“Seriously, THAT Song?” Dion Casts Doubt on Trump’s Contentious Music Selection
The Canadian singer-songwriter Celine Dion, who is renowned for her timeless melodies and strong voice, was recently in the center of a political debate. Dion openly denounced former US President Donald Trump on Saturday for utilizing her well-known song, “My Heart Will Go On,” at a political rally without getting her consent.
Dion stated unequivocally on Instagram that neither she nor her management had given the go-ahead for her song to be played at Trump’s ceremony. “Today, Celine Dion’s management team and her record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc., became aware of the unauthorized use of video, recording, music performance, and image of Celine Dion singing ‘My Heart Will Go On’ at a Donald Trump/JD Vance rally in Montana,” the statement said. “This use was not authorized in any way, and Celine Dion does not endorse this usage or any similar uses.”
“And seriously, THAT song?” was the sharp remark that punctuated the statement’s conclusion and expressed the confusion that many of her admirers were experiencing.
The Irony of the Titanic
Dion and her supporters were aware of the irony of performing “My Heart Will Go On,” a song associated with the sad love story in James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster Titanic, during a political rally. The song, which took home the Oscar for Best Original Song, will always be associated with the Titanic disaster—a comparison that many instantly extended to the rally as well.
Social media was used by both fans and critics to share their opinions. One user eloquently noted, “The perfect song to play for that sinking ship,” underlining how inappropriate the song is for the situation.
A Past of Turndowns
Dion has previously disassociated herself from Trump. She was asked to sing at his 2016 inauguration, but she turned down the offer. After initially claiming to have informed Trump he could have Dion for the inauguration, Steve Wynn, the owner of the Las Vegas resort, later clarified that he “was not asked to book specific performers for the inauguration, and he never committed to finding specific performers.” In the end, Trump’s inauguration program featured performers like 3 Doors Down, Toby Keith, and Lee Greenwood, none of whom has the same level of international celebrity as Dion.
A Growing List of Artists Saying “No”
Dion has joined an increasing number of artists who have openly criticized the former president’s usage of their music at his rallies and events by denouncing his unauthorized use of it. The late Sinéad O’Connor’s estate voiced a similar outcry in April after Trump played her 1990 hit song “Nothing Compares 2 U” at multiple rallies. The family said “It’s no exaggeration to say that Sinéad would have been disgusted, hurt, and offended by her work being misappropriated in this way by someone she once called ‘the devil from the Bible.'”
A veritable who’s who of the music business appears on the list of musicians who have objected to Trump’s usage of their songs. The following musicians have denounced Trump’s use of their songs without permission: Pharrell, Johnny Marr of The Smiths, Adele, Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith, Neil Young, Rihanna, Ozzy Osbourne, Nickelback, Linkin Park, The Rolling Stones, Village People, Panic! at the Disco, Queen, R.E.M., and the estates of Tom Petty, Laura Branigan, Prince, and George Harrison.
Trump has persisted in playing these musicians’ songs at his events despite the protests from these artists and their estates, which frequently results in threats of legal action and public censure.
In addition to raising concerns about the morality and legality of such behavior, Trump’s frequent use of unlicensed music at his rallies highlights a deeper cultural gap between himself and the musicians whose work he appropriates.
The Implications for Law and Ethics
Unauthorized use of artists’ music during political gatherings raises moral and legal concerns. It is impossible to overlook the moral and ethical ramifications, even though Trump and his team may contend that they have the legal authority to play music at public gatherings thanks to broad licenses granted by performance rights organizations.
For artists, their creations are frequently an extension of who they are and what they stand for. It might feel like a violation when their music is exploited in ways that go against those ideals, especially in political circumstances. This explains why so many musicians have voiced their concerns and why Celine Dion’s criticism in public is so important.
What Happens to Dion and Trump Next?
Trump is sure to face criticism for his musical preferences again as the 2024 election campaign heats up. But Celine Dion’s adamant position makes it very obvious that when their creations are utilized without permission, especially in situations they disagree with, artists will not stand by and take no action.
Dion’s message is quite clear: without her express consent, her music should not be appropriated for political ends. The increasing number of musicians who are opposing Trump’s usage of their music could eventually force him to reevaluate his campaign’s approach to music at rallies. However, considering the past, it seems improbable.
Fans of Dion can find solace in the knowledge that their idol is defending her rights and her music in the interim, making sure that “My Heart Will Go On” stays a song about love, grief, and resiliency rather than being used as a political prop.
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