The competition is run by an opaque Swiss organization that wants to sidestep controversies that could spoil the fun.

The music superstar delivered a pre-recorded message to the multi-national singing competition as Dion continues to battle a rare neurological disorder called Stiff Person Syndrome.

Competition in the Eurovision Song Contest has kicked off with the first of two semifinals. Ten acts from among 15 countries that performed were voted through by voters to the final of the pan-continental music extravaganza.