Top 10 Celine Dion Live Performances of All Time

Céline Dion was just finding her footing with an English-language audience when she made this appearance on American TV in 1992, performing John Lennon’s “Imagine.” The audience of “The Tonight Show” watched as she and her band turned the song into a modern slow rock ballad, with Dion riffing and belting her heart out. It’s not just her voice that shines here. It’s also her earnestness as a performer. She’s always been able to perform songs as if she believes every single word. She puts her final stamp on the number with a couple of face-melting notes.

Originally a duet with renowned Italian tenor Andrea Boccelli for the film “Quest for Camelot,” this Grammy and Oscar-nominated operatic pop song became a mainstay of Céline Dion’s repertoire. Her performance alongside Josh Groban at the 2002 “Concert for World Children’s Day” is one of her most affecting live performances. The great thing about the song is it demonstrates how powerful her voice is whether she’s belting or cooing. It’s as soft and gentle as it is loud and theatrical. Together, her and Groban’s soaring vocals give the ballad an uplifting power that pulls at your heartstrings.

This concert, captured during the Memphis stop of her “Falling Into You” tour, is Dion at the height of her talents. She would stay at that height for a while. “To Love You More” is one of her more underrated and vocally demanding songs from this period in her career. This one’s almost a duet, as its gorgeous hook is played live by Japanese violinist Taro Hakase. Though they’re playing two different instruments, they seem to be playing for each other. It’s a thrilling performance. By the time she gets to the vocal fireworks in the finale, Céline’s already shown us the incredible variety in her range and power.

Because the album version is nearly 10 minutes in length, fans rarely get to see a full live version of “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.” This performance, shot during a concert in Montreal, is a rare treat for that reason. From its thunderous intro to its rapturous climax of belting, the artist’s live rendering of the ballad is as stunning as the recording. But she adds little flourishes to make sure we know the mic is on, which it certainly is. Her gestures, intensity, and command of the stage are a perfect match for the song’s lurid imagery and intense drama.

In the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Dion joined several of the biggest artists of the day in a telethon performance to raise money for victims and their families. She was actually in the middle of a career hiatus when she appeared on the program. Framed by rows of candles, accompanied by pianist and composer David Foster, and backed by a choir, the icon’s performance was easily the most emotional of the whole evening. It’s a reverent and poignant tribute, and any flair she adds to it feels earned; for example, that spine-tingling key-change at the end.

“Think Twice” is not one of Céline Dion’s more well-known songs in America, but it’s one of her most technically demanding. The song requires her to cycle through notes at the top and bottom of her range with ease and flexibility. Some of these wild riffs are near impossible to pull off. You wouldn’t know it, though, given how relaxed she looks throughout. Her breath control, creative choices, and sheer emotion made this ‘90s performance one that sends goosebumps up our arms. Not only is her sound breathtaking, she looks absolutely stunning too.

Anyone who ever woke up at 3 AM to the sound of infomercials probably recognizes this one. Nominated at the 1995 American Music Awards, Queen Céline took the stage to perform “The Power of Love.” Everything about this show, from the styling to the staging to the belting, is powerful with a capital P. Her voice is so clear and graceful here and the vibrato she manages to hold is incredibly impressive. Full of long notes, little breathing room, and plenty of room for error, Céline Dion manages to make it all look effortless. When people start saying the performance was better than the studio version, that’s how you know.

In 2016, René Angélil, Céline’s husband of 22 years, passed away after a long battle with throat cancer. Her first concert after his death was live streamed from The Colosseum in Las Vegas. She introduced the show with a heartfelt tribute before launching into a tearful and devastating performance of her first English language hit, with the song taking on new meaning in light of her husband and mentor’s death. No one would have blamed her if she hadn’t been able to get through it but she somehow found the strength to keep it together, even through the parts when she became noticeably emotional.

There’ve been more incredible live performances of this song than we can count. Seriously, it could be a whole list in itself. But our pick is the 2017 Billboard Music Awards. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Titanic,” Dion arrived in appropriately grand fashion. That is, encased in a chandelier of glistening beads and wearing a dramatic sleeve that feels reminiscent of an iceberg. It’s a dramatic moment made all the more poignant for the way her voice has matured and changed since the song premiered. She soars over the melody like she just recorded it yesterday, but somehow with more feeling and more gravitas than ever.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Have You Ever Been in Love,” “VH1 Divas Duets” (2003)
The Only Thing More Shocking Than the Pink Dress Were Her Outstanding Vocals

“I’m Alive,” “Taking Chances World Tour: The Concert” (2010)
An Inventive & Dance-Heavy Take On Her Early 2000s Hit

“Pour que tu m’aimes encore,” “Live in Las Vegas: A New Day…” (2007)
Her Biggest French Hit Sounds Just as Good Over a Decade On

“River Deep, Mountain High,” “Live in Las Vegas: A New Day…” (2007)
This Number From Her Vegas Residency Gave Pop Star Energy

The Queen of Power Ballads always nails this song. Still, there’s nothing like watching her do just that at the height of her power and as an arena full of screaming fans collectively loses it. Captured during the Memphis leg of her “Falling Into You” tour, her live rendition of “All By Myself” is a juggernaut of a performance. In shimmering gold lamé, she’s riding the high the whole time. Even before she gets to the famous key change at the climax, the audience is in hysterics. She’s not just singing here. She’s channeling. It’s a rapturous experience.

Did your favorite Dion performance make the list? Tell us in the comments.