December 08, 2008

Celine Dion isn't a friend of mine. I have met her on two occasions. The first was in the late 80's (or maybe it was early 90's) when Celine was just breaking into the English speaking music biz. I interviewed her for MuchMusic. She was expanding her English vocabulary, studying with an opera vocal coach and was incredibly enthusiastic. Her first big hit was about to break. Celine was still kind of down to earth.

Months after that interview her career exploded and she was HUGE.

Fast forward close to 20 years later (!). I'm in Montreal with my father, hubby and kids. We were being tourists in Old Montreal and now were heading back to the car.

We spot a very expensive black Mercedes. The door opens and a familiar face steps out. Could it be...? I look at my Dad. He has that same could-it-be? expression. We nod in agreement. It was Rene - Celine Dion's husband!

Two minutes later, out pops a sophisticated, very tall woman sporting movie star sunglasses. It was Celine Dion!

Without thinking, I rush over to her. A big bodyguard's hand pushes me back - the first time that's ever happened to me. I blurt out to him, "I know her. I interviewed her a few years ago." I carefully omit the - 20 years ago part.

He waves me forward and I introduce myself to Celine. Here's how the scene played out...

Me: Hi Celine. My name's Erica Ehm. I interviewed you a long time ago on MuchMusic.

Her: Forgive me, but I don't remember.

Me: Oh that's ok. It was a long time ago.

Her: So are you still in the entertainment business?

Me: Not so much. Clearly you are!

Her: (graciously) Yes, but I'm a mom first these days.

Me: Me too!

Her: So what are you up to?

Me: I started a cool website called YummyMummyClub.ca.

I hand her a YMC pen.

Her: Oh, I've heard of it. Good for you!

Me: Hey, can I take a picture of us for my blog?

Her: (graciously) Sure.

Bodyguard takes a photograph. Damn, I forgot to put on makeup!

Me: Thanks alot. Stay yummy!

Celine gets back into her Mercedes limo and drives away. End of scene.

Labels/Tags: Celine Dion

Posted by Erica at 23:20:42 View Comments | Click Here to Comment

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I am about the same age as Celine and haven't been paying attention to Canadian media for a long time and I still recognized your name. I suppose she was in a bubble early in her career.
Martin, Bizerte, Tunisia
http://plasticless.com

Wow. Why did Celine Dion stop? It was like an angel descended upon you :) Thanks so much for sharing.
ANM, Albany, NY

Forget the make up.You look great!!!
Vassi, Windsor, ontario

I found so much fun reading your second encounter with Celine Dion, after 20 years.Erica, you still look gorgeous!
Pamela Aragones, Richmond Hill, ON

Erica you look great without makeup! We mummies should all go without makeup for photos more often! great story.
Sara, Charlottetown, PE

I enjoyed this anecdote. Thanks for sharing it!
Hilary, Vancouver, BC

Personally if I ran into Celine Dion, my first instinct would be to offer her a hamburger!! That woman needs a good meal... or more!
NatesMom, Regina, SK

I am sooo jealous!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lori Downs, Oklahoma City, OK

That is so exciting!!!! You are so cute!
Shirley Broback, Victoria, BC