Billboard's Special Section on Celine 2/16/2008

[nystrele]

Hello friends!

 

Great news! Billboard is going to be delivering a special focus on Celine's upcoming tour in the Feb. 16, 2008 issue! i will be writing a piece about her career journey so far, and the launch of her world tour on Valentines, talking to management and label executives and colleagues. there will be separate pieces from our touring writer addressing the specifics of the tour, with interviews covering promotion partners and booking partners; a chart recap; and... the best... a Q&A that i will conduct with celine about the creative and business sides of her career.

 

i'd appreciate input on questions!!!!!! what are the things that you've always wanted to know? here's a chance to really get inside of celine's soul regarding 30 years behind the mic... who better to come up with the ultimate queries than the forum members?

 

in addition, i will be asking her about the five songs that mean the most to her. can't wait for that one.

 

cheers!

=chuck=

Edited December 10, 2007 at 07:39 AM by nystrele

[autumnskies00]

Man, I envy your job. Thanks for asking for our input! I can't think of anything right now but if I do I will post it on here!

[Love,]

This is GREAT, Chuck! Thank you.

I am excited to read this.

 

Celine might turn many of the business-oriented questions over to Rene.

 

Here are some questions that come to my mind:

 

1. When you go on radio and television interviews, do you provide your interviewers with talking points? If not, why is there a consistency in the type of questions asked of you? Do you get tired of being asked the same questions, over and over?

 

2. How is your relationship with other successful artists in the industry? People such as Madonna, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera?

 

3. When do you plan to tour in South America? You have been selected as the most favorite female recording artist by Latino women in years passed, and "My Heart Will Go On" was the first English song to ever top the Latin Billboard charts - and you received a special recognition Billboard Latin Music Award back in 2002.

 

4. Are there old songs from the early years of your English career that you would sing on tour? "Next Plane Out", "Unison", "The Last to Know"?

 

5. What are your thoughts on provocative, and sexually-tinged songs that you have recorded, such as "Naked" (from "One Heart") and "L'abandon" (from "S'il suffisait d'aimer")?

 

6. Are you computer savvy? Would you or Rene ever consider becoming a member of the largest Celine Dion forum in the world at www.celinedionforum.com?

 

7. We know that you get requests left and right. You have been asked to sing so many songs, including the theme of "Pearl Harbor." What are some of the biggest offers that you and Rene have rejected?

 

8. Although you have had full faith and trust in Rene all these years and in his decision-making as your manager, were there choices made that you disagreed with? If yes, do you have any examples?

 

9. What are some of the most outrageous gifts given to you, by your fans?

 

10. If you could do a duet album, which 10 people comes to your mind at this moment, as possible collaborators?

 

11. You have had dreams about playing the role of Maria Callas and winning an Oscar - who are your favorite actors and actresses? Who would you like to share the big screens with?

 

12. You have said in many interviews that family is first, and that you can end your career any moment for your family. Dolly Parton says that if she were to pass away - she would do so with a microphone in her hand, on stage. Do you want to sing and perform for the rest of your life?

 

13. We are aware that you are a great hostess. Recently, you hosted a farewell masquerade for your "A New Day..." family. In the future, would you consider hosting an exclusive dinner party for your fans?

 

14. Would you ever consider giving the opportunity for your avid fans to interview you?

 

 

Edited December 10, 2007 at 08:08 AM by Love,

[zanif]

on what basis do you choose a country to be included in your world tour?

[amelie]

on what basis do you choose a country to be included in your world tour?

 

I was so impressed with all the questions that Soph came up with and then i read this one and think. yes that's the best one rofl

 

GREECE NEEDS YOU HERE GIRL!!! well i do anyway

[ashleylovesceline]

Chuck, may I just say -- you are AWESOME! Thank you so much for involving us in this! I will brainstorm, and think of some good ones… it’ll take a while to think up things we don’t already know!

[Krys]

 

9. What are some of the most outrageous gifts given to you, by your fans?

 

 

i love this one

 

man, Sopha...you stole all the good questions

 

kay, a spin-off from question 9

 

1. What are some of the most beautiful gifts given to you, by your fans (excluding the portrait of you and your father)?

 

2. Before recording an album, obviously songwriters send their songs to you to listen. How long, before recording the album, do you take to pick the songs?

 

3. We are aware that you buy all your clothes from designers. Throughout the years, you must have accumulated a lot of clothes. Where do you keep all of it?

 

4. You are always in showbusiness and around music. Do you have good relationship with any actors or actresses? If yes, please give some examples.

 

5. What's the best thing a fan has done for you?

Edited December 10, 2007 at 01:39 PM by lamourpourCeline

[Dechen]

Which do you enjoy more? Singing in French or in English?

[Alex_Incognito]

ASK HER ABOUT THE FUTURE....

 

 

1. Can you honestly see yourself doing a movie? When?

 

2. Your voice is so stunning, and you can sing anything. What kind of albums would you like to record in the future?

 

3. Your Olympia concert in Paris was such a triumph. Do you ever think you'll set up shop there again?

 

4. Your recording of your first albums are so essential to know your true career. It's a shame that fans are unaware of many of these recordings, since they aren't released on CD. Do you and Rene ever plan on releasing a CD and DVD box set of your old albums and TV specials, such as "Les chemins de ma maison", "C'est pour toi", and "En Concert"?

[fabtasticfoo]

Which do you enjoy more? Singing in French or in English?

 

Noooo....

 

I'm picturing Celine on Good Morning America, in Quebec City, answering questions from her fans. She's asked that question, and she says, almost jokingly (but not quite), "You don't know that yet?"

 

This was twelve years ago.

 

It's a fair enough question, but not one she could ever answer. Either way, there'd be a backlash. So, the answer is, and will always be, she loves singing in both languages. And would love to sing in even more languages, as many as possible.

Edited December 10, 2007 at 05:06 PM by fabtasticfoo

[kathyc25]

Wow thanks so much for involving us Chuck! I`ll have to think about some questions...Soph you have some great ones!

[Bellamy]

Thanks Chuck. I hope she will answer some questions fans wanted to know for ages. You rock!!!

 

When you'll record the songs you already wrote yourself?

 

When you'll record some concept album that has a theme?

 

What do you wanna eat in China, and where do you want to visit in China?

[bruno_oliveira]

celine's diet on tour: what you can and tell people to eat, and what you cant even dream of?

 

how many musical instruments have you learned to play?

 

classic question: is there any song/artist on your ipod that people could never dream about it? reveal this to us!

(ask her to bring her ipod to the interview for you to check the artists...hahah)

[Bellamy]

One more question. Would you like to communicate with your fans on internet? Do you know celinedionforum.com, the biggest Celine Dion Fans forum?

[Un Rêve]

It's a fair enough question, but not one she could ever answer.

 

Actually, one she did answer in Star Système. If she had to choose, she'd only sing in French, it's part of her.

 

 

Anywhooo, questions for Céline! Great thread, again, Chuck! Thanks so much for including us! I hope these help, I just wrote down what I could think of.

 

1. Is it hard for you to imagine how much of a fan some people are of you, how much of an influence you are on people's actualy lives? We know

you were a huge fan of Barbra's, but some probably go above and beyond being that type of fan.

 

2. The fans are quite eager to hear songs written by you and had heard things about you actually writing some. Is this true and if so, will you

ever release or sing those songs?

 

3. What makes you decide whether or not to do a show live?

 

4. How has your feelings of being on stage changed throughout the years?

 

5. What was it like for you, to know that people actually came to Vegas from all over the world just to see you in 'A New Day...'?

[Shaun]

Just one question: What was with the blonde hair do?

 

Just joking.

 

1. What creative inputs, if any, do you have to decisions in your music career, such as single choices, album titles and so on?

 

2. You are generally regarded as the "biggest selling female artist of all time." Is this something you are proud of or do records not matter to you?

 

3. Do you think you will ever have the confidence to perform, or record, any of your own material?

 

4. Do you still feel a need to remain relevant, or do you truly still release albums because you enjoy recording?

 

If I think of anything else I'll certainly post it, but in the meantime thanks for the opportunity Chuck.

Edited December 10, 2007 at 10:53 PM by Shaun

[Tal]

thank you AGAIN chuck! i especially love when we get opportunities like this (like with jenna for For Keeps) because she always gets asked the same old crap over and over again. "are you going to have another baby?"...blah blah blah.

 

 

My questions would be:

 

1. We've read that you've written songs such as Drop by Drop and Isabella. Why don't you persue songwriting more (or put them on Taking Chances)? If its because most of your albums are rushed and you want to spend time honing your own songs, do you think there's a good chance that you will record your own songs in the future when you might have more time?

 

2. At this point in your career, looking back, how much of what you have done was to fulfill your own dreams and how much was done because you wanted to fulfill the dreams others had for you?

 

 

My second question goes back to that interview she had last month during her TC promo tour in Europe. She alluded to her mother pushing her to persue a professional career in music. Also, it seems that so many times Rene pushes her to do things against her will and she just obliges because she wants to please people and doesn't know how to say "no". She's also said many times that if she could turn back time, she would probably not choose the same path. And I always wondered why she would ever feel like that....does she really regret having this career....does she not acknowledge how gifted and fortunate she is....has it been that bad that she would give it all up if she had the chance? She's so hugely successful and at times it seems like she doesn't even want any of it, and I'd really love to know how she truly feels about it.

[aicee]

Well I have question that's come fast in my mind for Celine....... In the near future.

 

People used to know Celine singing ballad, if one day Rene-Charles grow up and likely wants to be a singer too.

 

Would you(Celine) consider him(Rene-Charles) singing rock n' roll?

 

Does one time comes on her(Celine) mind touring/having a concert at the Philippines?

 

Thanks, for considering our side of question nystrele!

 

 

Edited December 11, 2007 at 04:34 AM by Koolan

[amelie]

She's said she wants to play Maria Callas in a movie and that she dreams about winning an oscar with that role and thank the academy in greek, she's also recorded a song "La diva" also about the big greek diva, on a sidenote her records are VERY successful in Greece, HOW COME she hasn't added Greece in her tour destinations?

[Dechen]

Which do you enjoy more? Singing in French or in English?

 

Noooo....

 

I'm picturing Celine on Good Morning America, in Quebec City, answering questions from her fans. She's asked that question, and she says, almost jokingly (but not quite), "You don't know that yet?"

 

This was twelve years ago.

 

It's a fair enough question, but not one she could ever answer. Either way, there'd be a backlash. So, the answer is, and will always be, she loves singing in both languages. And would love to sing in even more languages, as many as possible.

 

yea, i knew if she did answer that q, there'll b alot more q's.... to me she's sounds so much more free in her french songs, so just threw that q in........

[PrincesseJen]

This is the most IMPORTANT question you should has her:

 

 

 

"How are you?" http://smileyset.com/temp/PRINCESS/huh.gif

 

 

 

 

[Leenu]

Thanks, Chuck, so much for including the fans! I hope you get many great ideas here

 

One particular question has fascinated my imagination for a long time:

 

Céline, you are always asked loads of questions about your career, music, family etc. and you've been very open about many things. But what would you like to ask your audiences and devoted fans? Is there a burning ? about something, a thing you've always/often wondered?

 

This might be a silly question and perhaps she already answered it somewhere, and surely she talks about many things when meeting people, but as I (and most of her fans) have never had the chance to meet her, I really would like to hear her thoughts on this.

[ashleylovesceline]

Hmm, I used all of my questions up for Jenna's book, and a lot of them were used, so I'm still thinking, but here are a few:

 

What goes through your mind when you get a standing ovation?

 

You have such a wonderful sense of humor and you love to laugh, what or who makes you laugh the hardest?

 

What are some of the most memorable/touching gifts given to you by fans?

 

Do you recognize people in the audience who have seen you several times?

 

What song off of the new album are you most excited to sing on tour?

 

 

Oh, and I too would love to know when she will record songs she has written - or play the piano! We have all been waiting for that to happen, but it seems she doesn't feel confident enough to go for it yet.

Edited December 13, 2007 at 09:32 AM by ashleylovesceline

[ByuSmurf]

We all know that she would like to play Maria Callas in a biographical flick, but I would like to know if she has had any offers or would accept offers to do a BROADWAY show or a MUSICAL, which seems to becoming EXTREMELY popular in film again (e.g. Dream Girls, Hairspray, High School Musical)? I think she would be a shoo-in for the Great White Way!!

 

Thanks, Chuck, for taking us into consideration!

You're the best!

Happy Holidays!

Bre

Edited December 13, 2007 at 03:17 PM by ByuSmurf

[pat200]

I would like her to answer exactly what are her highest and lowest notes she has hit, whether recording, vocalizing or live! that is really killing me because she never reveals her complete range!

[karatedude317]

We should ask her about promotions

 

Do you agree with the way Sony has handled promoting your past few albums? Many of the fans disagree with Sony's promotions (or lack thereof) for many reasons. Do you feel that Sony should be doing more, and have you ever considered going to a different label?

 

Knowing her she probably won't answer it because she rarely talks bad about anyone, but it's worth a shot! I'd like to know how she feels about how her record company is promoting (or not promoting her)

[imaswede78]

I always wonder if super famous people (like Celine) are ever able to go anywhere without a bodyguard? Does she ever sneak out incognito and just do normal stuff?

 

How do you explain to Rene Charles why the family needs bodyguards?

 

We know she can afford anything but what is her favorite inexpensive product?

[one heart]

One more question. Would you like to communicate with your fans on internet? Do you know celinedionforum.com, the biggest Celine Dion Fans forum?

To Bellamy : I love your question !!! great question !!!

[Krikkete]

My questions for Céline!

 

1) Let's pretend that you have to do a special gift for one of your fans! What will you give to him/her?

 

2) Now, we have all received at least once some christmas/birthday presents that we didn't like... Have you ever received any?

 

3) Personal. The strangest place where you made sex!

 

4) I'm from Italy, and I like to remember you that you did ONLY ONE concert here in 25 years! Will you come this summer with your tour?

 

5) Do you love cooking? Or do you cook for your family?

 

I hope that my english is not too bad!

 

La Vale "Krikkete" from Italy!

 

Thanks Chuck!

[Krikkete]

I translate a question for Céline that another italian fan wants to propose:

 

 

Hi, Céline, just make yourself a question, and answer to it!

 

The question must NOT have to do with your family (brothers, sisters, René, René-Charles), with your roots, with your first song on your kitchen-table, with the fact that you were poor...