A new documentary has lifted the lid on one of the music industry’s most enduring and heartfelt friendships – between Celine Dion and John Farnham.
In the Amazon Prime original I Am: Celine Dion, the world-famous singer took audiences on a journey through her career so far, and all the trials and tribulations that she has endured in the decades since she shot to fame as the winner of Eurovision in 1988.
While her ongoing battle with stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that can cause muscle spasms and rigidity in the torso and limbs, was the focus of the 142-minute feature film, her respect for, and relationship with Aussie icon John Farnham was a surprise addition.
The now 74-year-old became world-famous with his Aussie anthem You’re The Voice, a song that Celine revealed in the documentary made her “so emotional.”
“It was so powerful, his voice was incredible,” the mother-of-three reflected to the camera of the first time she heard the track.
Finally, after years of admiration from afar, a plan was put in place for Celine to sing the song in front of a crowd on her 2018 tour of Australia.
But before this, the My Heart Will Go On singer was finally able to meet John face to face in 2018, in a heartwarming meeting that was filmed for and aired on Channel Ten’s The Project.
As they warmly embraced, John thanked Celine for complimenting him and calling him a “good singer”, while Celine corrected him with a smile, “You’re not a good singer. You are the voice.”
Speaking of being ‘the voice’, John put his vocal chords to good use in a surprise duet of the hit song with his dear friend at her Melbourne show only a short while later.
Taking to her Instagram after the history-making performance, Celine was full of praise for John.
“I wanted to sing John Farnham’s You’re the Voice on my tours for so many years, and it’s been so great to finally do it on this tour,” she gushed at the time.
“I still can’t believe that I got to perform it with the one-and-only John Farnham! I will never forget this, the thrill of a lifetime. John, thankyou for your incredible talent, you’re amazing. I love you!”
Reflecting upon the moment six years later in an interview with Sunrise, Celine said it was “prophetic” that she performed the song with John shortly before she lost her own.
“When he sang that song, live, I listened to him a lot. I wanted to sing that song – I will reach out to him because I respect him so much.”
“He’s one of my favourite singers of all time. And I just will never forget the gift he gave me (of singing it).”
