Canadian singer Celine Dion’s hit song “My Heart Will Go On” from the 1990s has been making headlines recently, but not for the reasons you might expect. Representatives for Dion recently stated that the unauthorized use of her iconic song at a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump has sparked controversy and raised questions about copyright infringement and artists’ rights.
In a cheeky statement posted on Dion’s social media accounts, her representatives expressed surprise and disbelief that Trump chose to use “THAT song” at his rally in Boseman, Montana. The video clip of Dion performing the theme song from the 1997 movie “Titanic” was played without her permission, leading to a swift response from her management team and record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada.
According to the statement released by Dion’s representatives, they only became aware of the unauthorized usage of the video, recording, musical performance, and likeness of Celine Dion singing “My Heart Will Go On” at the campaign rally in Montana after the fact. They emphasized that this use was not authorized by Dion or her team, and she does not endorse this or any similar use of her music.
This incident is not the first time musicians have had to deal with their music being used without permission at political events. Artists such as the Rolling Stones, Adele, Neil Young, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, and R.E.M. have all spoken out against Trump using their music at his rallies. To comply with copyright law, political campaigns must obtain a public performance license from organizations like Broadcast Music Inc. or the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers.
Celine Dion, who recently made a surprise performance at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, has been dealing with health issues that have impacted her ability to sing. In 2022, she revealed that she had been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that has affected her career and performances.
As this story continues to unfold, it raises important questions about artists’ rights, copyright infringement, and the ethical use of music in political campaigns. The unauthorized use of Celine Dion’s song at a Trump rally serves as a reminder that artists have the right to control how their music is used and to speak out when their work is used without permission.
The controversy surrounding the use of “My Heart Will Go On” at the campaign rally in Montana has sparked a larger conversation about the intersection of music, politics, and intellectual property rights. Artists like Celine Dion play a vital role in shaping our cultural landscape, and it is crucial that their rights and creative work are respected and protected.
In conclusion, the unauthorized use of Celine Dion’s music at a Trump rally highlights the need for greater awareness and respect for artists’ rights in the music industry. As the story continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding copyright laws and honoring the creative work of artists like Celine Dion.
