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VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton WRITTEN BY: Tal Fox
If you're gonna channel Celine Dion, you gotta go hard. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most technically and emotionally ambitious numbers in this icon's discography that aren't the easiest to sing. Our countdown includes "My Heart Will Go On," "I Surrender," "Taking Chances," and more!

#10: “I Surrender”
“A New Day Has Come” (2002)

Also in:

Top 10 Hardest Songs to Sing


Taking on a Céline Dion classic isn’t for the faint-hearted. Revered by some as the “Queen of Power Ballads,” Dion’s extraordinary vocal prowess and technical finesse shine in this number. If you dare tackle it, you’ll be required to navigate a challenging range, from soaring highs to profound lows. We also recommend working on your breath control, as we know she likes to belt. To do it total justice, though, you’ll also need to establish a deep emotional connection without compromising on your technique. Perhaps you’ll sound like this lucky fan who bravely sang it in front of none other than Céline Dion herself. But unless you have impeccable training, we suggest surrendering this one to the pros.

#9: “The Power of Love”
“The Colour of My Love” (1993)

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If you found Jennifer Rush’s original challenging, brace yourself for Dion’s cover version; it takes the difficulty up a notch. It marked her inaugural No.1 hit in the U.S. and clinched the title of the best-selling single by a female artist in 1994— no pressure or anything. The song’s wide vocal range is ideal for a dramatic mezzo-soprano. It acts as a vocal rollercoaster, starting with a strong, confident middle range and rising to powerful, rich high notes. Tackling its intricacies requires vocal dexterity and a deep understanding of the song’s emotional nuances. Get ready for a challenge that goes beyond the notes, delving into the heart of the music…and the power of love.

#8: “Us”
“Let's Talk About Love” (1997)

Also in:

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First, let us just say the gentleness of the verse feels like a crafty illusion, setting you up for the surprise when those powerhouse notes hit in the chorus. The song spans an extensive vocal range and features a complex melody, demanding precision, especially during its numerous leaps and intervals. Mastery requires rigorous breath control, particularly for sustained high notes. And that’s just the technical stuff! Power ballads, after all, are meant to stir something deep in their listeners. While it could be an ambitious goal, tackling this song right off the bat might be overwhelming. Perhaps starting with easier numbers could pave the way for mastering the intricacies of this musical gem.

#7: “It's All Coming Back to Me Now”
“Falling into You” (1996)

Also in:

Top 10 Most Difficult Songs To Sing


Dion wasn’t the first to tackle this song, but she defined it. It’s emotionally charged, vocally demanding, and incredibly nuanced. Singing this number requires confidence, so warming up is definitely a must! Not only must the singer have a sturdy voice but a remarkably flexible one that can effortlessly glide through numerous dynamic shifts. Think you’re up for the challenge? Okay, well, what about also matching her detailed melodies and tackling those impressive vocal runs? Brave vocalists need impeccable technical skills, powerful emotional expressiveness, and the utmost control to deliver even a fraction of what Céline masters. It’s not just about hitting the notes; it’s also about capturing the number’s raw emotions. It’s a formidable vocal challenge.

#6: “The Prayer” with Andrea Bocelli
“These Are Special Times” (1998)

Also in:

Top 10 Underrated Celine Dion Songs


Like many of Céline’s numbers, this emotional power ballad requires singers to comfortably leap between vast vocal ranges. Singers must navigate the deepest lows and most soaring highs while finding a comfortable range. Coordinating harmonies adds complexity and requires perfect synchronization. Impeccable breath control is also vital for maintaining pitch and tone during long phrases and sustained notes. Fancy more of a challenge? How about singing both parts, harmonies and all? Just kidding – mastering Dion’s part alone is a feat. The duet, featured in “Quest for Camelot,” earned Oscar and Grammy nods— just in case you need a level to aspire to.

#5: “Taking Chances”
“Taking Chances” (2007)

Also in:

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Dion’s ‘Taking Chances’ is a departure from her classic ballads, revealing her edgier side. Inspired by artists she admired, this song gave her the chance to explore a rockier sound she grew up loving. Yet, don’t be deceived – it’s still Céline Dion, so prepare to belt those high notes with precision and power. Mastery demands seamless transitions between soft and intense moments, coupled with precise phrasing and timing. This isn’t a song for the untrained; it requires precise articulation while staying perfectly in rhythm. Taking on “Taking Chances” is an ambitious move, but it’s one you should only approach after a thorough warm-up. Consider it a challenge to work toward.

#4: “I Want You to Need Me”
“All the Way... A Decade of Song” (1999)

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This song’s melody is incredibly complex and daunting. Mastering octaves is a must, as the song’s range could even give seasoned performers a run for their money. Are you up for the challenge? As in many of her numbers, it boasts some tricky yet impressive musical intervals and some hard-to-follow changes in rhythm. Okay, well, now you’ve got your foundations – yes, by her standards, this is just the baseline. So now, what about the more decorative elements? We all know Dion is a master at embellishing her numbers with stunning trills and gorgeous melismas. Can you match that and still sing your heart out? It’s a musical minefield, for sure!

#3: “The Reason”
“Let's Talk About Love” (1997)

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This is a beautiful number, but brace yourselves! This song showcases the multifaceted beauty of Céline’s voice and her unmatched endurance as an artist. She effortlessly transitions between warm, softer moments and powerful, belted notes. The melody gracefully spans octaves, demanding singers to find strength in subtlety while also unleashing their full vocal prowess. Nailing this requires unparalleled command, balance, breath control, and stamina. Dion’s diverse skills shine, mesmerizing audiences from intimate settings to vast stadiums. It’s a challenge, alright, but perfecting it can be exhilarating. If you have the ambition and are ready to dive in and embrace its complexity, that is “The Reason” enough to give it a go.

#2: “My Heart Will Go On”
“Let's Talk About Love” (1997) & “Titanic: Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack” (1997)

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Many assume this song needs constant belting, but Dion’s brilliance lies in balancing soft, breathy tones with powerful emotion, gentleness, and inner strength without over-reliance on vibrato. Perfecting this blend ensures the song’s true magic unfolds. Even so, mirroring the shifts in melody, delicate phrasing, dynamics, and other musical ornamentations is incredibly difficult. Doing all that while conveying authentically deep emotions can be exhausting! Plus, this song is so iconic that it comes with immense pressure to do it justice. We wouldn’t dare attempt this at karaoke without plenty of liquid courage. But when you do get it, right, you’ll probably feel like the “King [or Queen] of the World!”

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“I Drove All Night,” “One Heart” (2003)
You’ll Need to Be Driven to Avoid Running Out of Gas Mid-Song and Hitting the Brakes

“Because You Loved Me,” “Falling into You” (1996)
Because We Love This Song, We’re Going to Leave It to the Pros

“To Love You More,” “The Colour of My Love” (1993)
Without the Right Technical Skills & Emotional Depth, You Might Find That Your Love for This Song Is No More

“I'm Alive,” “A New Day Has Come” (2002)
The Skill Necessary to Sing This Cover Is Enough to Leave Even a Skilled Singer Breathless

“Oxygène,” “Dion chante Plamondon” (1991)
Careful Not to Run Out of “Oxygène” When Singing This One

#1: “All by Myself”
“Falling into You” (1996)

Also in:

Top 10 Celine Dion Songs


Céline Dion, the renowned Queen of heartfelt ballads, always showcases unparalleled emotional depth and vocal perfection, but “All By Myself” takes on an imposing challenge. Despite its gentle start, the song quickly intensifies with multiple key changes and some astonishingly high notes. To prepare, consider starting with Eric Carmen’s original version first. Dion’s rendition demands mastering vocal light and shade and the ability to sustain notes and convey profound emotions. And what about that note? Apparently, even she didn’t know she’d need to hit that famous F5 until song producer David Foster unexpectedly presented her with it. Confidence in vocal abilities is crucial; otherwise, attempting it risks an audience fleeing, leaving you truly “All by [Yourself].”

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