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Celine Dion Rejects Trump’s Use of ‘My Heart Will Go On’ at Rally
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Former President Donald Trump has a history of using popular songs at his campaign rallies without authorization, including tracks from the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Tom Petty, Linkin Park, and Celine Dion. Many of these songs hardly suggest victory, such as “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” Recently, Trump used Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” at a rally in Montana. This song, famously associated with the 1997 film “Titanic,” conjures images of a tragic sinking ship, hardly a theme of triumph.
While Trump has used the song at rallies before, this time he also displayed a video of Dion singing it. This addition introduces various legal issues beyond the typical unauthorized use of a song. On Saturday, Dion publicly disavowed any endorsement of Trump’s campaign and questioned the appropriateness of the song choice. For many, the song evokes memories of the Titanic’s disaster and Leonardo DiCaprio’s character sinking to the ocean floor.
“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 rally in Montana,” the statement reads.
“In no way is this use authorized and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use.
…and really, that song?”
Trump has frequently chosen songs at his rallies that seem oddly counterintuitive. Examples include Neil Young’s cynical “Rockin’ in the Free World,” R.E.M.’s despondent “Losing My Religion,” and Linkin Park’s “To the End.” Occasionally, songs like Queen’s “We Will Rock You” or Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” appear more fitting. However, most artists object to Trump’s use of their music, leading to disavowing statements or even lawsuits, as in the case of the Rolling Stones. Legally, it is challenging to prevent such uses, though Trump’s campaign often retreats when faced with legal action.
After months of recovering from Stiff Persons’ Syndrome, Dion made a dramatic return at the Paris Olympics opening ceremonies last month. Despite a heavy rainstorm, she performed a powerful rendition of Edith Piaf’s “Hymne A L’Amour” at the base of the Eiffel Tower.
Source: Variety
