Billboard
From Celine To Mariah – Caesars Palace’s Highest Wattage Pop-Star Residencies
3/19/2015
A look back at Celine Dion, Bette Midler, and more huge names at Caesar’s that managed to change the game in Vegas.
CELINE DION
A New Day… Shows: 717 (2003-07)
Highlights: Nearly 3 million people saw this game-changing show, a spectacle of Cirque du Soleil theatrics and dramatic rendition that led to a 210-show sequel (Celine) and a new paradigm for pop career arcs.
The Red Piano … Shows: 242 (2004-09)
Highlights: Conceived with David LaChapelle, John’s five-year spectacular led to an international tour, an NBC special and a second residency, The Million Dollar Piano, which closes April 15.
BETTE MIDLER
The Showgirl Must Go On … Shows: 170 (2008-10)
Highlights: The Divine Miss M brought dirty jokes and her backup singers to this revue (which cost $10 million to produce). “I survived!” cheered Midler on closing night.
CHER
Cher at the Colosseum … Shows: 192 (2008-11)
Highlights: Her three-year extravaganza featured 17 costume changes (courtesy of legendary designer Bob Mackie), four aerialists, a golden chariot and its star’s bare bottom.
ROD STEWART
Rod Stewart: The Hits … Shows: 100-plus (2010-present)
Highlights: Feb. 6 marked the 100th performance of Stewart’s best-of showcase, which features lots of pink and occasional cameos from his daughter Ruby.
Shania: Still the One … Shows: 105 (2012-14)
Highlights: In two years, 337,500 guests witnessed the country superstar serenade a white horse with her mega-ballad, “You’re Still the One.” There also was a campfire singalong and a flying motorcycle.
MARIAH CAREY
Mariah Carey #1’s … Begins: May 6
Highlights: Mimi has 18 No. 1 Hot 100 singles and promises to sing them all at her inaugural residency, starting this spring. “It’s going to be really cool having her here — like real girl power,” Britney Spears tells Billboard.
