Canadian singer Celine Dion criticized former US President Donald Trump on Saturday for using her iconic song “My Heart Will Go On” from the 1997 film Titanic at his campaign event in Montana without her consent or endorsement.
The 56-year-old issued a strong statement, after the Republican candidate played a video of the hit song about the sinking Titanic as a musical interlude, at his recent rally.
“Really, THAT song?”
A statement on her X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram account said, “Celine Dion’s management team and her record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc, became aware of the unauthorized usage of the video, recording, musical performance, and likeness of Celine Dion singing My Heart Will Go On at a Donald Trump/JD Vance campaign rally in Montana.”
It added, “In no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use…. And really, THAT song?”
Today, Celine Dion’s management team and her record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc., became aware of the unauthorized usage of the video, recording, musical performance, and likeness of Celine Dion singing “My Heart Will Go On” at a Donald Trump / JD Vance campaign… pic.twitter.com/28CYLFvgER
— Celine Dion (@celinedion) August 10, 2024
The post quickly gained attention on social media, sparking numerous reactions.
The song, which is more about love, sorrow, and perseverance, was written by James Horner with lyrics by Will Jennings. It won four Grammys, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year, as well as an Oscar and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song.
At his rally in Bozeman, Montana, Trump used the song’s interlude to criticize Vice President Kamala Harris, who has been gaining ground on him in the polls. Meanwhile, Harris has been using Beyonce’s song “Freedom,” with the pop star’s permission, during her campaign events.
