Connections between Eurovision winner Céline Dion and Australia's 2026 entrant Delta Goodrem

Kyriakos Tsinivits
4 minutes ago
3 min read

This week, Céline Dion, the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 1988, announced her long-awaited return to the stage, confirming a 10-show run in Paris starting this September.

In celebration of her comeback, we explore the fascinating connections between Céline and Australia’s Eurovision Song Contest 2026 representative, Delta Goodrem, an artist who has long described Céline as one of her idols.

Céline’s return to the stage

Sharing the news in a birthday video on social media, the 58-year-old revealed she is feeling well and managing her health after stepping back from performing due to a rare condition.

Céline disclosed in 2022 that she had been diagnosed with Stiff-person syndrome, which ultimately led to the cancellation of her Courage World Tour in 2023. While there is no cure, treatment can help manage symptoms.

Her comeback shows will take place at Paris La Défense Arena from 12 September, marking her first live performances in several years.

A direct link: Delta wrote for Céline

One of the strongest connections between the two artists comes through songwriting.

In 2007, Delta co-wrote Eyes on Me alongside Swedish producer Kristian Lundin and songwriter Savan Kotecha (who would later work on the film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga).

The track was ultimately recorded by Céline for her album Taking Chances and released as its second single.

Originally intended for Delta’s own album, the song didn’t make the final cut — but found new life with Céline.

Delta also contributed backing vocals to the track, marking a rare moment where an Australian Eurovision act directly contributed to the catalogue of a Eurovision winner.

At the time, Delta’s manager described the placement as a career highlight, noting her long-standing admiration for Céline.

Did they ever meet?

Reports suggest the two artists crossed paths in person in 2007.

According to News.com.au, Delta met Céline backstage during her Las Vegas residency, A New Day…, held at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

The show—one of the most successful residencies of all time—ran from 2003 to 2007 and featured over 700 performances by Céline.

However, it’s worth noting that this meeting has not been widely documented beyond early reports, and neither artist has spoken publicly about it in detail.

As such, while it’s likely the encounter took place, it remains something of a lesser-known and lightly documented moment.

Delta’s love for Céline’s music

Delta’s admiration for Céline extends well beyond influence—she has regularly performed her songs throughout her career.

Among the tracks she has covered (including some places Delta performed them) are:

Eyes on Me (TikTok Live 2021)
My Heart Will Go On
The Prayer (An Evening with Delta:The Top of My World Shows - Aussie tour & The Voice Australia)
Think Twice
Because You Loved Me (Mighty Hoopla 2024 - London)

These performances, shared across live shows and online sessions, highlight the clear vocal and emotional inspiration Céline's has had on Delta's artistry.

Two powerhouse performers

The similarities between the two artists are striking.

Both Céline and Delta are known for their soaring, emotive ballads, technically strong vocal performances, piano-driven song styles and global pop appeal.

They have also shared industry connections, including working within the same major label system and collaborating with similar international producers and songwriters.

In many ways, Delta represents a modern Australian counterpart to the style of artist Céline helped define globally.

A guiding influence

Delta has been open about the profound impact Céline has had on her career.

In an interview on BBC's The One Show, she described both Céline Dion and Olivia Newton-John as her “great loves,” adding:

“I wouldn’t be in music if it wasn’t for them… They are my north star and guiding light.”

She echoed similar sentiments on ITV's This Morning, calling Eurovision an “iconic stage” and again referencing Céline as a key inspiration behind her journey to the Contest.

From writing songs for her idol to following in her Eurovision footsteps, Delta Goodrem’s connection to Céline Dion is both personal and professional.

While Céline’s legacy at Eurovision is already cemented with her 1988 victory, Delta now steps onto the same global stage decades later, carrying with her the influence of one of the Contest’s most iconic winners.

Whether Delta can replicate that success remains to be seen.

All eyes now turn to Vienna this May.

Delta will be competing with her entry Eclipse representing Australia at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna on May 14 (May 15 in Australia) in the second semi-final, where she will be performing in 11th place in the running order.