Music icon Celine Dion has voiced her strong disapproval after discovering that her classic ballad, “My Heart Will Go On,” was used without permission at a rally for former President Donald Trump.
The song, which became an anthem following its release with the 1997 film ‘Titanic’, was played at a campaign event in Bozeman, Montana, sparking immediate backlash from Dion and her team.
In a statement posted on her social media accounts, Dion expressed her frustration, making it clear that neither she nor her record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc., had granted permission for the use of her music at the political event. “Today, Celine Dion’s management team and her record label became aware of the unauthorized usage… at a Donald Trump / JD Vance campaign rally,” the statement read. “In no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use.”
Dion also took the opportunity to question the song choice, adding a touch of humor to her criticism. “And really, THAT song?” she wrote, pointing out the irony of using a romantic ballad from a tragic love story in a political setting.
This incident adds Celine Dion to a long list of artists who have publicly denounced the Trump campaign for using their music without consent. Over the years, artists such as Rihanna, the Rolling Stones, Queen, and the estate of George Harrison have all protested the unauthorized use of their songs at Trump rallies, but the campaign has persisted in its practice, often leading to legal threats and public outcry.
Dion’s statement comes on the heels of her recent return to the spotlight after a challenging period in her life. Last month, she delivered a powerful performance of Edith Piaf’s “L’Hymne à l’amour” at the Olympics opening ceremony, her first live appearance since revealing her diagnosis with stiff person syndrome. The rare and debilitating condition has significantly impacted her ability to perform, making her return all the more poignant for fans around the world.
As the Trump campaign moves forward, it remains to be seen whether they will respect Dion’s wishes or continue to use her music at future events, potentially fueling further disputes with artists.
