Céline Dion's 1988 Eurovision Victory Explored in New Documentary

Arte's documentary celebrates Céline Dion's Eurovision journey and victory in 1988.

Key Points

  • • Céline Dion's documentary aired on Arte, focusing on her Eurovision victory in 1988.
  • • At age 20, she represented Switzerland with 'Ne partez pas sans moi'.
  • • She faced criticism for being perceived as overly emotional prior to her win.
  • • Composer Atilla Şereftuğ selected her from 250 candidates for her vocal skills.

On June 8, 2025, Arte aired a documentary titled "Céline Dion à l'Eurovision : la note parfaite," which revisits the iconic singer's victory at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1988. At just 20 years old, Céline Dion represented Switzerland and captivated audiences with her performance of "Ne partez pas sans moi" in Dublin. Despite her eventual triumph, the documentary reveals she faced considerable criticism before the competition, with detractors accusing her of being overly emotional.

The film highlights her triumphant journey from a young, aspiring artist with imperfect teeth to a charismatic performer who would win over 500 million viewers worldwide. Composer Atilla Şereftuğ recognized her vocal talent and chose her from an impressive 250 candidates, believing she had the potential to secure a win for Switzerland. The documentary provides a thorough exploration of her challenges and the transformative journey that marked the beginning of her illustrious career, illustrating not only her passion for music but also her resilience against early criticism.