Celine Dion News

The Las Vegas headliner was forced to cancel nearly a week's worth of gigs last month due to a rare ear disease called labyrinthitis. The Titanic-voiced singer returned to the Caesar's Palace stage Friday, though not necessarily with a clean bill of health.

Rene Angelil, Dion's husband and longtime manager, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that the problem began with a viral illness and that fluid build-up in her inner ear led to severe cases of vertigo.

A posting on the singer's official Website last month informed ticket holders of the cancellation: "Celine continues to recover from the virus she contracted last week which spread to her inner ear. Medically known as viral labyrinthitis, the condition causes nausea, dizziness, and general weakness.

"Her doctor has prescribed medication to treat the associated irritations and instructed her to rest for the next five days, so that the virus can run its course."

According to the Review-Journal, the Grammy winner, who has performed several times since returning, has told fans that the condition could last anywhere "from a couple weeks to a year."

Which means it may interfere with an important milestone.

Next Sunday, Dion will celebrate the 500th performance of her headlining show by giving back to the city, donating the night's proceeds to the Celine Dion Foundation, which will in turn disperse the money to 10 separate local charities.

"The people of Las Vegas have been so good to us since we moved here," she said. "By dedicating this special show to local charities and contributing to their efforts to help the community, it gives us a chance to say thank you in a very meaningful way. We're hoping to raise a million dollars on May 7th, for these great organizations."

The Candian chanteuse ends her four-year, $100 million run in Sin City in late 2007, though the stage won't be empty for long.

It was recently announced that Cher, who not long ago finished up her latest farewell tour, will be taking Dion's place at the Coliseum, though like her predecessor, Cher will have a new space built specifically for her show. She kicks off her run in 2008.