The well-known ballad “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion has unexpectedly become a topic of debate in the 2024 election campaign. The song was featured in a video of Dion performing, at a rally for former President Donald Trump in Bozeman, Montana. Dion’s team, unaware their music would be used, quickly expressed their displeasure.
A statement was promptly issued by Dion’s management and record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada, following the rally. Their statement highlighted their surprise and disapproval at the unauthorized use of Dion’s video, recording, performance, and likeness during the Trump/JD Vance rally in Montana, specifically questioning the choice of “My Heart Will Go On”.
The use of the song, famously associated with the catastrophic sinking of the Titanic, at a political rally caught the attention of many. Comments on social media suggested that the song was either an apt choice for a campaign seemingly headed for trouble or perhaps an internal joke at the campaign’s expense.
This incident has once again highlighted the ongoing issue of political campaigns using popular music without obtaining the artist’s consent. Dion joins a lengthy list of musicians, including The Rolling Stones, Adele, Neil Young, and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, who have previously objected to Trump using their songs at his events. Despite these protests, the Trump campaign has persisted in using a variety of artists’ music, often leading to public disagreement.
Legal professionals indicate that political campaigns are required to secure a public performance license to use copyrighted music at their events. These licenses are typically granted by organizations such as Broadcast Music Inc. or the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. While many venues have blanket licensing agreements permitting them to play diverse music, using an artist’s work in a political context can be contentious, particularly if the artist does not endorse the candidate.
In Dion’s case, the worry isn’t just about copyright infringement but also about potential damage to her image and reputation. The video of Dion performing “My Heart Will Go On” used by the Trump campaign could mislead people into believing that she supports Trump, a notion her team quickly denied. They emphasized that the use was unauthorized and in no way endorsed or supported by Dion.
Dion has made a significant return to the stage with a performance at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, her first since 2020. Dion, who announced in 2022 that she had been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, has largely remained out of the spotlight in recent years, making this recent performance even more significant.
Despite the controversy surrounding the unauthorized use of Dion’s music, it’s unlikely to deter the Trump campaign from continuing its tradition of using popular songs at rallies. The campaign’s playlist is known for its variety, ranging from patriotic anthems to musical theater numbers. However, ongoing disagreements with artists over the use of their music raise questions about the campaign’s strategy and the legal and reputational risks involved.
As the 2024 presidential race continues, it remains uncertain whether Trump’s team will heed the objections of artists like Dion or continue to use music at political events in a potentially contentious manner. What is clear, however, is that Celine Dion’s music will not be part of Trump’s campaign going forward.
