Celine Dion, a renowned Canadian pop music icon, publicly criticized Donald Trump’s presidential campaign on Saturday for using one of her songs without permission. The song in question, “My Heart Will Go On,” a famous hit from the “Titanic” soundtrack, was played during a rally in Montana that Trump held with his running mate, Senator JD Vance.
Dion, along with her record label Sony Music Entertainment Canada, expressed their disapproval of the unauthorized use of her music and performance.
In a social media post, Dion and her team made it clear that they did not authorize the use of the song and emphasized that she does not endorse Trump or his campaign. The post humorously questioned the choice of using that particular song for the rally. This incident adds to the growing list of artists who have protested against Trump’s use of their music without permission during his political events.
Celine Dion’s stance against the Trump campaign is part of a broader trend where many musicians have taken legal or public action to prevent their work from being associated with Trump. Notable artists such as the Rolling Stones, Rihanna, and Neil Young have all expressed similar objections in recent years.
The Rolling Stones threatened legal action in 2020, while Rihanna and Neil Young sent cease-and-desist letters and even filed lawsuits to stop the use of their music at Trump’s rallies.
The issue of unauthorized music use in political campaigns has been a recurring problem, with artists often speaking out to protect their creative rights and public image. Dion’s management and Sony Music Canada’s quick response highlights the importance of artists maintaining control over how their work is used, especially in politically charged contexts.
The ongoing resistance from artists reflects broader concerns about the misuse of their work in ways that could be seen as endorsing a political candidate or cause.
Dion’s recent return to the spotlight, following a four-year hiatus, was marked by a powerful performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony. Her rendition of Edith Piaf’s “Hymn to Love” at the Eiffel Tower was highly praised, underscoring her status as a global music icon. This public denouncement of the Trump campaign reinforces her stance on protecting her artistic integrity and ensuring that her work is not misused.