On August 10, 2024, Celine Dion’s management team and record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc., issued a statement condemning the unauthorized use of her iconic song ‘My Heart Will Go On’ at a Donald Trump campaign rally in Montana. The statement, shared across Dion’s social media accounts, emphasized that ‘In no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use’.The team added a pointed jab at the choice of song, asking ‘…And really, THAT song?’, which many interpreted as a reference to the song’s association with the sinking ship in James Cameron’s ‘Titanic’. This comment has sparked amusement and support from fans online, with some drawing parallels between the Trump campaign and the ill-fated vessel.This incident is not isolated, as several other artists including Rihanna, Axl Rose, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and Adele have previously spoken out against the Trump campaign’s unauthorized use of their music. Neil Young even sued Trump for using his music without permission.The controversy comes at a time when Dion has been largely absent from the public eye due to her diagnosis of Stiff-Person Syndrome. However, she recently made a triumphant return to the stage, performing Edith Piaf’s ‘L’Hymne à l’amour’ at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, a performance that reportedly moved the audience to tears.As of now, the Trump campaign has not responded to the protest. This incident has reignited discussions about artists’ rights and the use of music in political campaigns, highlighting the ongoing tension between politicians and musicians over the appropriate use of copyrighted material.
Key points
- Celine Dion’s team condemned the unauthorized use of ‘My Heart Will Go On’ at a Trump rally.
- The incident is part of a larger trend of artists objecting to their music being used in political campaigns without permission.
- Dion recently returned to performing after a hiatus due to her Stiff-Person Syndrome diagnosis.
