By Celine Dion returned to her Las Vegas show, just two nights after a horrific mass shooting in the city left 59 people dead and hundreds injured. Before the show began, Dion took the time to address the audience in an emotional speech. Holding back tears, she admitted she struggled with whether she should perform Tuesday night, but decided to continue as planned to send a message of support to victims' families.
"On Sunday, we lost too many beautiful, innocent souls, and so many are still suffering," she said. "But tonight, we are going to let these families know that we are supporting them, and that we will help them through their tragic loss." She also announced that she would be donating the proceeds from that night's show to the families of the victims.
"I want you to know that you have made the right choice in being here tonight, and the reason that I decided to do the show so soon is more than to just sing," she said. "It is to show love and support for those who are affected."
Read the full transcript below:
"Before we start the show, I need to talk to you for a minute. I never start the show like this, standing in front of the curtain, just talking. But tonight is very different. After Sunday night's incredibly tragic event, all of us here find ourselves asking a similar question. For you, it's 'Do we still go to Celine's show on Tuesday night, only two days after the nightmare?' For me, it's 'Can I still do my show? Should I still do my show, only two days after the nightmare?' These are difficult questions. But I want you to know that you have made the right choice in being here tonight, and the reason that I decided to do the show so soon is more than to just sing. It is to show love and support for those who are affected. On Sunday, we lost too many beautiful, innocent souls, and so many are still suffering. But tonight, we are going to let these families know that we are supporting them, and that we will help them through their tragic loss. They are going to need a lot of love. A ton of emotional support, as well as a great deal of financial aid. So I want you to know that the proceeds for tonight's show are being donated to the victims' families on your behalf.
