2024 Olympics: Kelly Clarkson Tears Up Watching Céline Dion’s Emotional Performance at Opening Ceremony

Kelly Clarkson has tears behind those hazel eyes. 

The "Since U Been Gone" singer broke down crying while watching Céline Dion's comeback performance at the Eiffel Tower during the 2024 Paris Olympics' Opening Ceremony. 

"I actually can't talk," Kelly said while co-hosting NBC's coverage of the July 26 event. "A one-of-a-kind Opening Ceremony."

The American Idol alum went on to praise Céline—whose been battling stiff-person syndrome for over two years—for delivering an "incredible" rendition of Édith Piaf's "Hymne A L'Amour" during her first live performance since 2020. 

"I was not ready for that," Kelly continued. "If you know anything about Céline right now, she feels this is her purpose."

And the Kelly Clarkson Show host wasn't done getting choked up about the comeback, with her even struggling to speak as she recounted the "My Heart Will Go On" singer's empowering health journey. 

"I’m so sorry, I’m trying to hold it together," Kelly said, "But that she got through that, that was incredible."

The 42-year-old added, "In my field, she is the gold winner for vocal athletes."

Céline publicly shared her stiff-person syndrome diagnosis in 2022, explaining that she had to cancel her Courage World Tour as the "very rare" neurological disorder had been affecting "every aspect" of her daily life. 

Two years later, the 56-year-old—who shares sons René-Charles, 23, and 13-year-old twins Nelson and Eddy with her late husband René Angélil—detailed her struggles with the condition in the documentary I Am: Céline Dion, revealing that, at one point, the diagnosis nearly cost her her life.   

But along with chronicling the challenges, Céline has also showed fans her unwavering dedication to returning to the stage and achieving her goal of seeing the Eiffel Tower once again.

"They way I see it, I have two choices," she told Vogue France in an interview published April 22. "Either I train like an athlete and work super hard, or I switch off and it’s over, I stay at home, listen to my songs, stand in front of my mirror and sing to myself." 

Céline added, "I've chosen to work with all my body and soul, from head to toe, with a medical team. I want to be the best I can be."

(E! News and NBC are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)

Read on for more unforgettable moments from the Opening Ceremony...

The Eiffel Tower and Opening Ceremony stands are illuminated with color in honor of the French flag.

The Olympic Cauldron takes flight after being lit at the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony.

Céline Dion closes out the show with a powerful performance atop the Eiffel Tower.

The singer beautifully belted out "Hymne A L'Amour" during her return to the stage.

Serena Williams, Carl Lewis, Nadia Comaneci and Rafael Nadal light up the night with the Olympic torch.

French soccer star Zinedine Zidane passes the Olympic torch to Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal.

The Eiffel Tower lights up the night.

Athletes from around the world gather in front of the Eiffel Tower for Opening Ceremony.

The mystery horse rider carries the Olympic flag to the Place du Trocadero.

The Parade of Nations travel along the Seine river.

Flags from countries competing in the Olympics fly high.

Pianist Sofiane Pamart and singer Juliette Armanet perform "Imagine" from a float on the Seine.

The Refugee Olympic Team—which is made up of 37 athletes representing millions worldwide who have been forcibly displaced—share a loving message.

Musicians at the Opening Ceremony keep dry in their rain ponchos.

The Olympic flag is carried down the Seine on a galloping metal horse.

Team Australia is all-smiles as their boat passes by the Eiffel Tower.

The masked torchbearer runs along the Musee d'Orsay during the Opening Ceremony.

Despite the wet weather, Team Spain marches forward to the Place du Trocadero.

Team Italy's flag bearers Arianna Errigo and Gianmarco Tamberi snap a selfie together.

The Eiffel Tower is decorated with the Olympic rings.

Swedish athletes greet the crowd during the Parade of Nations.

Team Liberia captures all the sights and sounds from their boat.

The Eiffel Tower awaits the arrival of the world's athletes.

Jordan's Rama Abo-Alrub and Saleh Elsharabaty bear their country's flag together. 

The Bahamian flag waves atop the country's boat on the Seine river. 

Switzerland is ready to bring the heat to this summer's Games. 

Team USA makes their debut on the Seine. 

But that didn't stop these rooftop dancers from turning out a spectacular performance. 

Yet the Cabo Verde Olympic team didn't let it dim their joy. 

Reproductions of some of the most famous paintings from Paris' Louvre Museum decorate the River Seine. 

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