Céline Dion Posts Rare Black-and-White Photos from Age 16—And I Can't Get Over How Different She Looks

Her hair was amazing

celine dion documentary prime video
Cindy Ord/Getty Images

Every so often, Céline Dion gives a reminder of just how long she has been a successful singer.

The latest example? A throwback Instagram post from August 23 that features a black-and-white photo of a 16-year-old Dion (and her amazing 1980s-style hair). The post was captioned, “On this day in 1984, Céline Dion launched her album Mélanie at the Hôtel Bonaventure in Montréal. At just 16, her voice was already capturing hearts across Quebec. This album marked a turning point in her journey to global stardom," and the comment section was filled with plenty of adoring messages from fans.

One fan wrote, “Céline.....Who could have imagined back in 1984 how far and how high this angelic voice would one day fly?! To be sure, her mom and dad are STILL smiling with unending love, pride and joy. In fact, she has filled the whole world with the same.....God bless her each and every day!” Another added, “Happy to have this record in my collection! As well as her very first ones.”

celine-dion-2024-paris-olympics-performance-dress: A photograph of Celine Dion performing in a silver sequined gown at the 2024 Paris Olympics in front of a grand piano.
Virginia Sherwood/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

And then there’s my favorite: “Those eyes at 16 sparkle so much already! If she only knew then how far her reach would be, how far her music would carry her! We are all blessed to have this human in our lifetime.” Dion first began her career at age five at her family's piano bar in Quebec, and her first documented performance was in 1973 at her brother Michel's wedding, where she sang "Du fil, des aiguilles et du coton." Her debut album, La Voix du bon Dieu, was released in 1981, officially launching her iconic career.

The legendary “My Heart Will Go On” singer is also no stranger to a throwback, and when she isn’t sharing snaps from her career, she’s reminding us of her incredible style.

Last week, she posted a clip where she was seen apple picking in a tree-lined field, dressed in a flowy maxi dress with a casual white tee-style top and a printed bottom. With the words  “Harvesting Happiness” flashing across the screen, she was spotted rustling through tree branches before gently picking an apple. The video was captioned: “A peaceful moment with Céline at Pommier-Brébeuf, August 2020. So many apples.”

Whether it’s a vintage photo of her earlier career or a video of her picking apples, we’ll always welcome a throwback post from Céline Dion.

Want all the latest entertainment news sent right to your inbox? Click here.



Screenshot 2024 03 04 at 4.32.14 PM

Associate Commerce Strategist

  • Covers all things commerce and entertainment
  • Has over a decade of editorial experience in both fashion and entertainment, and was previously with ONE37pm before joining the PureWow team in March 2024
  • Studied journalism and marketing at Columbus State University in Georgia