Bozeman, Mont. - Canadian music icon Céline Dion’s management team has lambasted the use of her hit song “My Heart Will Go On” during a Donald Trump campaign event without her authorization. This incident occurred at a political rally in Bozeman, Montana, on August 9, 2024, where Trump and his vice-presidential running mate, J.D. Vance, were present.
People reported that the unauthorized display of Dion's performance video during the rally sparked immediate legal and ethical concerns from her representatives.
The video featured Dion singing her renowned 1997 ballad, which gained worldwide fame as the theme song of the blockbuster movie Titanic. The use of such a poignant and significant song in this political context left many, including Dion’s team, perplexed and frustrated.
A public statement issued on Dion’s X account clarified their stance. “Today, Celine Dion’s management team and her record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc., became aware of the unauthorized usage of the video, recording, musical performance, and likeness of Celine Dion singing 'My Heart Will Go On' at a Donald Trump / JD Vance campaign rally in Montana," it stated.
The statement further emphasized that there was no endorsement or permission given for this use, and clearly expressed disapproval by adding, “In no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use…And really, THAT song?” This line underscored the surprise and dismay at the choice of song for a political event, especially one as emotionally charged as “My Heart Will Go On.”
Dion had previously declined an invitation to perform at Trump’s 2017 inauguration, indicating a longstanding reluctance to be associated with his political endeavors.
This isn't the first time artists have had to object to the use of their music in political settings, particularly about Donald Trump. Creedence Clearwater Revival's John Fogerty sent a cease-and-desist letter in 2020 concerning Trump's use of "Fortunate Son," a song critical of privileged individuals avoiding the Vietnam draft.
Other artists such as Bruce Springsteen, and Neil Young, and the estates of Tom Petty and Leonard Cohen have also protested Trump's unauthorized use of their songs in the past. This pattern highlights a recurring issue of copyright disputes and the need for political campaigns to secure proper licenses before featuring artists’ work.
Statements from artists and their estates have repeatedly made clear that such uses of their music often contradict the intended message and spirit behind their creations. John Fogerty, when speaking about "Fortunate Son," explained, "I wrote this song because, as a veteran, I was disgusted that some people were allowed to be excluded from serving our country because they had access to political and financial privilege."
The repeated illicit usage of music in political campaigns not only involves legal concerns but also risks misrepresenting the artists’ views and intentions to the public.
In conclusion, the inclusion of Céline Dion’s performance at the Trump rally highlights ongoing tensions between artists' rights and the political use of their work. Dion’s prior refusal to engage with Trump’s inauguration, along with unified responses from numerous other artists, underscores a significant cultural and ethical clash in the intersection of music, politics, and copyright law. It also emphasizes the necessity for political entities to respect and adhere to the legal requirements and moral rights of artists in their public representations.
