Organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest have said they remain hopeful that Celine Dion will be able to perform at the event, amid reports that she had ruled herself out.
For the first time since Celine Dion's 1988 winning entry, Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi, Switzerland won the Eurovision Song Contest with Nemo's track, The Code last year, leading to speculation that Dion would return to the stage.
This contest which saw Basel host the first semi final, sees Netherlands return to the competition, having been removed from the competition ahead of the final last year.
According to reports, Celine Dion had sent a video message, wishing all contestants luck ahead of the first semi final rehearsals, appearing to rule herself out of a return. Dion has taken some time off the stage in recent years, having been suffering with Stiff Person Syndrome.
However, an SRG spokesperson had appeared to dismiss these reports.
"All elements of the first semi-final show were played through and rehearsed intensively", they said. "There are currently no changes regarding Celine Dion – we are still in close contact with her".
Last year, Celine Dion delivered a moving performance of Edith Piaf's song, 'Hymne à l'amour', to mark the 61sth anniversary of the singer's death, at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in the city. More on this here.
