Representatives for the renowned Canadian songstress Celine Dion unequivocally stated on Saturday that the utilization of her iconic 1990s ballad “My Heart Will Go On” at a political rally for former President Donald Trump was entirely “unauthorized” and had not garnered her approval.
In a playfully sardonic statement shared on Dion’s official social media platforms, her representatives quizzically remarked, “And really, THAT song?” This statement came in response to a video snippet of Dion performing the theme song from the blockbuster film “Titanic” at a recent rally in Bozeman, Montana, which has also been featured at various Trump events in the past.
Dion’s management team and record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada, were promptly made aware of the “unauthorized usage of the video, recording, musical performance, and likeness of Celine Dion singing ‘My Heart Will Go On'” at the campaign rally. The statement made it clear that Dion neither sanctions nor endorses such utilization of her work.
Instances of artists denouncing the use of their music at Trump’s rallies are not uncommon. In the past, prominent musicians like the Rolling Stones, Adele, Neil Young, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, and R.E.M. have all requested Trump to cease playing their music in a campaign context. To adhere to copyright regulations, political campaigns are required to obtain public performance licenses from organizations such as Broadcast Music Inc. or the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers.
Despite this contentious episode, the multi-talented Dion recently made a surprise appearance at the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony, marking her first performance since 2020. Diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome in 2022, the 56-year-old remains an enduring figure in the music industry, captivating audiences with her powerful vocals and enduring legacy.
Vocabulary List:
- Utilization /ˌjuː.tə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The action of making use of something.
- Unauthorized /ˌʌnˈɔː.θər.aɪzd/ (adjective): Not having official permission or approval.
- Endorse /ɪnˈdɔːrs/ (verb): To declare support for or approval of something.
- Contentious /kənˈtɛn.ʃəs/ (adjective): Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.
- Sanction /ˈsæŋk.ʃən/ (verb): To give official permission or approval for an action.
- Cinematic /ˌsɪn.əˈmæt.ɪk/ (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of the cinema.
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