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Minutes after Dion recalled being presented her Album of the Year award by Diana Ross and Sting 27 years ago... Swift forgot to acknowledge the iconic singer at all when receiving hers.
Making history at the Grammy Awards is a big moment and last night, Taylor Swift was the first person to win the Best Album of the Year Grammy FOUR times.
Unfortunately for Swift, she has been copping some backlash over how she received the award from the iconic Céline Dion, who returned to the spotlight amid her ongoing battle with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS).
Before announcing Swift's name, the "My Heart Will Go On" singer opened up about how she, too, won AOTY --- 27 years ago --- recalling the moment Diana Ross and Sting presented the award to her. Dion went from the center of attention in her big moment to being completely overlooked during Swift's.
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Celine Dion Makes Surprise Appearance at Grammys Amid Stiff Person Syndrome Battle
View StoryThe "Anti-Hero" singer was clearly overwhelmed with excitement as she took the stage at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday night. However, when taking her award from Dion, she chose to look back and share her joy with her collaborators instead of going in for a hug or even giving eye contact to Dion.
(WATCH) Taylor Swift wins Album of the Year #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/4BEtTMs3ss
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) February 5, 2024 @DEADLINE
The moment quickly caused a debate online over whether Swift snubbed Dion. Some viewers seemed to believe Dion felt awkward in that moment as she was seen saying "congratulations" while walking away without a glance from Swift. Many took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share their thoughts.
Taylor Swift just took the album of the year trophy from Celine Dion without batting an eye and/or acknowledging that a legendary 🐐 was handing her the award. So cringey for my soul 🫠 pic.twitter.com/J7LggDVQD8
— eazy e (@estefs) February 5, 2024 @estefs
#Grammys
— Rachel. (@_loveRachel_) February 5, 2024 @_loveRachel_
*Taylor Swift & her friends running around on that stage for her award*
Celine Dion:pic.twitter.com/fjV5H5XH6S
Horrible!! #TaylorSwift Didn't Even Acknowledge Celine Dion! Everyone Knows How Celine's Health Has Been Deteriorating With No Prognosis Of Recovery!For Celine To Be There To Present Was A Once In A Lifetime Event #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/6gb4ls8xou
— Hailey Graces Daddy (@HaileyGracesDad) February 5, 2024 @HaileyGracesDad
Taylor Swift completely ignoring Celine Dion like she was some trophy model presenter at #GRAMMYs was wild. She’s won this three times and usually such a pro. But to ignore an icon, who is dealing with so much? Yikes https://t.co/0uM1pN0wkq
— Andy Signore (@andysignore) February 5, 2024 @andysignore
Did she not see Celine...
— Kalen Allen (@TheKalenAllen) February 5, 2024 @TheKalenAllen
Hey #TaylorSwift THIS is how you acknowledge a legendary woman who paved the way for other women! 'No one puts #CelineDion in the corner!' #grammys pic.twitter.com/7AlKETU1kF
— Maria J Diaz (@Mariaj_Believes) February 5, 2024 @Mariaj_Believes
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View StoryMeanwhile, some other fans believe Swift was just concerned or hesitant about hugging Dion because of her condition.
to clear up controversies about taylor ‘ignoring’ celine on stage:
— via (@bleachella) February 5, 2024 @bleachella
celine has a very fragile condition called the “stiff-person” syndrome. she has a no-contact clause & i’m pretty sure taylor was aware of it especially w how she acted on stage (hugging & jumping energetically) + pic.twitter.com/RsTZIVjvfO
celine has stiff-person syndrome, she probably asked to not be touched because she doesn’t know how her body will react to it. but also, taylor showed her love when she [celine] walked out on stage, but also back stage, where it was private and safe to do so https://t.co/4PnlaxqpKv pic.twitter.com/JeFflOrVmM
— drew ౨ৎ 🐍 (@SNLSABRINA) February 5, 2024 @SNLSABRINA
You know, it just occurred to me that Taylor Swift may have intentionally not hugged Celine because of the "Stiff Person Syndrome and was afraid of hurting her. I would believe that before believing that Taylor snubbed Celine.
— ⚓️ Jo Wallace - ✍️ 🇺🇦 (@Scampi13) February 5, 2024 @Scampi13
taylor loves artists, and she would NEVER, EVER intentionally be mean to someone, especially on live tv on a major night for her and so many others bff r
— drew ౨ৎ 🐍 (@SNLSABRINA) February 5, 2024 @SNLSABRINA
But it looks like Swift made up for it backstage as she was seen taking pictures and hugging Dion after the awkward encounter onstage.
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In any case, it most likely was not deliberate because just minutes before Swift was seen singing along with "The Power of Love" as Dion took the stage.
And let's be honest, Swift is probably just as upset as all those people on social media that she didn't hug Dion during that moment.
Dion first opened up about her SPS diagnosis in 2022 with an emotional video in which she revealed her health problems and announced she'd be postponing her concerts in 2023.
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Celine Dion to Open Up About Stiff Person Syndrome Battle in New Documentary
View Story"Recently, I've been diagnosed with a very rare neurological condition called stiff-person syndrome, which affects something like one in a million people," she said at the time. "While we're still learning about this rare condition, we now know that this is what has been causing all of the spasms that I've been having."
She later canceled her tour in May 2023.
Last week, the singer announced I Am: Céline Dion, a new documentary coming to Amazon Prime that chronicles the past few years as she's tackled her health and determination to get back to what she loves the most -- the music!
