Celine Dion Makes Surprise Appearance at City of Hope Spirit of Life Gala, Presents Spirit of Life Award to AEG CEO Jay Marciano

Celine Dion made a surprise appearance at the City of Hope Spirit of Life Gala in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday night. The Canadian singer was in attendance to present the Spirit of Life Award to AEG CEO Jay Marciano for his philanthropic and humanitarian efforts towards cancer research.

“What a joy it is to come together with everyone in this room tonight to do everything in our power to help spread this great gift,” Dion said.

City of Hope is a cancer research and treatment program. Dion’s husband, René Angélil, died of cancer on Jan. 14, 2016.

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“The City of Hope is so well-named,” Dion said during her presentation speech. “It does so much more than the important research leading to new treatments. It provides care to people in their greatest time of need…it provides the most precious ingredient of all. It provides hope.”

Dion lauded the choice of Marciano as the Spirit of Life Award recipient — explaining that she believed his career has survived its share of great challenges but has been marked by consistent expression of empathy: “You have shown such a generosity of spirit, a kindness and understanding of humanity that your legacy seems to be building itself,” Dion said.

The Grammy winner recently returned to the limelight with the release of her documentary “I Am: Celine Dion.” She also performed at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. This marked the star’s first public performance since stepping away from touring due to her Stiff Person Syndrome diagnosis in December 2022.

The event, which took place at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in downtown Los Angeles, also featured a headlining performance from Elton John.

John expressed his support for Marciano and said the music promoter has been part of his career for some time. The singer first met Marciano at Madison Square Garden, before Marciano had even been hired by the company where he now serves as CEO.

John went on to list Marciano as one of the “four diamonds in (his) career” and added: “Between the four of them, we have carved some amazing memories.”

Marciano is both the chairman and CEO of AEG. Over the course of his career, he has promoted tours for concerts by artists including John, the Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.