In a surprising move, former President Donald Trump once again found himself at the center of controversy after using a popular song without permission at one of his campaign rallies. This time, the song in question was Celine Dion's iconic hit "My Heart Will Go On," famously known as the theme for the 1997 film Titanic. The choice of the song, paired with a video of Dion performing it, has left many scratching their heads, considering the tragic context of the movie.
On Friday night in Montana, Trump’s campaign played the song alongside a video of Dion singing, escalating the usual unauthorized use of music at his rallies to a new level. The next day, Dion’s management team, along with her record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada, issued a strong statement distancing the singer from any association with the rally.
“Today, Celine Dion’s management team and her record label became aware of the unauthorized usage of the video, recording, musical performance, and likeness of Celine Dion singing ‘My Heart Will Go On’ at a Donald Trump campaign rally in Montana,” the statement reads. “In no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use.”
The statement also included a poignant question: “...and really, that song?”
"My Heart Will Go On," written by the late James Horner with lyrics by Will Jennings, has been a global anthem of love and loss since its release in 1997, winning numerous awards including an Oscar, Golden Globe, and four Grammys. The irony of its use in a political rally hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially given its association with a sinking ship and the tragic demise of its characters.
Trump’s rallies have a history of using songs in ways that seem out of sync with their original meanings. From Neil Young's "Rockin’ in the Free World" to R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion," these choices often lead to legal pushback from the artists or their representatives. While it’s challenging to legally prevent such uses outright, most campaigns, including Trump’s, tend to retreat when faced with potential lawsuits.
Celine Dion, who recently returned to the stage after battling Stiff Person Syndrome, captivated audiences at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony with a breathtaking performance of Edith Piaf’s "Hymne A L’Amour" at the base of the Eiffel Tower, despite torrential rain.
Photo: ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty; Joe Raedle/Getty
