How Céline Dion turned a superhero soundtrack into an emotional anthem of hope.
When audiences walked into Deadpool 2, they expected irreverence, action, and offbeat humor. What they didn’t expect was a heart-stopping ballad delivered by none other than Céline Dion — rising above the chaos with a voice full of pain, power, and grace. “Ashes”, the song that opens the film, immediately stood out not just as a cinematic surprise, but as a soulful declaration of resilience, one that speaks to anyone who has ever tried to rise from ruin.
Written by Petey Martin, Jordan Smith, and Tedd T, “Ashes” was more than just another movie track. It was an opportunity to give emotional weight to a film known more for jokes than heart. And Dion was the perfect choice. When the filmmakers approached her, they weren’t just looking for a “big voice.” They were looking for an artist who could take something theatrical — even ironic — and fill it with sincerity. Céline didn’t disappoint.
From the very first line — “What’s left to say? These prayers ain’t working anymore…” — the tone is clear: this is a song about loss, surrender, and transformation. It’s about watching something precious fall apart, and somehow, finding the strength to keep going. It’s the kind of message Dion has built her legacy on, and in “Ashes”, she delivers it with haunting beauty.
Musically, the song begins in near silence. A soft piano carries the melody as Dion’s voice enters — fragile, questioning. But as the track builds, so does her resolve. Strings swell. Drums rise. And Dion’s voice climbs into its full power, belting the chorus like someone clawing their way out of wreckage:
“Let beauty come out of ashes…”
It’s a line that feels almost biblical, yet deeply personal. It’s about the belief that even devastation can lead to renewal — a message more timely now than ever.
What makes “Ashes” so remarkable isn’t just its emotional pull. It’s the way Dion balances theatricality with raw honesty. Even in a superhero film known for breaking the fourth wall, her performance stays grounded. She doesn’t wink at the camera. She doesn’t hold back. Instead, she sings with the same conviction that’s made her one of the most beloved vocalists of our time.
The music video — equal parts dramatic and tongue-in-cheek — features Dion performing on a dramatic stage while Deadpool dances in high heels (yes, really). But somehow, the absurdity of the visuals only highlights the sincerity of the song. Céline delivers her part with complete commitment, reminding us that even in a world full of noise, real emotion still cuts through.
Though not a traditional radio hit, “Ashes” received critical acclaim and found a devoted audience online. Fans praised Dion for elevating a genre film with unexpected depth, and many shared how the lyrics spoke to their own struggles. Whether dealing with grief, depression, heartbreak, or simply trying to rebuild from a difficult chapter, “Ashes” became more than a movie theme — it became a quiet anthem of endurance.
Céline Dion has often been associated with power ballads tied to larger-than-life moments — from Titanic to the Olympics. But with “Ashes”, she proved once again that her true gift isn’t just hitting high notes. It’s reaching people where they are — in their brokenness, their searching, their hope.
In a world that often rushes past pain in search of the next distraction, Dion paused. She stood still. And she sang. Not to a crowd. Not for applause. But for everyone who’s ever tried to rise again, trembling but determined.
That’s the gift of “Ashes”. It’s not flashy or loud. It’s a song for the rebuilding, for the quiet strength found in survival.
Because sometimes, out of the fire — beauty really does rise.