Former U.S. President Donald Trump has come under fire from Celine Dion and her team over the unauthorized use of her iconic hit, “My Heart Will Go On,” at a recent presidential campaign event. The controversy unfolded on Friday in Bozeman, Montana, where the song was played prior to Trump taking the stage at a rally.
Celine Dion’s team, including her record label Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc, promptly issued a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter) condemning the use of the song. The statement clarified that Dion did not give permission for the song to be used in this context and does not endorse its use by Trump or any similar political campaign.
The official statement reads: “Today, Celine Dion’s management team and her record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc, 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 / JD Vance campaign rally in Montana. In no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use. …And really, that song?”
The Trump campaign has yet to respond to the criticism. Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” is a signature piece in her career, celebrated for its association with the 1997 blockbuster film Titanic, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. The song, which earned Dion an Academy Award and multiple Grammy Awards, remains one of her most beloved tracks.
Notably, this incident reflects a recurring issue where artists and bands have previously raised concerns about their music being used without consent at political rallies. Dion’s team’s prompt action underscores the importance of respecting artists’ rights and their wishes regarding the use of their work.
In a related update, Celine Dion made a highly anticipated return to live performance last month during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, marking a significant moment in her storied career.
