Revealing Interview on FAZ

[c4n4d4]

BEST INTERVIEW EVER!!!!!!!!! why could other interviewers never ask such good questions? Anyway, one thing, why opening a twitter account when you are planning not to use it anyway? I understand she thinks it is stupid to share everything about her private life on twitter. But that is of course too much, but just share some music information now and then, to keep the fans interested, is not so bad in my opinion.

She didn't open the twitter. Sony asked her if they could make one in her name and tweet from it for marketing and whatnot. She gave them permission too.

 

The only thing I don't like is that, according to what she often says, the music is not really a part of herself but rather just her regular job for living. It's controversial, because she's pouring her heart in her songs and then the cold water slap comes when she kind of says "No I'm just acting there".

 

But I love her anyway.

 

Why is that controversial? Its the same thing actors do. Do you really think actors and actresses sit around and watch their own movies all the time? Its not surprising at all that she doesn't really listen to her own music frequently, she spends so much time recording and promoting albums and then singing them in Vegas and other concerts that when she does listen to music its not hers. I see nothing wrong with any of that. Part of the reason she is such a great singer and artist is cause she can act when she sings, she can take a song about domestic abuse and sing it and makes it believeable to the listener, same with all her love and heartbreak songs. We all are well aware she hasn't had her heart broken by a man so explain how she is able to make JWA so believable and emotional. This is why so many people love her music because she makes them believable

[Chin]

But it may well be snobs who say someone is not a real musician if he does not write their own songs or play an instrument. Feel yourself as a complete artist ?

 

I understand the objection . And I admit that I would like some things can . Read music or play the piano , for example.

 

Celine Dion can not read music ?

 

No, I never learned , unfortunately.

 

I don't understand. Doesn't Celine play piano?

[aafass]

 

 

I don't understand. Doesn't Celine play piano?

 

I think she just knows a few songs by memory.

[duri]

What a great interview! Thanks to interviewer for good questions.

[smw]

Article really shines light on how at peace Celine is with everything in her career and life.

 

We should do the same. She's a wonderful role model. Celine Dion is of a kind.

[Duchess]

oooooooooooook

[ehild]

I love this interview!! I never knew about the "one night she went out...." story lol. I love hearing new things like that. Glad she shed some light on some unanswered questions, too.

[Xpresso]

I don't understand. Doesn't Celine play piano?

Exactly what I thought when I read the interview too...

[browseceline]

I have been asked by some people to fully translate the interview, since it was google translate. So here is my version. I hope i did well.

It took me quite some time to write everything down correctly. I hope you enjoy it:-)

 

 

 

 

Miss Dion: Are you not getting sick of your Titanic hitsong, My heart will go on?

 

Quite often, I have to admit that. But my fans let me forget that I already sang it for millions of times. When they are coming to my show, a lot of people hear the song for the first time live. I can see what it does to them. As soon as the curtain raises and you can hear the first tones of the song, people start to yell already, and that encourages me.

 

Is Celine Dion commercially still as relevant as she was in 1997,

when the Titanic song came out?

 

I don't know. How often did I hear that I have to sing about other things, that I should adapt myself to what is hot today. And how often have people showed they don't like ballads? But you are who you are. You cannot easily say: In three years I will become a Country singer or in ten years I will be making Rock&Roll. You can maybe try another genre, but you cannot completely change yourself. Wether you have your place in music industry or not, you can only give the best you can.

 

Will your new album Loved me back to life, take a place in that, \

ben being released on 1 november?

 

For what I can offer now, I can only say that I gave my best in this album. No matter how commercial it is or not. Of course I hope it works. But I know I cannot satisfy everybody.

 

This autumn there is a flood young female superstars, from Lady Gaga, Katy Perry to Britney Spears. Do you worry to competing with them?

 

I don't see it that way at all. First, the time of release is completely different for me. For the first time in six years I come with a new English album. The other girls are much more active than me.

And when you only think about how to compete with all the others, you don;t see it anymore.

I only see competing with myself.

 

Would it be a pity when your new album does not sell well?

 

I don't watch the charts. That is my husband Rene and the recordcompany their business.

They watch the ratings and how much money is involved. I look into the faces of my fans. As long as they come to my shows and as long as they sing, laugh and dance, than I know I am still relevant.

 

So when your album is released, you won't look at the charts at all?

 

No, those charts don't interest me at all. I don't listen to the music in the charts.

 

A lot of your songs are about broken hearts. Rene is the only man in your life, you often said.

Do you think you can genuinely sing about a broken heart, just as, for instance Adele?

 

I wish I could, I wish I would be Adele, but I am not unfortunately. I am extremely happy with my life. For my songs unfortunately, I use the stories from other people.

 

On your new album is one song you can really identify yourself with. At Seventeen, about being the young wallflower. You said that when you were a teenager, you did not find yourself attractive or beautiful. Do you think you are now?

 

 

Oh yes! I feel very good. I developed myself. What is still not perfect, wether it is my nose or my chin, it does not have priority for me anymore.

 

Will the day ever come that, when you look in the mirror and you don't think you're attractive anymore, that you would start doing something about it?

 

No. Although I have thought about some specific things.

 

As in?

 

Oh well, for instance how I could have a wrinkle filled. And I would have loved to have a smaller nose and a less sharp chin. Everybody has things like this. There has been a time I asked myself the question: Why can't I use a little bit of Botox? But for me as a singer, that is no option, since Botox works on the muscles. When the fluid would go too deep it could paralyze my vocal chords.

 

You don't write your own songs, but you did for other artists. Would you not like to think about bringing out your own album?

 

No I don't have that ambition. I often have ideas. But when I have a melody and maybe a third of the text, then I always hear it being sung by someone else. So I give the song away.

And , when you have such good songwriters as I have you should not ask yourself the question: Maybe I should compose a song myself?

 

But you have critics that say that a musician is no real musician when he or she does not write his or her own material. Do you feel you are a complete artist?

 

I understand this objection. I admit that there are a lot of things I would like to learn. Reading music or playing the piano for instance.

 

Celine Dion cannot read music?

 

No, I never learned that unfortunately.

 

Would you still like to learn that?

 

No, I decided there are more important things for me. And that is to enjoy, being a mother and raising my children.

 

You have twins who are almost three years old, and a twelve years old son, What kind of music does your eldest son listen to?

 

Eminem. Nothing from me. Or in secret when he is too tough to say – I like your songs mum. I am a mother and therefor not cool

 

Would you like it when he sometime would go in showbusiness as well?

 

Then I would be completely allright with that and I would support him.

 

What would you say when he tells you he wants to marry a girl who is 26 years older then him, just like you were marrying Rene who was 26 years older then you.

 

I would be okay with it. I am probably not in the best positon to withheld him from that. But then he has to convince me that she is the right one for him.

 

Your younger collegae Miley Cyrus currently causes commotion by showing naked bodyparts. What is your opinion as a established artist ?

 

That is part of the game and I am happy I don't have to do that. Can you imagine I have to compete with that? Even the best song in the world wouldn't help me then. For a lot of younger collegaes removing clothes is a way to express themselves.

 

Do you think that is regrettable?

 

I won't judge anybody. People like Miley Cyrus don't have bad intentions, but they find they have to go that far to feel something and to get a kick from it. The industry wants them to do that. Was it the past not done to do such things, now it is normal. Times change.

What is happening with Miley Cyrus is evident: She was done with her childstar image and she does not want her parents to say what she has to do. She is saying – this is my life, and my body and I will show it! And she is having a great time showing that in public.

I hope she is still having a great time in the future and there won't be a point that she collapses.

 

As said, you don't want to be involved with the wild side of showbusiness, sex or drugs.

How can you avoid being sucked in. in this industry?

 

Very easy. You can say – Thank you so very much for the invitation to your party but I can't come.

That does not mean that I cannot go to that party, but you have to be surrounded by the right people.

Because on every party there are drugs and alcohol and everybody says to you: Hey you are the best of the best and a lot of people say yes to everything what you want.

Showbusiness is a business of Yes-sayers. It is a very dangerous business and I don't want to get trapped in it. That's why I overprotected myself.

 

So you never took drugs?

 

No, I never did

 

What is the wildest thing you have ever done?

 

Hm that has to be that evening in Amsterdam, that was in the 90s.

After my performance I went dancing with my musicians and I had a double shot Tequila.

I was not used drinking alcohol. But I knew I had to perform the next day as well.

Singing All by myself was really hard

 

So that carousing night in Amsterdam was the wildest experience in your life?

 

You won;t see me there again. When I were 20 I sang different then when I was 14.

And today, at 45, it is different again and when you're 60 it will be different again.

That is nothing to worry about. I see it like this: The voice develops through the years like a fine wine.

 

How long will you be in showbusiness?

 

I dont know. But there will be certain time when I don't get a kick from it anymore. And when that kick is gone, then it is about time to stop.

 

So you are not one of those artists that breathe the stage like we need air to breathe?

 

No I don't need the stage to breathe. I need to be happy, need stability, my family. At home I can breathe much better then on the stage. On stage I am often a bit in panic.

 

Can you imagine perfoming for a smaller audience then in Vegas?

 

Oh sure. I have been thinking about that a lot lately. I would love to do intimate unplugged concerts.

 

Do you sing at home when you're showering?

 

Oh and how! I sing everything, Adele for example or songs from children's tvshows. I don't sing my own songs often.

 

Why don't you use Twitter?

 

No time for it. What would I write? – I am with my bodyguard in my car on the way and now we are are at gasstation?

 

Why not, many stars do that?

 

But not me. That makes me different from the rest

Edited October 22, 2013 at 11:43 PM by browseceline

[chocolatechip15]

I don't understand. Doesn't Celine play piano?

 

She can play piano by ear . .some people can do that -- hear a song and be able to figure out which keys to press to make it sound right. (Having studied piano a little bit, I can say I have no idea how they're able to do that!)

[chocolatechip15]

I have been asked by some people to fully translate the interview, since it was google translate. So here is my version. I hope i did well.

It took me quite some time to write everything down correctly. I hope you enjoy it:-)

 

 

 

 

Miss Dion: Are you not getting sick of your Titanic hitsong, My heart will go on?

 

Quite often, I have to admit that. But my fans let me forget that I already sang it for millions of times. When they are coming to my show, a lot of people hear the song for the first time live. I can see what it does to them. As soon as the curtain raises and you can hear the first tones of the song, people start to yell already, and that encourages me.

 

Is Celine Dion commercially still as relevant as she was in 1997,

when the Titanic song came out?

 

I don't know. How often did I hear that I have to sing about other things, that I should adapt myself to what is hot today. And how often have people showed they don't like ballads? But you are who you are. You cannot easily say: In three years I will become a Country singer or in ten years I will be making Rock&Roll. You can maybe try another genre, but you cannot completely change yourself. Wether you have your place in music industry or not, you can only give the best you can.

 

Will your new album Loved me back to life, take a place in that, \

ben being released on 1 november?

 

For what I can offer now, I can only say that I gave my best in this album. No matter how commercial it is or not. Of course I hope it works. But I know I cannot satisfy everybody.

 

This autumn there is a flood young female superstars, from Lady Gaga, Katy Perry to Britney Spears. Do you worry to competing with them?

 

I don't see it that way at all. First, the time of release is completely different for me. For the first time in six years I come with a new English album. The other girls are much more active than me.

And when you only think about how to compete with all the others, you don;t see it anymore.

I only see competing with myself.

 

Would it be a pity when your new album does not sell well?

 

I don't watch the charts. That is my husband Rene and the recordcompany their business.

They watch the ratings and how much money is involved. I look into the faces of my fans. As long as they come to my shows and as long as they sing, laugh and dance, than I know I am still relevant.

 

So when your album is released, you won't look at the charts at all?

 

No, those charts don't interest me at all. I don't listen to the music in the charts.

 

A lot of your songs are about broken hearts. Rene is the only man in your life, you often said.

Do you think you can genuinely sing about a broken heart, just as, for instance Adele?

 

I wish I could, I wish I would be Adele, but I am not unfortunately. I am extremely happy with my life. For my songs unfortunately, I use the stories from other people.

 

On your new album is one song you can really identify yourself with. At Seventeen, about being the young wallflower. You said that when you were a teenager, you did not find yourself attractive or beautiful. Do you think you are now?

 

 

Oh yes! I feel very good. I developed myself. What is still not perfect, wether it is my nose or my chin, it does not have priority for me anymore.

 

Will the day ever come that, when you look in the mirror and you don't think you're attractive anymore, that you would start doing something about it?

 

No. Although I have thought about some specific things.

 

As in?

 

Oh well, for instance how I could have a wrinkle filled. And I would have loved to have a smaller nose and a less sharp chin. Everybody has things like this. There has been a time I asked myself the question: Why can't I use a little bit of Botox? But for me as a singer, that is no option, since Botox works on the muscles. When the fluid would go too deep it could paralyze my vocal chords.

 

You don't write your own songs, but you did for other artists. Would you not like to think about bringing out your own album?

 

No I don't have that ambition. I often have ideas. But when I have a melody and maybe a third of the text, then I always hear it being sung by someone else. So I give the song away.

And , when you have such good songwriters as I have you should not ask yourself the question: Maybe I should compose a song myself?

 

But you have critics that say that a musician is no real musician when he or she does not write his or her own material. Do you feel you are a complete artist?

 

I understand this objection. I admit that there are a lot of things I would like to learn. Reading music or playing the piano for instance.

 

Celine Dion cannot read music?

 

No, I never learned that unfortunately.

 

Would you still like to learn that?

 

No, I decided there are more important things for me. And that is to enjoy, being a mother and raising my children.

 

You have twins who are almost three years old, and a twelve years old son, What kind of music does your eldest son listen to?

 

Eminem. Nothing from me. Or in secret when he is too tough to say – I like your songs mum. I am a mother and therefor not cool

 

Would you like it when he sometime would go in showbusiness as well?

 

Then I would be completely allright with that and I would support him.

 

What would you say when he tells you he wants to marry a girl who is 26 years older then him, just like you were marrying Rene who was 26 years older then you.

 

I would be okay with it. I am probably not in the best positon to withheld him from that. But then he has to convince me that she is the right one for him.

 

Your younger collegae Miley Cyrus currently causes commotion by showing naked bodyparts. What is your opinion as a established artist ?

 

That is part of the game and I am happy I don't have to do that. Can you imagine I have to compete with that? Even the best song in the world wouldn't help me then. For a lot of younger collegaes removing clothes is a way to express themselves.

 

Do you think that is regrettable?

 

I won't judge anybody. People like Miley Cyrus don't have bad intentions, but they find they have to go that far to feel something and to get a kick from it. The industry wants them to do that. Was it the past not done to do such things, now it is normal. Times change.

What is happening with Miley Cyrus is evident: She was done with her childstar image and she does not want her parents to say what she has to do. She is saying – this is my life, and my body and I will show it! And she is having a great time showing that in public.

I hope she is still having a great time in the future and there won't be a point that she collapses.

 

As said, you don't want to be involved with the wild side of showbusiness, sex or drugs.

How can you avoid being sucked in. in this industry?

 

Very easy. You can say – Thank you so very much for the invitation to your party but I can't come.

That does not mean that I cannot go to that party, but you have to be surrounded by the right people.

Because on every party there are drugs and alcohol and everybody says to you: Hey you are the best of the best and a lot of people say yes to everything what you want.

Showbusiness is a business of Yes-sayers. It is a very dangerous business and I don't want to get trapped in it. That's why I overprotected myself.

 

So you never took drugs?

 

No, I never did

 

What is the wildest thing you have ever done?

 

Hm that has to be that evening in Amsterdam, that was in the 90s.

After my performance I went dancing with my musicians and I had a double shot Tequila.

I was not used drinking alcohol. But I knew I had to perform the next day as well.

Singing All by myself was really hard

 

So that carousing night in Amsterdam was the wildest experience in your life?

 

You won;t see me there again. When I were 20 I sang different then when I was 14.

And today, at 45, it is different again and when you're 60 it will be different again.

That is nothing to worry about. I see it like this: The voice develops through the years like a fine wine.

 

How long will you be in showbusiness?

 

I dont know. But there will be certain time when I don't get a kick from it anymore. And when that kick is gone, then it is about time to stop.

 

So you are not one of those artists that breathe the stage like we need air to breathe?

 

No I don't need the stage to breathe. I need to be happy, need stability, my family. At home I can breathe much better then on the stage. On stage I am often a bit in panic.

 

Can you imagine perfoming for a smaller audience then in Vegas?

 

Oh sure. I have been thinking about that a lot lately. I would love to do intimate unplugged concerts.

 

Do you sing at home when you're showering?

 

Oh and how! I sing everything, Adele for example or songs from children's tvshows. I don't sing my own songs often.

 

Why don't you use Twitter?

 

No time for it. What would I write? – I am with my bodyguard in my car on the way and now we are are at gasstation?

 

Why not, many stars do that?

 

But not me. That makes me different from the rest

 

Thank you!!

[québecflower]

she is so bored sometimes....

 

Why not, many stars do that?

 

But not me. That makes me different from the rest

[flutefreak]

Celine if you ever want to learn how to read music, I'd be more than happy to teach you! I'm a music teacher, please send me a message if you are reading...

[browseceline]

 

 

She can play piano by ear . .some people can do that -- hear a song and be able to figure out which keys to press to make it sound right. (Having studied piano a little bit, I can say I have no idea how they're able to do that!)

 

Me too. I cannot read music either. I rely on my ears. And when i hear a melody i can instantly play along with my right hand. But when i look where i. Put my fingers it goes wrong. It is a feeling

Edited October 23, 2013 at 12:56 AM by browseceline

[Chin]

So, Celine is such a genius in music!!! She can play piano without learning reading music! And she even composed a few songs before!

[Angel2006]

I don't understand. Doesn't Celine play piano?

 

 

Rene said before that Celine plays the piano like a classical pianist and that she is very good, but she is very hard on herself and doesn't think she's good enough to play on stage, or on her albums.

 

Rene has tried and tried for years to get Celine to play in public the way she plays in private, but Celine is a perfectionist and has only fooled around a bit on the piano in front of her fans. Not showing how truly gifted she is at playing.

 

I wish she would have more confidence in herself to try new things, but i am the same way and i understand it being very hard to take that risk when you want things to be so perfect and you don't want people to see you fail.

 

David Foster even said before that he knows Celine can give much more in the recording studio and that people will never see her full range and talent.

 

Even though we all now everything Celine touches turns to gold and failing isn't in her vocabulary. Maybe Celine will be brave enough to show her full talents one day. Until then, what she's giving us now is pretty darn awesome!

[Katie]

Rene said before that Celine plays the piano like a classical pianist and that she is very good, but she is very hard on herself and doesn't think she's good enough to play on stage, or on her albums.

 

Rene has tried and tried for years to get Celine to play in public the way she plays in private, but Celine is a perfectionist and has only fooled around a bit on the piano in front of her fans. Not showing how truly gifted she is at playing.

 

I wish she would have more confidence in herself to try new things, but i am the same way and i understand it being very hard to take that risk when you want things to be so perfect and you don't want people to see you fail.

 

David Foster even said before that he knows Celine can give much more in the recording studio and that people will never see her full range and talent.

 

Even though we all now everything Celine touches turns to gold and failing isn't in her vocabulary. Maybe Celine will be brave enough to show her full talents one day. Until then, what she's giving us now is pretty darn awesome!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDF4lSpVXi8

[Katie]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDF4lSpVXi8

 

Starting 09:23

 

[chocolatechip15]

Starting 09:23

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRaqE5TLMXA

 

Kind of funny that these took place 10 years apart, but she's playing Moonlight Sonata in both!

[Katie]

Kind of funny that these took place 10 years apart, but she's playing Moonlight Sonata in both!

 

I think she barely know only that sonata

[MistaChanel]

I've tried to upload an even better interview, but it hasn't been posted on the forum for whatever reason. So here is the translated interview from Berlin newspaper "BZ":

“Berlin is my absolute favourite city”

 

Miss Dion, your last album has been released in 2007. Where have you been?

 

You’re saying that you’ve missed me? How cute! (laughs) But to be honest with you, I didn’t rest a lot because I gave birth to two children and I have been performing in Las Vegas. And for three years, I have been on stage with a new show, so I haven’t been away, although I isolated myself from the music industry. This, however, made it possible for me to record a brand new album.

 

However, you’ve just bound yourself to Las Vegas till 2019.

 

Yes, but I don’t want to think about that, this is somewhat scary.

 

Why are you accepting this deal then?

 

If you have three children, it is impossible to travel all the time. It is very exhaustive, although I am going to miss it since you’re able to see so much of the world, it is exciting. You experience so much and it’s such an intensive feeling, but on the other hand, there is jetlag and allergies you have to struggle with. With three children, it easily gets too much. Vegas is a compromise, but also wonderful because it allows me to be a mom and guarantee stability and safety to my children and to do what I love to do (sing).

 

And it never gets boring although it’s always the same routine?

 

I am not thinking about that. I am moving on from one show to the next one. That’s the best way to cope with it. I mean, how old am I going to be once I’ll be done with it? I’ll probably need a walking frame in order to perform ‘My Heart Will Go On’. What a terrible vision.

 

A vision you seem to have accepted since you’ve put your houses in Montréal and Florida on sale.

 

As much as I love these houses, I do not really need them because this year, I have only been one week to Florida and none to Montréal. It is not worth it to spend money on the personal for these houses while I could easily reside in hotels for a few days.

 

Do you think you’re going to find someone who’ll buy the house for 72 m. $?

 

Good question. I don’t know. Especially, since I am not going to sell it for less than that because I want to get back what I have invested. If that is not the case, I am going to keep the house, even if Vegas is now going to be our permanent home. There’s no way back.

 

Do you have any concerns that you’re children are growing up in a gambler’s paradise? A place that has a high rate of criminality and lots of drug torts?

 

I don’t think that they are going to see a lot of that. RC is home schooled at the moment, for example. It was his own wish because the situation at his former school wasn’t easy for him because he couldn’t socialise with the other students, he didn’t have the feeling of being part of a team. While school is getting more and more difficult and the amount of homework rises, it is wrong to take the kid out of class and send it some time back. That’s stressful. Therefore, it’s better for him to get home schooled, and if it’s not working well, we can still decide whether we are going to send him back to school or not. At the moment, it’s amazing because he can be very flexible. He can work in advance or catch up on missed lessons. Thus, he is able to elaborate his time management and his self-responsibility, an educational model which might work for the twins as well. What’s important to me is to be able to spend time with my children, especially while they are young.

 

 

That sounds as if Céline Dion, the mother, is an easy going mom who is allowing everything.

 

You’ll have to ask my oldest son about that, but there are probably stricter moms out there. I grew up in a family with 14 children. My mother was surcharged. Nowadays, nobody can imagine how difficult that time must have been. So probably my children are having an easier time.

 

Could you imagine to have more addition to the family or are there no plans for future babies?

 

There are no plans anymore. Probably not because of me, but because of my husband. You have to ask yourself whether it is fair for a child to have a father of over 70 years of age who might not be able to see the children growing up and reaching adulthood. I believe that it is important for a child to have a father and thus, we should concentrate on educating our children that we already have and make them feel loved and cared for.

 

In all honesty, your husband is 26 years older than you. Couldn’t he become an additional burden besides the education of your children and your career?

 

But that could happen with a way younger husband as well. Nobody is immune to disease or accidents. The relationship that René and I share is very special. He has always been there for me, he always supported me and we’ve achieved so much together. All the success, the renownedness and our personal family. That is extraordinary. I love him, even if we had hard times…

 

So you had personal crises?

 

Of course, like all couple have. The toughest one was in 2007. We were close to getting separated because we were arguing all the time. We were a typical business couple that was bound to each other by its business relations.

 

And then?

 

We sorted things out. We’ve gone to a marriage guidance, and it really worked. We are getting along with each other better than ever. We are having so much more joy and we are respecting each other even more than before. If someone wants to keep one’s relationship working, one has to do something for it.

 

How do you cope with the rumours that your husband gambles your millions away?

 

Well, these are rumours. If that were the case, I would definitely counteract to that. He is allowed to have his fun, but I would never allow him to throw money down the drain. That’s nothing I could agree with due to my education and the way I grew up.

 

… says the woman who owns more than 3000 pairs of shoes.

 

At least. Probably, there are even more.

 

Are you serious?

 

Yes. I love shoes. I am not just buying them for the sake of possessing them. I am actually wearing them and I cannot get enough of them. Although I have to ask myself sometimes: “How could they accumulate so much? Do you have a problem? (laughs)

 

So to speak a quirk?

 

Yes because I am not collecting all of the shoes because I want to set a record or something. That is not my intention. Over the last 30 years, there were simply lots of things coming together. It is, however, a bit embarrassing that I have lost track of all the shoes.

 

But you are not having any lack of space.

 

That’s true. I don’t, but nonetheless, they require a lot of space.

 

How do you store your Grammies, Echoes etc.?

 

They are in a huge room full of vitrines, but I barely go there because it makes me feel so old and it makes me come under stress in the sense of repeating my success over and over again while this is actually irrelevant.

 

What do you mean by saying that?

 

Music should not be a competition in order to get rich. Even though I am, it is a side effect of my career. I haven’t started singing in order to become rich, but due to my passion for it. Moreover, it has been my only talent. That’s why I am not pitting myself against all of these prizes, but I am, of course, happy about them.

 

What do your children think about your music? Are there any differences in taste?

 

There are definitely differences in taste. RC likes Eminem – someone I do not have use for. He was very shocked when Sia and other cool song writers offered me songs. He thought that this would have been a mistake. His mother, the queen of ‘no’ (laughs) might be a bit cooler now. I mean, I couldn’t believe it either that people like Ne-Yo, Babyface, Eg White or Sia wanted to work with me.

 

Do you have an explanation for that?

 

(laughs) Who knows? Maybe they think that I am cool. Suddenly, they write songs for me and tell me how much they admire me. This was somewhat unthinkable some years ago. In the past, people who wrote songs for me were much older than me and I was the kid. Now, it is the other way round. It is wonderful because now I am 45 years old and probably cooler than ever. That’s incredible.

 

Your singing has changed, too. You are not belting out high notes, it isn’t as exorbitant as in the past.

 

Times changed, it is not about the singing Olympiad anymore. In the past, the songs were composed to be like that. Today, there are less effects, the voice is edgier and drier. Everything seems to be more natural and straightforward. Even though I liked to hold high notes as long as possible, it is refreshing to change directions. It allows me to keep going without stagnating. Those kids delivered me new flavours. In the past, there were vanilla and chocolate and now, there are cherry garcia, marble whiskey and pecan nut (laughs)

 

And then there is of course the duet with Stevie Wonder – a knightly accolade for any singer in the world.

 

Even for me, who worked with Barbra Streisand, Luciano Pavarotti and the Bee Gees, it was extraordinary to work with Stevie Wonder. He was very interested to work with me, and I was speechless. I would have never dared to ask Stevie Wonder for a duet. We had such a good time. Stevie Wonders orange album was the first one that I bought by myself. Now, I’ve got the real Stevie Wonder on my own CD and nobody can take that away from me.

 

Are there any other people you would like to collaborate with? Is there a wish list?

 

I would have loved to sing with Freddy Mercury, but that won’t be possible anymore.

 

 

What about Adele?

 

Oh, I love Adele. I cannot wait to meet her in person. Who knows if I ever meet her in person because I don’t spend much time at a place. Even abroad, I am always in a rush and I have barely any memories of what I’ve done. But I love her. She brought music to another level. She made the standard rise and contributed to the fact that I am using my voice differently now, much drier and more natural.

 

You are touring francophone countries in Europe by the end of November

 

That’s true. The shows will mainly take place in France.

 

When will you visit the anglophone countries? You are going to be bound to Vegas shows till April 2014.

 

I don’t have a clue. But you can believe me that I am not happy about it. But: you have to make decisions in life, and it’s not always easy. I wish I could do everything at the same time, but I will have to wait for the right moments. My children are still very young. Who knows if I am ever going to go on a huge world tour anyway? Probably one day, when there are no commitments anymore.

 

At the meantime, you are busy with a mini imperium of toiletries, restaurants and golf courses.

 

(laughs) Everything you need in life.

 

What are your ambitions?

 

Well, these are simple financial investments. Is there any woman out there who isn’t dreaming of having her own perfume line? One which is so successful that there are always new products added to the range. That is flattering. With regards to the gold courses, I simply like to be able to move freely which wouldn’t be possible on a public golf course. The restaurants are places where I love to eat. “Schwartz” for example was one restaurant that was supposed to be sold. I thought that it would be good to take it over before somebody else would ruin it. Hence, we just wanted to maintain something that is so close to our heart.

 

You and your husband are real foodists, aren’t you?

 

We love good food. I do have a personal cook because I am miserable at cooking.

 

A cook?

 

Yes, he is German. He fulfils all my wishes. This, however, isn’t so difficult because I am eating a lot of salad and my children are getting plain fare. If it has to be something very special, we love the German cuisine.

 

For example?

 

These sausages from the south. How are they called?

 

Nürnberger?

 

Exactly. But I love all sausages in general. That’s the problem (laughs). They are so good and none of the American counterparts can compete with them. And you have wonderful pancakes that are torn apart with icing sugar on top.

 

Kaiserschmarn?

 

Yes. I am really missing it. Did you bring some along?

 

 

If I only knew…

 

Not a problem. I will be back in Berlin soon. It is my absolute favourite city in the whole world.

 

Why is that so? What is so special about it?

 

Berlin offers so many things. You go shopping, ride a bike and sit in a little bistro – it is wonderful. Every time that we are going on vacation, we make sure to shave a stop in Berlin, either before or after our vacation. Even if we are going to the Maldives, we are in Berlin prior to or after the trip. It is our favourite place. We love the hotel where we always reside, and even if it is just for one night to go to a restaurant and have dinner. I had wonderful experiences in Berlin.

 

How well do you speak German?

 

Not very well. Don’t tell this my son because he thinks that I am speaking 7 languages. He is supposed to believe this lie, so that he works hard for school. If he manages to speak 7 languages one day, I will tell him that I do not. Actually, I don’t speak any foreign language because I just know a few phrases.

 

But you have even sung in Chinese

 

Well, I just repeated what they have provided. Listen, I have 3000 pairs of shoes. Do you seriously think that I am smart enough to speak 7 languages? (laughs)

[Frida]

Listen, I have 3000 pairs of shoes. Do you seriously think that I am smart enough to speak 7 languages? (laughs)

 

Hahahahahaha, omg I can't stop laughing

[Katie]

I've tried to upload an even better interview, but it hasn't been posted on the forum for whatever reason. So here is the translated interview from Berlin newspaper "BZ":

“Berlin is my absolute favourite city”

 

Miss Dion, your last album has been released in 2007. Where have you been?

 

You’re saying that you’ve missed me? How cute! (laughs) But to be honest with you, I didn’t rest a lot because I gave birth to two children and I have been performing in Las Vegas. And for three years, I have been on stage with a new show, so I haven’t been away, although I isolated myself from the music industry. This, however, made it possible for me to record a brand new album.

 

However, you’ve just bound yourself to Las Vegas till 2019.

 

Yes, but I don’t want to think about that, this is somewhat scary.

 

Why are you accepting this deal then?

 

If you have three children, it is impossible to travel all the time. It is very exhaustive, although I am going to miss it since you’re able to see so much of the world, it is exciting. You experience so much and it’s such an intensive feeling, but on the other hand, there is jetlag and allergies you have to struggle with. With three children, it easily gets too much. Vegas is a compromise, but also wonderful because it allows me to be a mom and guarantee stability and safety to my children and to do what I love to do (sing).

 

And it never gets boring although it’s always the same routine?

 

I am not thinking about that. I am moving on from one show to the next one. That’s the best way to cope with it. I mean, how old am I going to be once I’ll be done with it? I’ll probably need a walking frame in order to perform ‘My Heart Will Go On’. What a terrible vision.

 

A vision you seem to have accepted since you’ve put your houses in Montréal and Florida on sale.

 

As much as I love these houses, I do not really need them because this year, I have only been one week to Florida and none to Montréal. It is not worth it to spend money on the personal for these houses while I could easily reside in hotels for a few days.

 

Do you think you’re going to find someone who’ll buy the house for 72 m. $?

 

Good question. I don’t know. Especially, since I am not going to sell it for less than that because I want to get back what I have invested. If that is not the case, I am going to keep the house, even if Vegas is now going to be our permanent home. There’s no way back.

 

Do you have any concerns that you’re children are growing up in a gambler’s paradise? A place that has a high rate of criminality and lots of drug torts?

 

I don’t think that they are going to see a lot of that. RC is home schooled at the moment, for example. It was his own wish because the situation at his former school wasn’t easy for him because he couldn’t socialise with the other students, he didn’t have the feeling of being part of a team. While school is getting more and more difficult and the amount of homework rises, it is wrong to take the kid out of class and send it some time back. That’s stressful. Therefore, it’s better for him to get home schooled, and if it’s not working well, we can still decide whether we are going to send him back to school or not. At the moment, it’s amazing because he can be very flexible. He can work in advance or catch up on missed lessons. Thus, he is able to elaborate his time management and his self-responsibility, an educational model which might work for the twins as well. What’s important to me is to be able to spend time with my children, especially while they are young.

 

 

That sounds as if Céline Dion, the mother, is an easy going mom who is allowing everything.

 

You’ll have to ask my oldest son about that, but there are probably stricter moms out there. I grew up in a family with 14 children. My mother was surcharged. Nowadays, nobody can imagine how difficult that time must have been. So probably my children are having an easier time.

 

Could you imagine to have more addition to the family or are there no plans for future babies?

 

There are no plans anymore. Probably not because of me, but because of my husband. You have to ask yourself whether it is fair for a child to have a father of over 70 years of age who might not be able to see the children growing up and reaching adulthood. I believe that it is important for a child to have a father and thus, we should concentrate on educating our children that we already have and make them feel loved and cared for.

 

In all honesty, your husband is 26 years older than you. Couldn’t he become an additional burden besides the education of your children and your career?

 

But that could happen with a way younger husband as well. Nobody is immune to disease or accidents. The relationship that René and I share is very special. He has always been there for me, he always supported me and we’ve achieved so much together. All the success, the renownedness and our personal family. That is extraordinary. I love him, even if we had hard times…

 

So you had personal crises?

 

Of course, like all couple have. The toughest one was in 2007. We were close to getting separated because we were arguing all the time. We were a typical business couple that was bound to each other by its business relations.

 

And then?

 

We sorted things out. We’ve gone to a marriage guidance, and it really worked. We are getting along with each other better than ever. We are having so much more joy and we are respecting each other even more than before. If someone wants to keep one’s relationship working, one has to do something for it.

 

How do you cope with the rumours that your husband gambles your millions away?

 

Well, these are rumours. If that were the case, I would definitely counteract to that. He is allowed to have his fun, but I would never allow him to throw money down the drain. That’s nothing I could agree with due to my education and the way I grew up.

 

… says the woman who owns more than 3000 pairs of shoes.

 

At least. Probably, there are even more.

 

Are you serious?

 

Yes. I love shoes. I am not just buying them for the sake of possessing them. I am actually wearing them and I cannot get enough of them. Although I have to ask myself sometimes: “How could they accumulate so much? Do you have a problem? (laughs)

 

So to speak a quirk?

 

Yes because I am not collecting all of the shoes because I want to set a record or something. That is not my intention. Over the last 30 years, there were simply lots of things coming together. It is, however, a bit embarrassing that I have lost track of all the shoes.

 

But you are not having any lack of space.

 

That’s true. I don’t, but nonetheless, they require a lot of space.

 

How do you store your Grammies, Echoes etc.?

 

They are in a huge room full of vitrines, but I barely go there because it makes me feel so old and it makes me come under stress in the sense of repeating my success over and over again while this is actually irrelevant.

 

What do you mean by saying that?

 

Music should not be a competition in order to get rich. Even though I am, it is a side effect of my career. I haven’t started singing in order to become rich, but due to my passion for it. Moreover, it has been my only talent. That’s why I am not pitting myself against all of these prizes, but I am, of course, happy about them.

 

What do your children think about your music? Are there any differences in taste?

 

There are definitely differences in taste. RC likes Eminem – someone I do not have use for. He was very shocked when Sia and other cool song writers offered me songs. He thought that this would have been a mistake. His mother, the queen of ‘no’ (laughs) might be a bit cooler now. I mean, I couldn’t believe it either that people like Ne-Yo, Babyface, Eg White or Sia wanted to work with me.

 

Do you have an explanation for that?

 

(laughs) Who knows? Maybe they think that I am cool. Suddenly, they write songs for me and tell me how much they admire me. This was somewhat unthinkable some years ago. In the past, people who wrote songs for me were much older than me and I was the kid. Now, it is the other way round. It is wonderful because now I am 45 years old and probably cooler than ever. That’s incredible.

 

Your singing has changed, too. You are not belting out high notes, it isn’t as exorbitant as in the past.

 

Times changed, it is not about the singing Olympiad anymore. In the past, the songs were composed to be like that. Today, there are less effects, the voice is edgier and drier. Everything seems to be more natural and straightforward. Even though I liked to hold high notes as long as possible, it is refreshing to change directions. It allows me to keep going without stagnating. Those kids delivered me new flavours. In the past, there were vanilla and chocolate and now, there are cherry garcia, marble whiskey and pecan nut (laughs)

 

And then there is of course the duet with Stevie Wonder – a knightly accolade for any singer in the world.

 

Even for me, who worked with Barbra Streisand, Luciano Pavarotti and the Bee Gees, it was extraordinary to work with Stevie Wonder. He was very interested to work with me, and I was speechless. I would have never dared to ask Stevie Wonder for a duet. We had such a good time. Stevie Wonders orange album was the first one that I bought by myself. Now, I’ve got the real Stevie Wonder on my own CD and nobody can take that away from me.

 

Are there any other people you would like to collaborate with? Is there a wish list?

 

I would have loved to sing with Freddy Mercury, but that won’t be possible anymore.

 

 

What about Adele?

 

Oh, I love Adele. I cannot wait to meet her in person. Who knows if I ever meet her in person because I don’t spend much time at a place. Even abroad, I am always in a rush and I have barely any memories of what I’ve done. But I love her. She brought music to another level. She made the standard rise and contributed to the fact that I am using my voice differently now, much drier and more natural.

 

You are touring francophone countries in Europe by the end of November

 

That’s true. The shows will mainly take place in France.

 

When will you visit the anglophone countries? You are going to be bound to Vegas shows till April 2014.

 

I don’t have a clue. But you can believe me that I am not happy about it. But: you have to make decisions in life, and it’s not always easy. I wish I could do everything at the same time, but I will have to wait for the right moments. My children are still very young. Who knows if I am ever going to go on a huge world tour anyway? Probably one day, when there are no commitments anymore.

 

At the meantime, you are busy with a mini imperium of toiletries, restaurants and golf courses.

 

(laughs) Everything you need in life.

 

What are your ambitions?

 

Well, these are simple financial investments. Is there any woman out there who isn’t dreaming of having her own perfume line? One which is so successful that there are always new products added to the range. That is flattering. With regards to the gold courses, I simply like to be able to move freely which wouldn’t be possible on a public golf course. The restaurants are places where I love to eat. “Schwartz” for example was one restaurant that was supposed to be sold. I thought that it would be good to take it over before somebody else would ruin it. Hence, we just wanted to maintain something that is so close to our heart.

 

You and your husband are real foodists, aren’t you?

 

We love good food. I do have a personal cook because I am miserable at cooking.

 

A cook?

 

Yes, he is German. He fulfils all my wishes. This, however, isn’t so difficult because I am eating a lot of salad and my children are getting plain fare. If it has to be something very special, we love the German cuisine.

 

For example?

 

These sausages from the south. How are they called?

 

Nürnberger?

 

Exactly. But I love all sausages in general. That’s the problem (laughs). They are so good and none of the American counterparts can compete with them. And you have wonderful pancakes that are torn apart with icing sugar on top.

 

Kaiserschmarn?

 

Yes. I am really missing it. Did you bring some along?

 

 

 

If I only knew…

 

Not a problem. I will be back in Berlin soon. It is my absolute favourite city in the whole world.

 

Why is that so? What is so special about it?

 

Berlin offers so many things. You go shopping, ride a bike and sit in a little bistro – it is wonderful. Every time that we are going on vacation, we make sure to shave a stop in Berlin, either before or after our vacation. Even if we are going to the Maldives, we are in Berlin prior to or after the trip. It is our favourite place. We love the hotel where we always reside, and even if it is just for one night to go to a restaurant and have dinner. I had wonderful experiences in Berlin.

 

How well do you speak German?

 

Not very well. Don’t tell this my son because he thinks that I am speaking 7 languages. He is supposed to believe this lie, so that he works hard for school. If he manages to speak 7 languages one day, I will tell him that I do not. Actually, I don’t speak any foreign language because I just know a few phrases.

 

But you have even sung in Chinese

 

Well, I just repeated what they have provided. Listen, I have 3000 pairs of shoes. Do you seriously think that I am smart enough to speak 7 languages? (laughs)

 

 

Wown what an interview!! Celine and René separated almost in 2007! Ouch! That must've been very tough times! Plus how she reponds abot the 72 million USD house: I want to get as much as I invested: She really is a big brain seriously and much smarter tha people think...

[Celcool]

I think Celine is giving her best interviews promoting Loved me back to life, she's never been so candid, smart and deep in her interviews as she is now. She's more experienced in life and it shows (also depends on the people interviewing her, what they ask her and if she's relaxed enough at the time). No more "picking my own tomatoes." Thank god. Proud to be a fan of this lady.

 

What do you mean by saying that?

 

Music should not be a competition in order to get rich. Even though I am, it is a side effect of my career. I haven’t started singing in order to become rich, but due to my passion for it. Moreover, it has been my only talent. That’s why I am not pitting myself against all of these prizes, but I am, of course, happy about them.

 

I love this! I wish she could sing with Freddy Mercury, I love his voice and songs.

[Matias]

She smoked a joint in Amsterdam...naughty girl! hahah

 

About Twitter: "But I do not . That makes me then just something special."

 

Damn she is right...

[Modesta]

Listen, I have 3000 pairs of shoes. Do you seriously think that I am smart enough to speak 7 languages? (laughs)

:sofunny:

 

That's my Celine

[duri]

Thank you so much for translating of this BZ interview! What a great interview! So many things we didn ´t know before!

[DionFanAlways]

What a fantastic interview! No more cancer talk, no more your husband is older, well I know they touched on that but it was soooo different, no more 14 brothes and sisters...... Just a fascinating interview! I mean who would of ever known they had problems.

This post was to the second part of the interview.

Edited November 11, 2013 at 07:53 PM by DionFanAlways

[NicoNV]

Thanks for translating the the interviews!

 

It's sad about the almost separation in 2007. I guess you never know what's going on in people's lives though.

Wasn't that around the time of the Taking Chances world tour?

 

I guess their happy now. I hope for both of them that they are--it could just be the translation, but it seems like they are more like just friends now. But, I guess that doesn't mean anything bad for their marriage, most happily married people are friends too. So, maybe that's why it is better than it was before.

 

Too bad television interviews never go over these things. How many times was she on Oprah and none of these things (meaning the trouble in their marriage, etc) never came up? I wonder A) if she will do another Oprah interview on Oprah's network and B: if they will finally talk about things beyond the standard interview. Clearly, she will discuss things when asked. Maybe Oprah just wasn't permitted to ask those things before?

 

Anyway. Thanks again for translating! The comment about owning 3,000 pairs of shoes and not knowing 7 languages made me laugh.

Edited November 11, 2013 at 08:40 PM by NicoNV

[Javito]

However, you’ve just bound yourself to Las Vegas till 2019.

 

Yes, but I don’t want to think about that, this is somewhat scary.

 

Why are you accepting this deal then?

 

If you have three children, it is impossible to travel all the time. It is very exhaustive, although I am going to miss it since you’re able to see so much of the world, it is exciting. You experience so much and it’s such an intensive feeling, but on the other hand, there is jetlag and allergies you have to struggle with. With three children, it easily gets too much. Vegas is a compromise, but also wonderful because it allows me to be a mom and guarantee stability and safety to my children and to do what I love to do (sing).

 

 

It's clear we're not the only ones here that find her contract in Vegas absolutely shocking and enslaving :wtf:What a shame they've accepted this when they didn't had any obligation to do so.

 

 

So you had personal crises?

 

Of course, like all couple have. The toughest one was in 2007. We were close to getting separated because we were arguing all the time. We were a typical business couple that was bound to each other by its business relations.

 

 

I'm highly surprised this hasn't made a headline in the press!!!