Arts & Entertainment
Celine Dion performs own song for surprised fans at drag karaoke in NYC

Legendary singer Celine Dion celebrated the release of her newest album last week by partying with some of her gay fans in New York.
“Courage,” the Canadian diva’s first English-language album in six years, dropped on Friday, and to mark the occasion, she turned up at Lips, an NYC restaurant on the Upper East Side that has regular drag shows, giving patrons gathered there an unexpected night to remember.
The venue was hosting a Celine-themed night, tied in with the new album, with fans singing karaoke versions of Dion’s biggest hits. Just after midnight on Friday morning, the 51-year-old Dion appeared onstage and began to sing one of her latest songs – with the karaoke screen flashing the lyrics so that the surprised and delighted fans in the crowd could sing along.
One audience member, @dbenderstern on Twitter, tweeted:
“I can’t believe I watched Céline Dion do karaoke of her own song at a gay bar at 12:30 AM last night.”
The tweet included a clip of Dion and has gone viral with over 225k likes.
Dion told the crowd, “This album has been a long process. I’m sorry it took awhile, but thank you so much for all your support through the years and for being here tonight.
“I hope René will like the album, and I hope you like it as well, of course. I put my heart into it. I love you all very much.”
The René referenced by Dion is her late husband, René Angélil, who passed away in 2016.
She performed a song from the new album, entitled, “Flying On My Own.”
Stephanie Stone, a drag queen present on the stage alongside Dion, told NBC’s Today, “As we know in life sometimes there are disappointments. Celine is not one of them. She delivers. So funny, kind and everything you hope for.”
The DC Black Pride Opening Reception was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Friday, May 22. Grammy Award-winning artist Durand Bernarr was the headline performer. Comedian Anthony Oakes was the host. Speakers included Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson and Center For Black Equity President Kenya Hutton, as well as speakers from health organizations and sponsors. The event featured performances from Billy the Goat, Jay Columbus, Akeem Woods, Rue Pratt, Be Steadwell and Bennu Byrd.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
















Photos
PHOTOS: Black Pride Pageant and Unity Ball
Back-to-back events held on first night of D.C. Black Pride
The Mr. and Miss DC Black Pride Pageant was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Thursday, May 21. Following the pageant, Black Pride events continued with the 10th annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
























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PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
D.C.-area productions honored at Theatre Washington’s annual ceremony
Theatre Washington’s 42nd Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 18.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)


































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