The singer won the competition for Switzerland back in 1988
Eurovision has offered viewers a Celine Dion update with just days to go until the grand final.
This year’s edition of the annual competition is being held in Basel, Switzerland, after Nemo secured the country victory last year with their song The Code.
Kicking off with its first semi-final on Tuesday (May 13), the second semi-final will air on Thursday night (May 15).
With the UK being represented by girl group Remember Monday, who get a bye into the final, 26 countries will battle for the glass microphone trophy on Saturday night (May 17).
One person who viewers are desperate to see make an appearance at the final is Celine Dion, with reports suggesting she has ruled out performing at it.
Canadian singer Celine became a household name when she won the Eurovision back in 1988, when it was held in the Irish capital of Dublin.
As a result of Switzerland not winning the competition again until last year, fans have been waiting nearly 40 years to see her grace the Eurovision stage again.
Celine has stepped away from touring in recent years, due to her increasing health issues while living with stiff-person syndrome (SPS).
However, last year saw her making a heartwarming comeback at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she sang Edith Piaf’s classic song A L’Amour at the Eiffel Tower.
With reports suggesting Celine sent a video message wishing the contestants luck for the first semi-final rehearsals, Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR addressed her current status.
An SRG SSR spokesman said: “All elements of the first semi-final show were played through and rehearsed intensively.
“There are currently no changes regarding Celine Dion – we are still in close contact with her.”
Representing Switzerland this year is Basel-born Zoe Me, who will perform French language song Voyage as she looks to replicate Celine and Nemo’s triumphs.
The bookies favourite for this year’s Eurovision is Swedish act KAJ’s song Bara bada bastu, with Ladbrokes giving them odds of 10/11 to break the show’s record for the most wins.
Eurovision’s semi-finals will air on Tuesday and Thursday on the BBC from 8pm UK time, and the final at the same time on Saturday.
