By Daniel Munslow

Celine Dion embarks on her "Taking Chances" World Tour on Thursday night at The Coca Cola Dome in Johannesburg, after entertaining over three million people in her "A New Day" show at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Upon her arrival, Celine held a press conference at Montecasino on Tuesday, during which she emotionally said that she was “more than thrilled to finally be here in South Africa”. Celine arrived with her family, and highlighted the privilege it was for her to be able to tour with those she loves. “It’s a big thrill for my son to tour with us.”

Asked about being one of the best selling artists in South Africa, she said “it is very meaningful to have had the sales I have had. It has never been a prime thing to win awards. I use music to talk and communicate with people”. She added that today she appreciates her life more than she did 20 years ago. “I enjoy singing today more than ever. I take this very seriously – it’s my life”, said Celine.

Celine says she believes in destiny – the meaning behind Taking Chances. Referring back to how she met her husband and manager, Rene, Celine told us that “It was fantastic to meet a person who shared the same passions as I did. I am confident enough to say that I nor Rene would have had the life we have had together without one another”. Dion explained that the passion that binds them together it true love; “I loved him from the first time I saw him”, she said.

Celine Dion says her new show “has high levels of energy and it is a totally different show. There will be more new materials than in Vegas, but I will also sing some of my older songs. The show is fun; it’s young, and it’s fresh”.

Editor's comment

On a personal note – it was a privilege to have met her. Celine Dion is an extraordinary woman, who exudes the confidence and passion that one has grown to expect from her music. She is as friendly as one would expect from a friend and always speaks from the heart. Love her or dislike her music, I don’t think anyone can disagree that she is a phenomenal artist, performer and person. I extend a thank you to Penny Stein of Penny Stein Promotions for making the press conference with Celine possible.

More awards for the awards winning diva

Meanwhile, Celine has received six 2008 JUNO Award nominations! Celine’s new English album, 'Taking Chances', which went 4X platinum in Canada and her #1 French-language album, 'D'elles', are both nominated for Album of the Year! Celine also received four other nominations including Pop Album of the Year (Taking Chances), Francophone Album of the Year (D'elles), Artist of the Year and the Juno Fan Choice Award

Concert Dates

Feb 14, 2008; The Coca-Cola Dome; Johannesburg, South Africa
Feb 16, 2008; Loftus Stadium; Pretoria Tswane, South Africa
Feb 17, 2008; Loftus Stadium; Pretoria Tswane, South Africa
Feb 20, 2008; ABSA Stadium; Durban, South Africa
Feb 23, 2008; Vergelegen Estate; Cape Town, South Africa
Feb 24, 2008; Vergelegen Estate; Cape Town, South Africa
Feb 27, 2008; EPRU Rugby Stadium; Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Feb 29, 2008; Monte Casino; Johannesburg, South Africa
Mar 1, 2008; Monte Casino; Johannesburg, South Africa

Most shows in South Africa are sold out, some since the middle of last year. Her track record of performing before a live audience is world renowned. During her stint at Caesars Palace, she performed in 723 sold out performances.

After her SA tour, she will leave immediately for Dubai, where she is performing on 05 March.

Read all about Celine Dion here