A Dream Come True

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As a young child, in the days of pen and paper, my two older sisters and I would create our own version of the TV game show, Jeopardy!. Whenever Nancy, the oldest, played Alex Trebek, I could always bet that “music” was going to be a category.

When it came to the $600 question, the hardest one in the music category, I always knew the answer.

But I’d lose.

The answer was a female singer whose name I couldn’t pronounce. But I knew her music. I knew her voice. And Nancy played her songs consistently in our shared bedroom nearly every day. But I still couldn’t say her name.

After several makeshift Jeopardy! games, I finally got it.

say-LEEN dee-AHN.

As long as I can remember, Celine Dion has been the ultimate singing icon I’ve adored and admired. She is la crème de la crème. Just watch this live performance.

Celine’s the one artist I’ve never seen live, but have always dreamt of seeing one day. Finally, more than twenty years later, on my 32nd birthday this month, I made it a reality.

As I sat down in my seat, I began to cry.

So this is what a dream come true feels like.

You see, Celine has shaped me as a vocal artist and a performer before and throughout my singing career. When my family and I couldn’t afford vocal lessons, I studied her voice. When I lost inspiration, I watched her videos. When I thought of a singing career, I thought of her.

And now, I was only 15 feet away from my idol.


So this is what a dream come true feels like.

The night was spectacular.
I sung.
I danced.
I stared in awe.
I touched her hand.
I locked eyes with her.

And when the curtains closed, it was over. Just like that. I waited. More please? It felt like the party had just started, and I didn’t want to leave. I lingered in the energy of the beautiful, red Colosseum until I knew she wasn't returning.

As I walked out the building, I made the decision that next time, I'd book tickets for two separate consecutive shows. 'Cause you know, all those times I finally won Jeopardy! should cover it.

ARE YOU A CELINE DION FANATIC TOO? What do you love most about her? Bring on the love in the comments below!

Until next time…

Dream BIG,
Pagnia