Céline Dion returns to stage after husband's death

In what was undoubtedly an emotional night for her, Céline Dion was the picture of grace Tuesday evening in her first performance back on The Colosseum stage after losing her husband René Angélil to cancer last month.

The first 20 minutes of the show were streamed live on CelineDion.com.

The tribute event first began with a quote from Dion followed by a slideshow of family photos and René's TV appearances.

"I understood that my career was in a way his masterpiece, his song, his symphony. The idea of leaving it unfinished would have hurt him terribly. I realized that if he ever left us, I would have to continue without him, for him. - Céline Dion"

The audience greeted Dion with a standing ovation and roaring applause as she belted out "With One More Look At You/Watch Closely Now."

"Thank you, I did rehearse this song in my closet and it went way better than that," Dion began, trying to hold back tears. "Through my life, I only had highs from my husband who sat out here night after night. People thought that I was looking at him actually, but I didn't need to because every time I close my eyes I felt René on stage with me whether he was seated in his seat right there, in the balcony, backstage or at home with the kids. He's always been on stage with me. And nothing will ever change that."