Celine Dion’s iconic ballad “My Heart Will Go On” has become the latest point of contention on the 2024 campaign trail. On August 9, 2024, during a rally in Bozeman, Montana, former President Donald Trump played a video of Dion performing her hit song, which served as the theme for the 1997 film “Titanic.” The use of the song sparked immediate backlash from Dion’s team, who were unaware that her music would be featured at the event.
Dion’s management team and her record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada, issued a statement shortly after the rally expressing their disapproval of the song’s unauthorized use. They announced that they had just learned about the unauthorized use of the video, recording, musical performance, and likeness of Celine Dion performing “My Heart Will Go On” at a Donald Trump/JD Vance campaign rally in Montana—the statement ended by questioning the choice of that specific song.
The choice to use “My Heart Will Go On” at a political rally is especially notable due to its connection with the sinking of the Titanic, a link that did not go unnoticed by observers. One social media user commented that it seemed fitting, as a campaign headed for disaster might as well have a matching soundtrack. Another suggested that the song selection might have been an intentional joke, questioning whether someone within the campaign was mocking it from the inside.
This incident has brought renewed attention to the broader issue of political campaigns using popular music without the artist’s consent. Dion joins a long list of musicians who have objected to Trump’s use of their songs at his rallies. Over the years, artists such as The Rolling Stones, Adele, Neil Young, and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler have all requested that their music not be played at Trump’s events. Despite these objections, the Trump campaign has continued to use music from various artists, often leading to public disputes.
According to legal experts, political campaigns must obtain a public performance license to use copyrighted music at events. These licenses are typically granted by organizations like Broadcast Music Inc. or the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. While many venues have blanket licensing agreements that allow them to play a wide range of music, the specific use of an artist’s work in a political context can be more contentious, especially when the artist in question does not support the candidate.
In Dion’s situation, the concern extends beyond copyright issues to her image and reputation. The Trump campaign’s use of a video showing Dion performing “My Heart Will Go On” could have mistakenly suggested that she supported the candidate, a notion that her team swiftly refuted. Her management stressed that the use was unauthorized and that Dion did not support or endorse it in any way.
The incident’s timing is also notable, as Dion had recently made a high-profile return to the stage after a prolonged absence due to health issues. Just two weeks earlier, she had surprised fans with a performance at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, her first since 2020. The singer, who revealed in 2022 that she had been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, has largely kept a low profile in recent years, making her reappearance all the more significant.
For Donald Trump, the unauthorized use of Dion’s music will unlikely deter him from continuing to use popular songs at his rallies. His campaign has long been known for its eclectic playlist, including everything from patriotic anthems to musical theater numbers. However, the repeated clashes with artists over the use of their music raise questions about the campaign’s approach and the potential legal and reputational risks involved.
As the 2024 presidential race heats up, it remains to be seen whether Trump’s team will heed the objections of artists like Dion or continue to push the boundaries of what is acceptable in using music at political events. One thing is clear for now: Celine Dion’s heart will not go on with Trump’s campaign.