Interview Hoda Kotb and Céline - NBC NEWS EXCLUSIVE

[karatedude317]

so true, she looks so thin here that it made me hold my breath a split-second when I saw the clip (and her dark makeup didn't help), but looks healthier in recent candid pics, so, I give up. Best (most normal) for me was her weight during the BB Icon Award, but I guess she didn't like it as she shed the weight pronto soon after

 

The earlier posted clip about the ribs

 

The weight loss after was likely a symptom of SPS and not self imposed

[scielle]

The weight loss after was likely a symptom of SPS and not self imposed

I don’t think self-imposed at all. More likely some combination of stress, over-work and SPS.

[Shaun]

The new clip from TODAY, the discussion at the end is so bizarrely past tense.

 

“She HAD it for 17 years.”

“A really rare diagnosis that she HAD.”

“She HAD something called Stiff Person Syndrome.”

 

I found that a bit odd I have to say.

[Nmj]

The new clip from TODAY, the discussion at the end is so bizarrely past tense.

 

“She HAD it for 17 years.”

“A really rare diagnosis that she HAD.”

“She HAD something called Stiff Person Syndrome.”

 

I found that a bit odd I have to say.

 

I picked up on that as well, but I’m not reading too much into it… I Think it was just grammar errors

 

Also, last time Hoda made it sound so dire… This time she’s back to sounding like Celine is on the path to come back.

Edited June 10, 2024 at 04:16 PM by Nmj

[scielle]

It's a paradox, but sometimes it takes the body getting seriously ill for the spirit to have a chance to recover. I too was disturbed by something in her interviews. I don't know quite how to define it. Maybe the constant “positivity” (which so many admired), which seemed to me unreliable and forced. The more often she said that everything was great, the more I felt like saying - “Why are you trying so hard and straining? Take off your armor, loosen your grip, it will be easier for you to breathe." I'm glad that Céline herself called it a lie, and I'm very much rooting for her on this new path.

Yes! It's so refreshing to hear her talk like this, something that even she now admits she didn't let herself do in the past.

 

I picked up on that as well, but I'm not reading too much into it… I Think it was just grammar errors

 

Also, last time Hoda made it sound so dire… This time she's back to sounding like Celine is on the path to come back.

Well, problem with these grammar errors (and Celine's own sometime tenuous grip on English grammar! ), that leaves a lot of room for [mis]-interpretation.

For instance I'm seeing a lot of press now saying she lied about having SPS for 17 years, whereas I think what she actually is saying is she had had symptoms for 17 years and hasn't been honest with herself about that and didn't take the time to stop and look into it until she absolutely had to. Not that she knew about the diagnosis for 17 years and was hiding it (and some headlines at the moment are suggesting just that).

Edited June 10, 2024 at 04:25 PM by scielle

[Nmj]

 

Yes! It's so refreshing to hear her talk like this, something that even she now admits she didn't let herself do in the past.

 

 

Well, problem with these grammar errors (and Celine's own sometime tenuous grip on English grammar! ), that leaves a lot of room for [mis]-interpretation.

For instance I'm seeing a lot of press now saying she lied about having SPS for 17 years, whereas I think what she actually is saying is she had had symptoms for 17 years and hasn't been honest with herself about that and didn't take the time to stop and look into it until she absolutely had to. Not that she knew about the diagnosis for 17 years and was hiding it (and some headlines at the moment are suggesting just that).

 

Wait until the latest media update after this most recent thing where she says she couldn’t lie “anymore”… then it’ll be wildfire.

 

I blame the AI generated BS translation for the start of people not researching before they run with a sound bite or misleading quote.

[Nmj]

 

Yes! It's so refreshing to hear her talk like this, something that even she now admits she didn't let herself do in the past.

 

 

Well, problem with these grammar errors (and Celine's own sometime tenuous grip on English grammar! ), that leaves a lot of room for [mis]-interpretation.

For instance I'm seeing a lot of press now saying she lied about having SPS for 17 years, whereas I think what she actually is saying is she had had symptoms for 17 years and hasn't been honest with herself about that and didn't take the time to stop and look into it until she absolutely had to. Not that she knew about the diagnosis for 17 years and was hiding it (and some headlines at the moment are suggesting just that).

 

Wait until the latest media update after this most recent thing where she says she couldn’t lie “anymore”… then it’ll be wildfire.

 

I blame the AI generated BS translation for the start of people not researching before they run with a sound bite or misleading quote.

[celinesounds]

I had a psychological teacher who told us in a class a couple years ago

That Celine had so much tension on her neck that one day it will Come out in stranger way

[tshlw]

Yes! It's so refreshing to hear her talk like this, something that even she now admits she didn't let herself do in the past.

 

 

Well, problem with these grammar errors (and Celine's own sometime tenuous grip on English grammar! ), that leaves a lot of room for [mis]-interpretation.

For instance I'm seeing a lot of press now saying she lied about having SPS for 17 years, whereas I think what she actually is saying is she had had symptoms for 17 years and hasn't been honest with herself about that and didn't take the time to stop and look into it until she absolutely had to. Not that she knew about the diagnosis for 17 years and was hiding it (and some headlines at the moment are suggesting just that).

 

Exactly what I was thinking. But unfortunately to many are fast to jump to conclusions or don't get the whole story. Hopefully after the interview airs in full it will all be clear for everyone.

[CelinesDIVO5]

I know this is just my opinion but I have been waiting this level of sincerity from Celine in years! There was always something lacking in her interviews, especially after Rene died. I love how she admits she was trying too hard to please everyone and act like on top of things. Happy that she saw this was unhealthy for her.

 

Really, really looking forward to this interview and th documentary!

 

I agree that she was definitely more closed off since Rene passed away. She would definitely deflect from certain questions. I honestly think the random singing was more of a defense mechanism though, rather than just flat out not wanting to answer a question.

 

She was more open in the past when she wanted to be. I think Oprah was a comfortable person for her, Her Barbara Walters interviews were great, that one prime time interview with Cynthia McFadden was epic, actually. Larry King. And that one long interview she did in French when she was super pregnant with the twins was also riveting.

 

While her appearances on Rosie O’Donnell were always fun, they weren’t deep because they weren’t meant to be. Much like most daytime/late night show interviews. They were more appearances for promo, however we did get some good moments and fun anecdotes.

 

With that being said, I’m looking forward to tomorrow night. This seems to be a grittier and more hard hitting interview. I’m sure it helps that the only project to promote is a documentary regarding this very issue, rather than a concert or a new album.

Edited June 10, 2024 at 04:48 PM by CelinesDIVO5

[Zofia]

I don’t think that part of Celine was lie… I think she just loved being the quirky aunt who sings in interviews. I could hardly watch her interviews for that reason. I’m glad that this interview is going to be done in a professional manner and Celine will give the subject of the interview the respect it needs and stay serious. But I can already guess we get some of her signature moments too but in a interview like this will probably be needed after the long discussion of her health.

 

I think we are talking about two different things. Across the board, I wasn't too bothered by her playing the clown, she just likes it. What bothered me were the platitudes typical of coaching and pop-psychology, a kind of denial of what is sad, dramatic and sometimes desperate in life. And that not everything depends on ourselves, and that not all experiences are “for something,” and some can be simply devastating. We've talked about it here before: there's a difference between optimism (sometimes heroic) and the ideology of “positive thinking.” I'm not surprised that she tried to deceive herself during her time of physical and mental suffering - but I'm glad she has that stage behind her.

[PuraVida]

I would love for Celine to reunite with Sonia Benezra for a French language interview.

[smw]

I wonder if when Celine says, "Lying to the people who got me where I am today... I could not do it anymore" who is she referring to?

 

Is she referring soley to her fans or also to her family, friends, and perhaps her past collaborators in the business --- like David Foster, etc. It seemed like she went into her turtle shell and secluded herself from a lot of people after Rene passed away.

 

I always just assumed she wanted to do things her own way after Rene died and just focus on healing. And that was, in part, why she distanced herself from old friends and collaborators. But clearly it was much more layered since she was expericing symptoms for longer than we realized. I also used to wonder if I was totally wrong about assuming she was a loner/keeping to herself since 2016ish... and perhaps we just didn't know much about her personal/social life. But now she's pretty much confirmed it.

 

Celine's had a tough road for many years. Apparently she's had these symptoms for 17 years. And she's dealt with raising young kids and Rene's decline since 2013. It's amazing she was able to keep going for as long as she did... and performing as many shows as she did. It's no wonder she's been silent these past few years... not only dealing with her illness but also reconciling all of this trauma and hardship.

Edited June 10, 2024 at 06:53 PM by smw

[zuv]

Will they present the full interview tmw? Or will it be a shorter version.

[PuraVida]

I wonder if when Celine says, "Lying to the people who got me where I am today... I could not do it anymore" who is she referring to?

 

Is she referring soley to her fans or also to her family, friends, and perhaps her past collaborators in the business --- like David Foster, etc. It seemed like she went into her turtle shell and secluded herself from a lot of people after Rene passed away.

 

I always just assumed she wanted to do things her own way after Rene died and just focus on healing. And that was, in part, why she distanced herself from old friends and collaborators. But clearly it was much more layered since she was expericing symptoms for longer than we realized. I also used to wonder if I was totally wrong about assuming she was a loner/keeping to herself since 2016ish... and perhaps we just didn't know much about her personal/social life. But now she's pretty much confirmed it.

 

Am I too cynical in thinking NBC deliberately sliced up the preview that way for clickbait? I guess we'll find out soon.

 

My impression was that Celine didn't wait super long to tell her fans after she got an official diagnosis, but maybe I'm wrong? The whole concept of "lying" is totally different if you don't know what you're dealing with. And as she said, what was she supposed to tell people if these mysterious symptoms kept manifesting and she didn't know what it was?

[Peppercorn1991]

Will they present the full interview tmw? Or will it be a shorter version.

 

The full extended version will be shown at night (US) but there will be a shorter version in the morning (also US).

 

Kev x

[Peppercorn1991]

Hoda explained we will find out how she is doing at the end of the interview. Will they update on her upcoming future and possible projects?

 

Kev x

[PuraVida]

Hoda explained we will find out how she is doing at the end of the interview. Will they update on her upcoming future and possible projects?

 

Kev x

 

Maybe she will give us an Olympics teaser?

[ivo]

After seeing the snippets from the interview I admire Celine even more. She did so many exhausting and amazing things while having these symptoms. For example het 2017 tour was just amazing. We al saw the decline in 2019 and it was better in 2020, but it must have been so hard. I can’t wait to hear her story and feel so sorry for her. Edited June 10, 2024 at 07:16 PM by ivo

[MaiconSC]

Am I too cynical in thinking NBC deliberately sliced up the preview that way for clickbait? I guess we'll find out soon.

 

My impression was that Celine didn't wait super long to tell her fans after she got an official diagnosis, but maybe I'm wrong? The whole concept of "lying" is totally different if you don't know what you're dealing with. And as she said, what was she supposed to tell people if these mysterious symptoms kept manifesting and she didn't know what it was?

 

I think the lie is about she feeling well... and not wanting to worry her family/friends... and trying to be strong for her fans... she didn't wanna tell that she wasn't ok... until she could knew exactly what was going on...

[tshlw]

I think the lie is about she feeling well... and not wanting to worry her family/friends... and trying to be strong for her fans... she didn't wanna tell that she wasn't ok... until she could knew exactly what was going on...

 

How I took it and after Rene passed she felt even more had to show her kids and fans she was fine and she could handle everything.

[Chantemoi]

 

 

I think the lie is about she feeling well... and not wanting to worry her family/friends... and trying to be strong for her fans... she didn't wanna tell that she wasn't ok... until she could knew exactly what was going on...

 

“I would be lying if I said I’m fine”

[scielle]

Am I too cynical in thinking NBC deliberately sliced up the preview that way for clickbait? I guess we'll find out soon.

 

My impression was that Celine didn't wait super long to tell her fans after she got an official diagnosis, but maybe I'm wrong? The whole concept of "lying" is totally different if you don't know what you're dealing with. And as she said, what was she supposed to tell people if these mysterious symptoms kept manifesting and she didn't know what it was?

Yeah, exactly, and a lot (most) of the press who picked up that snippet today are totally misrepresenting it. As in, she knew what she had for 17 years and was lying about it, vs. recognizing now she has had symptoms for that long (and dismissing them) and only recently finding out why.

So yes, absolutely clickbait.

[scielle]

A number of publications have this on their “top TV to watch this week” lists, like -

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Click here to view the Tweet

Edited June 10, 2024 at 11:22 PM by scielle

[PuraVida]

I think the lie is about she feeling well... and not wanting to worry her family/friends... and trying to be strong for her fans... she didn't wanna tell that she wasn't ok... until she could knew exactly what was going on...

 

I am curious how many people knew there was something off with her, or to what extent. For me, there are shades of difference between putting up a brave front and "lying" -- but that's a bit of semantics. I guess the point is that Celine feels she wasn't being an open book at some point..either for her family, friends, fans, 'all and the above'...and that started to weigh on her.

 

Edit: btw, I went back and watched her SPS announcement video and she said "Recently I've been diagnosed with..."

Edited June 10, 2024 at 11:28 PM by PuraVida

[MaiconSC]

I am curious how many people knew there was something off with her, or to what extent. For me, there are shades of difference between putting up a brave front and "lying" -- but that's a bit of semantics. I guess the point is that Celine feels she wasn't being an open book at some point..either for her family, friends, fans, 'all and the above'...and that started to weigh on her.

 

Edit: btw, I went back and watched her SPS announcement video and she said "Recently I've been diagnosed with..."

 

Yes... I don't think she lied on purpose... or that "lie" is the best word... but maybe she FEELS like she was lying...

And maybe the diagnosis was a relief, that she finally was able to be openly frank again...

 

looking back on her carreer, the signs were all there... I think they began to get stronger during the A New Day... show.

[PuraVida]

And maybe the diagnosis was a relief, that she finally was able to be openly frank again...

 

Yes, I agree. But I also think she was honest before too about how she neglected her emotional needs. She started seriously tearing up when talking about how she returned to the stage while Rene was still sick: "Sometimes, and I think I'm used to it...don't feel what you need to feel. Just do it. And I did, and it was really hard...[i returned] because I love him."

 

So even then she was aware and communicating to the world that her life balance was off. Again in that case, she wanted to please Rene. I think at that point, they both knew Rene was going to lose his cancer battle.

[scielle]

I think she also pushed herself so much because she knows how many people are counting on her for their paychecks. The band and her tech team obviously, but also she’s AEG’s biggest act and clearly RW needed her to drive traffic, and that trickles down to all the various support staff. That’s a lot of pressure and stress. If I don’t show to work it doesn’t affect many people. If she doesn’t, that’s hundreds whose paychecks are affected (and thousands of fans who made costly plans).

Covid forced her to get off the hamster wheel and allowed her to take a breath to focus on her well-being.

[PuraVida]

I'm recalling that NYE televised performance where she sang in a back brace and could barely move on stage.

[scielle]

I'm recalling that NYE televised performance where she sang in a back brace and could barely move on stage.

Yup. And at the time of the first spasm-related cancellation a lot of us thought of that, and the Dr Korovin scene from TTEOTW. In retrospect, turns out we weren’t wrong to go there, with her now saying she has had symptoms all this time.