Why Celine Dion Didn’t Want To Record Her Biggest Hit and Why She’s Thankful She Did

When Celine Dion heard the song that became her biggest hit, she initially turned it down. She didn’t feel connected to it and said she didn’t want to sing it. But the song—in her soaring voice—not only became her defining track. It also remains one of the biggest-selling singles in history.

Wherever You Are

James Horner composed the instrumental piece that formed “My Heart Will Go On” for James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster film, Titanic. But the director didn’t think a pop song fit the score. Meanwhile, Dion, who had already said no, was later convinced by her husband, René Angélil, to record a demo.

Singing lyrics written by Will Jennings, Dion recorded her vocal in a single take. And the rest of the score was arranged around her demo performance. Cameron finally approved “My Heart Will Go On” as the film’s theme, which plays over the closing credits.

Every night in my dreams,
I see you, I feel you,
That is how I know you go on.
Far across the distance,
And spaces between us,
You have come to show you go on.

We’ll Always Go On

Once Titanic arrived in movie theaters, it was hard to avoid “My Heart Will Go On”. It topped the Billboard Hot 100, and though its success is indisputable, many, including Titanic star Kate Winslet, were less than enthusiastic about Dion’s hit.

Near, far,
Wherever you are,
I believe that the heart does go on.
Once more, you open the door,
And you’re here in my heart,
And my heart will go on and on.

“Bless you, Celine, but it does rather haunt me,” Winslet told MTV in 2012. Still, Dion is relieved she was persuaded to record the song. And since first recording it in a single take, the powerhouse singer has continued belting “My Heart Will Go On” many times over.

Love can touch us one time and last for a lifetime,
And never let go till we’re gone.
Love was when I loved you,
One true time I hold to,
In my life, we’ll always go on.

Photo by Thomas SAMSON / AFP via Getty Images