Trump Rally’s Use of Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” Was Unauthorized

Representatives for Canadian singer Celine Dion stated Saturday that the use of her hit 1990s song “My Heart Will Go On” at a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump was “unauthorized” and had not received her permission.  

“And really, THAT song?” Dion’s representatives asked cheekily in a statement posted to the singer’s social media accounts.

A video clip of Dion performing the theme song from the 1997 movie “Titanic” was shown Friday night at a rally in Boseman, Montana, and has also been played at several previous Trump rallies.

According to the statement, her management team and record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada, “became aware” Saturday “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.”

Representatives emphasized that in “no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use.”

Musicians requesting that Trump not to play their music at his rallies is not a new issue. During his first presidential run in 2016, the Rolling Stones, Adele, Neil Young and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler all asked that Trump halt playing their music on the campaign trail, as did R.E.M. in 2020.

To be in compliance with copyright law, political campaigns must receive a public performance license from organizations like Broadcast Music Inc. or the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Songwriters and record labels typically sign blanket licensing agreements giving sports arenas and other venues the right to play their music. 

The 56-year-old Dion gave a surprise performance at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics two weeks ago, her first since 2020. She revealed in 2022 that she had been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome. 

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Representatives emphasized that in “no way is this use authorized and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use.” They reiterated that Dion had no involvement or affiliation with the political event.

Trump’s history with artists disapproving of his use of their music is long-standing. During his 2016 presidential campaign, musicians like the Rolling Stones, Adele, Neil Young, and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler demanded that Trump cease using their songs at his rallies. The trend continued into the 2020 campaign, with R.E.M. joining the list of discontented artists.

Music licensing for political events typically requires obtaining a public performance license from regulatory bodies like Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) or the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP). These organizations manage blanket licensing agreements that permit venues to play the music of registered artists. Such licenses are usually necessary for sports arenas and other large venues but may not cover all types of public performances.

In recent news, Dion made headlines for a different reason. She surprised fans with an unannounced performance at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics two weeks ago. This event marked her first live performance since 2020. The singer had been on a hiatus after revealing in 2022 that she had been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder.

Despite her break from the stage, Dion remains a beloved figure in the music world. Her iconic song “My Heart Will Go On” was the theme for the 1997 blockbuster “Titanic,” and the track has maintained enduring popularity over the decades. The film itself won multiple Academy Awards, and the song has been a staple in Dion’s career.

The singer’s representative team is now focused on ensuring that the song is used appropriately and legally. Unauthorized use of music at public events, particularly political rallies, is a significant concern for artists and their management teams. It’s a matter that intersects not only with legal rights but also with personal values and public endorsements.

Unauthorized usage of iconic songs like Dion’s at political events raises questions about consent and the artist’s message. It highlights the ongoing battle artists face in controlling how and where their work is used. Dion’s team’s swift response to the unauthorized use underscores their commitment to safeguarding her artistic integrity.

For fans concerned about Daphne’s health, the singer has remained optimistic and resilient. Her surprise performance at the Paris Olympics was a testament to her enduring spirit and love for her craft. While stiff-person syndrome presents its challenges, Dion has continued to inspire her fans globally.

Celine Dion’s representatives have made clear that any usage of her music for public and political events must comply with legal and ethical guidelines. The singer does not endorse unauthorized usage and remains vigilant in protecting her musical legacy.

As debates over music licensing and public performance rights continue, Dion’s case serves as a potent reminder of the importance of respecting artists’ rights and intentions. Music, after all, is not just a form of entertainment but a powerful medium of personal and cultural expression.

In conclusion, the unauthorized use of “My Heart Will Go On” at a Trump rally has brought to light critical issues surrounding copyright and artist consent. For Celine Dion and many others in the music industry, the focus remains on ensuring that their work is used in a manner that aligns with their values and legal rights.

Source: CBS News