.
Posted by: RDM | January 05, 2009 at 08:55 AM
I actually got the tickets for my husband who is a huge fan! I was taken back on how down to earth and genuine she is and what a voice! She can easily reach notes that most singers could only wish for. The whole extravanga was spectacular and one we will never forget. I can't imagine anyone not being totally "wowed" by this performance.
Posted by: Alana | January 05, 2009 at 10:49 AM
Celine's legs, in the new pictures, remind me of a foggy day and the Golden Gate Bridge, I wanna see em clear up.
Posted by: yummy | January 06, 2009 at 05:54 AM
here is info on Sissel, I never knew this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tis7uLQD4Yc
and her website www.sissel.net says she was at the Folly Theatre last year.
Interestin
Posted by: gary dean | January 06, 2009 at 03:56 PM
Never liked Celine's music, but when she goes on a tangent in that mellifluous French-Canadian accent, well, I do get a bit envious of her geriatric Hubby/Svengali, Rene Angelil. She looks great in these photos. Looks like she's possibly flashin' a gang-sign in the third photo down. Get down wit yo' bad self, Celine! But a Hundred and fifty bucks to see her up close is just silly. I wouldn't pay that to be up front for the second coming, but that's just me...........
Posted by: Mojo rising | January 07, 2009 at 08:07 PM
Who is the retard that keeps insisting it's Sissel's voice singing the lead in the titanic song. All Sissel sang was the oooing aaahing sounds in the background. dumbass
Posted by: George | January 08, 2009 at 10:51 PM
Celine,a woman so loveable even to the one who had had not even a single pellet of interest in her before!Hate it or love it the woman is talented.
Posted by: Mukasa Nicholas | January 12, 2009 at 08:01 AM
Though it is SISSEL for "My Heart Will Go On",at the concert she was behinde the curtains,not so Michelle?(yees).THEN DION STILL REMAINS QUEEN.
Posted by: Mukasa Nicholas | January 12, 2009 at 08:26 AM
I purchaced tickets in October or 07 for the concert in Houston as a birthday present for my wife. The time came for the January 09th concert so we made plans for before and after the show. Thank goodness we had the other items on our plate as we both were greatly dissapointed in the show. We acctually left a little early as we were both bored with such a non-eventful expensive waste of time and money. I have attended many shows and concerts in which I have a very open mind, but this would top the list of "not to do's" if I had the chance to get the time back.
Posted by: Denny B | January 12, 2009 at 03:44 PM
interresting comments here. I saw the show and found it to be one of the best concerts i've ever attended. This was my 5th time seeing Celine live. I saw her once in 1999 in Denver, CO and then 3 times in Vegas and then again in KC. As far as voice dubbing or whatever, it was no doubt a live performance.. each time i've seen her she sounds a little different and there are little things that are different each time, so i dont believe she used Sissel when she sang My Heart Will Go on.. yes for the introduction she did, but that's it.. And Celine has filled out a bit.. definately looking better as she gets older. First time i saw her in 99 she was in her early 30's and was a twig, and now she has filled out quite nicely, she is a very attractive woman in my opinion.. Celine Dion is one of the greatest talents of our time and she is and always will be one of the greatest voices of all time.
Posted by: Jarod | January 13, 2009 at 06:28 PM