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October 2006 Winner
Lise, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Wednesday January 24th…one day after my 51st birthday.
We arrived at Caesars Palace at 9:00 a.m. because I wanted to pick up our
tickets for that night’s show, but the box office didn’t open until 10:00
a.m. so we played a few games in the meantime. Right at 10:00 a.m. I was at
the box office to receive my tickets…front row center, how incredible! My
heart was fluttering, more than it ever had.
By 4:00 p.m. we were back at Caesars Palace dressed to the nines for this
magnificent evening. We enjoyed a good meal at Planet Hollywood and at 7:50
p.m. I was to meet with a production assistant in front of the box office
but I showed up 20 minutes early just to be safe. I informed the security
guard of my meeting and it turns out he was aware and expecting me, he had
my name written in his little book.
I was escorted to a small conference room. The show was scheduled to begin
at 8:30 p.m. and it was already 8:50 p.m. when she arrived! She was
STUNNING!!!, MAGNIFICENT!!!, NATURAL!!!, and BEAUTIFUL!!! Celine, like a big
sun, full of radiance, was fully dressed in white, tiny and delicate and
ready for the stage, her eyes sparkling gold. When I saw her enter the room
I exclaimed ”Wow, Celine!” I felt faint, completely dazzled by her presence.
I said to her, “Thank you for this chance of a lifetime…”
Celine was full of life, energetic and prompt despite her lateness. She
approached me and said hello with the biggest and most beautiful smiled I’d
ever seen. She took me by the shoulders and we exchanged kisses on each
cheek. We then posed for our photo, she held my shoulder while stroking my
left arm, and she held Louis by the waist. At that moment I said to her
“Hey, you must have be excited to see me, people from Quebec” She laughed
and said she loves having people from Quebec come see her, and that there
are more and more of them all the time. We told her how we came in September
2004 and how we could hear people screaming, “We love you Celine” in the
room, and how we joined in.
I asked her if she could sign the book I brought from Montreal “Céline Dion:
Pour toujours…”, the heaviest book, but also the best, and she promptly
signed it.
Everything happened really fast at that point. She autographed two A New
Day… programs for me, one for myself and one for my dear friend Diane back
home. Diane had also asked me to have her Celine wedding book signed, which
she gladly signed. Celine then had to leave and go see a small boy suffering
from cerebral palsy.
Once Celine left the room we needed to rush to get to our seats for the
show. It was simply amazing from beginning to end. Our eyes were glued on
Celine; we will need to watch the DVD now to see all the details we missed.
It was almost an entirely new show from what we’d seen in September 2004,
new songs, new costumes, new dresses, new set. At the end of the show, we
stood up and Celine immediately looked at us and I blew her a kiss with both
hands, she returned the gesture while looking me straight in the eyes.
I absolutely loved the show everything was spectacular. Thank you for
allowing me to share an incredible dream-come-true with Celine fans. |
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July 2006 Winner
Lani, Dublin, Ireland
It's with no doubt that I can say that this particular night will stay
marked in my memory for the rest of my life. A production assistant came to
meet us in front of The Colosseum as planned. She brought us downstairs, and
walked us through the big hallways of The Colosseum. We had the chance to
talk with the production assistant for really good while. She was great,
kind and full of information! After waiting for a good half hour, which
seemed completely unbearable, the big moment arrived. The door opened, 3
body guards walk into the room and then pure silence settled in. I then
started shaking like a leaf! The moment I had waited and dreamed of for the
last 15 years was just about to arrive. All of a sudden, we hear high heal
shoes walking down the hallway... It seemed as long as Broadway! Everything
seemed in slow motion. All of a sudden, the heals went quiet and "bang"
Celine shows her face from one side of the door! Ooooh, the feeling! It was
as if a ton of weights just lifted themselves off my shoulders. This moment
was actually really happening.
She walked towards us, with a big smile, bright eyes and completely humble.
She gave us a hug and a kiss on the cheek, asked us how we were. At that
moment, I was still completely in shock that Celine was actually in front of
me, in person, so I unwillingly answered with a bit of hesitation "Very
well..." She looked at me, became a bit "serious" in a very sarcastic and
humoristic way with a big smile, and asked me if I was sure about that! I
simply answered, "listen, I'm in Las Vegas, in The Colosseum, in your
dressing room and now, you're in front of me. How could I ever feel anything
else than "EXTREMELY well?!!" I managed to make Celine laugh a bit. We
talked a bit more. Everything seemed to go so quickly.
The week I met her was a very busy week for everyone involved in A New
Day.... They were rehearsing the new version of the show and were
practicing all week. On top of that, they were filming the bonuses for the
DVD. The "Behind-the-scene". So, everything was very hectic and everyone
seemed stressed and very busy. Celine however, seemed completely relaxed!
She didn't seem to be phased at all by any of it!
We then took an official photograph to mark the moment on film. Then talked
some more, she thanked us for coming and apologized for the short amount of
time we got with her because of this hectic week. She gave us another big
hug and the moment to say "goodbye" had come.
There's this saying that says never to meet our hero, because they'll never
live up to our expectations. I have to say that in this case, I couldn't
disagree more. Celine was simply incredible. Extremely sweet, down to earth,
simple and natural. Everything I have ever heard about Celine was completely
true. She seemed so honest. If all this fame went to her head, you could
never guess it. She is completely superb. :)
After coming back on the ground level of The Colosseum, the production
assistant thanked us and we proceeded to our seats moments before the lights
went down. First row, right in the centre! Aaah! The view! Throughout the
whole show, Celine was very interactive with us. She blew us kisses, kept
making us funny faces, etc. Everything was just simply unreal! It was quite
an experience to have so much interaction with Celine during the show. At
the end, Celine came down and handed us the famous rose. We got another hug,
a few more kisses and a few extra words. The feeling of having that
privilege while more than 4,100 people are screaming her name was so, oh so
surreal!
I sincerely want to thank you for offering me the chance to meet Celine and
for giving me the best experience of my life. Thank you. |
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April 2006 Winner
Linda, Vancouver, BC
I was just thrilled to hear that I had won the monthly Team Celine
contest. I have seen Celine three times here in Vancouver and once in Las
Vegas, but of course, to meet her personally was just the ultimate. Celine's
personal assistant met my husband, Ken, and I and took us back stage. We
were taken into a room, offered refreshments and told to just relax. Relax
-- hardly, we were about to meet Celine Dion. We had a very nice chat with
Celine’s assistant and then she went to get Celine. Celine walked into the
room, I couldn't believe it, there she was. I was very nervous but Celine
was very down to earth and gracious and put me at ease (as much as was
possible). Celine immediately suggested we take some pictures and she signed
some programs for us. We had a nice conversation and then it was time for
Celine to go on stage. We were then were taken to our seats and enjoyed the
wonderful show. Celine's voice is a wonder and the show ended much too soon.
At the end of the show I had another wonderful surprise -- Celine presented
me with a rose. I was overwhelmed and very touched. She gave me a big hug
and pinched my husband's cheeks. What a wonderful end to an unforgettable
night. After the show, we were amazed at the number of people who came up to
us wanting to know why I got a rose and hug from Celine. Some people thought
we were Celine's parents or family members. We felt like mini celebrities.
The day of Celine's concert I wanted to get Celine a bouquet of flowers
and went to several hotels on The Strip. Surprisingly, we could not find a
single florist, even at Caesar's Palace. We finally had to give up,
disappointed. It seemed ironic that it was Celine who ended up giving me a
flower.
I would like to thank my friends at Team Celine for making all the
arrangements, Celine’s assistant for being so friendly and warm, and of
course, Celine. I wanted to say something to Celine but in my nervousness
was unable to do so, so Celine, if you read this, it was an honour and
privilege to meet you. Thank you for the years of pleasure your beautiful
voice has given us. You are a true Canadian treasure. |
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March 2006 Winner
Savannah, Middleburg, Florida, USA
Meeting Celine on May 27, 2006 was the biggest day in my life as I am sure it would be for all of her fans. I got a rush on things because I had to get to Las Vegas soon to meet Celine before I had to get a job and go back to school. I met a Production Assistant in front of the box office at the Colosseum.
She informed me that Celine had a very busy 'Meet 'n Greet' schedule that night. I got upset. Of course I knew I wasn't going to get to sit down and have coffee with her, but I would love a little time. She took us to the Green Room where my father and I waited along with 10 other people for Celine to come in. Celine walked in and started taking pictures. I got to go last so I could have a little more time with her. As I walked towards her I took in her beauty. It felt as if she were a friend that I shared a laugh with everyday. The Production Assistant introduced me to her and all I said was "I think I am going to pass out." Celine smiled and said "Don't do that, let's get a picture before you do!" I know she would love to be treated as a normal person and not a celebrity, but I couldn't help it. I had brought some stuff for Celine to sign, but two of the most important items were in my bag as well. I had read that Celine keeps everything her fans bring her, so I decided to make her something. A red fleece photo blanket with the most important people in her life...her family. In the center I stitched a picture of her father. When she opened it up he was the first person she saw. I could see the tears being to surface. I wanted to lighten the mood so I told her "I just hope I don't get in trouble for copyright". She replied with a smile and a hug "Oh girl! I am not like that at all!" All I could do was smile. She said "Let's get a picture!" Then as my time was ending I pulled out a check for the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Celine has shared her talent and life with fans around the world and I wanted to give a small part back to her. I handed her the check and she said, "this is for me?" I responded, "Yes ma'am!" She said, "Oh you can just call me Celine" Celine opened the check and stared at it. The Production Assistant had to explain what it was for, because I was in awe. Celine smiled and replied "Thank you for making a difference". My heart melted. I knew that I had helped change a child’s life, even though I didn't give millions. It was time for the show to start. She gave me one last hug and I gave her a "You go girl!" and she was gone.
The glass started to shatter and I knew it was time. Celine started to sing "A New Day Has Come". I knew that the show would be over shortly. Of course fans shout phrases out during the show, so I said why not? I shouted a "I love you Celine" she turned around and said, "I know who that came from! It was you in the front row" then she winked. During her performances she would look at my father and I and give us an occasional wink or blow a kiss. Before I knew it, Celine was singing "What A Wonderful World", she hit the last note and it was perfect. As the show ended, Celine and the cast of A New Day... lined the stage. Celine was presented a rose. She took it and smelled it then she began to walk towards me. I began to tear up. I knew this would be the last time I saw Celine's show and the only time I would meet her. She gave me the rose and a hug. While she was hugging me I told her "I know you will forget me but I will never forget you". She kissed me on the cheek and put her hand on my face. She smiled one last time at me and returned to stage. She took one last bow, winked at me and she was gone. I knew I would never see her again...
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR MAKING MY DREAM COME TRUE!!!
- Savannah |
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February 2006 Winner
Pascal, from Wavre, Switzerland
Thanks to TeamCeline, I had the opportunity to meet Celine for a few minutes before the show. I also saw the show the day before the Meet n’ Greet with Celine. I sat in the Orchestra section and I was completely amazed. It had been a very long time since I last watched Celine in concert (in November 1996, when she performed in my hometown), so I was filled with joy when I heard the beginning of “A New Day Has Come.” The rest of the show was just as wonderful as the beginning. My favourite songs were “I Surrender,” “Pour que tu m’aimes encore,” and “What A Wonderful World.” I don’t want to reveal any secrets, but the set up for this last song was so moving that I cried! The next day, I had the opportunity to meet Celine. I was comfortably seated in a small room of the Colosseum, when Celine appeared dressed with the splendid red gown she wears during the first part of the show. I was so excited that Celine told me several times, “don’t shake, don’t shake!” We took some photos and then she autographed my concert program as well as my MP3 player! I must be one of the only people to have a Celine Ipod!
We went to our seats inside The Colosseum and what wonderful seats!!! First row, center stage! Celine was two metres away from me during the entire show! It was great that I was able to watch the show the night before from another area of the theatre, so I could focus entirely on Celine that night! I felt like Celine was singing just for me! It was wonderful! Thank you TeamCeline for this dream come true and thank you to Celine Dion and the whole team for the warm welcome!!
- Pascal |
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