Exploring the Iconic Concert Residencies of Las Vegas

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Las Vegas shines with its vibrant history, lavish hotels, exquisite dining options, endless gambling opportunities, and unique musical performances.

The Nevada city, which is 120 years old, used to only be accessible by dirt road. However, it has made significant progress, especially in the entertainment and music industry.

Nowadays, famous artists like Mariah Carey, Adele, Garth Brooks, and Lionel Richie are performing at various resort venues located along Las Vegas Blvd. Nevertheless, there are a few artists who came before them and played a crucial role in shaping the music scene.

Here’s a look at some of the most influential musical residencies that have helped define Las Vegas as the entertainment capital of the world.

Usher

Usher performs in Las Vegas in 2023.

Usher performs in Las Vegas in 2023.

Usher's "My Way" residency at Park MGM's Dolby Live theater in 2022 was a hit among moms looking to have a fun weekend in Las Vegas. The residency wrapped up in December 2023, becoming one of the most talked-about shows on the strip. Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Jessica Alba, and Zendaya were among the attendees. Prior to this residency, Usher had performed "Usher: The Las Vegas Residency" at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in 2021. In total, Usher performed 100 shows between the two residencies, earning over $110 million according to Billboard.

Wayne Newton

Wayne Newton performing his 'Once Before I Go' residency at the Tropicana Las Vegas in 2009.

Wayne Newton performing his 'Once Before I Go' residency at the Tropicana Las Vegas in 2009.

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Wayne Newton is a legendary figure in Las Vegas, known as Mr. Las Vegas for his iconic musical residencies. He has entertained over 40 million people in more than 50,000 concerts in the city. In 2023, he made a triumphant return to the Flamingo Las Vegas, where he first headlined a show in 1963. His residency "Wayne: Up Close and Personal" features his classic hits, along with stories and footage from his extensive career. Newton's impact is so profound that streets have been named after him in the city.

Elvis Presley takes a break from singing during his stint at Las Vegas. (Photo by PA Images via Getty Images)

Elvis Presley takes a break from singing during his stint at Las Vegas. (Photo by PA Images via Getty Images)

Elvis Presley made history in 1969 by starting a residency at the off-strip Intercontinental Hotel, now known as the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, during the height of Elvis-mania. Over the course of his seven-year run, he performed in over 600 concerts, making women swoon before his final show in 1976, just one year before his passing. Today, the memory of the "King of Rock n' Roll" is deeply ingrained in the culture of Las Vegas, with a bronze statue of him located inside the Westgate hotel. Additionally, you can easily find an Elvis impersonator to officiate your ceremony at many local chapels. Long live the king.

Celine Dion

Celine Dion and her dancers rehearsing for a 2003 performance of Dion's 'A New Day' residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Celine Dion and her dancers rehearsing for a 2003 performance of Dion's 'A New Day' residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Tomasz Rossa/CDA Productions Inc/Getty Images

During her iconic 16-year residency in Las Vegas, Celine Dion was lovingly dubbed as “the Queen of Las Vegas” for a good reason. Her journey began in 2003 with the groundbreaking debut of her residency show “A New Day” at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. This theater was specially built for the talented “Power of Love” singer, marking a significant milestone in her career. Dion’s immense success not only made her a household name in the city but also revitalized the concept of Las Vegas-based residencies, turning them once again into coveted status symbols. After captivating over 4.5 million fans with more than 1,000 concerts, Dion bid a glamorous farewell to her Las Vegas show in 2019. With ticket sales amounting to a staggering $681 million, her residency is widely celebrated as one of the most successful in Las Vegas history.

Diana Ross held court at the Venetian Theater from 2015 - 2017.

Diana Ross held court at the Venetian Theater from 2015 - 2017.

In 1970, Diana Ross said goodbye to The Supremes with her final performance at the now-demolished Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas. Fast forward to 2015, Ross made a triumphant return to the strip with her residency called “The Essential Diana Ross: Some Memories Never Fade” at the Venetian Theater. This show was a tribute to her long and successful career in R&B music, featuring all her greatest hits.

During her residency, Ross treated the audience to a nostalgic trip back to her Motown days with classics like “You Can’t Hurry Love” and “Stop! In the Name of Love.” She also belted out some of her most iconic solo songs like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “I’m Coming Out.” Fans were delighted by her performances and glamorous costumes that she is known for until the residency came to a close in 2017.

Elton John

Elton John performing at Caesars Palace (Photo by Mick Hutson/Redferns)

Elton John performing at Caesars Palace (Photo by Mick Hutson/Redferns)

Mick Hutson/Redferns/Getty Images

After two residencies over two decades, Elton John performed a total of 450 concerts at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, making it his most frequented venue in the world. Starting with his "Red Piano" residency in 2004, he returned in 2011 with the "Million Dollar Piano" show. Between the two, he sold close to 2 million tickets before his final performance in 2018. For the "Million Dollar Piano" show, Elton John collaborated with Yamaha to design a custom piano featuring LED lights that sync with the visuals displayed on stage throughout the performance.

Britney Spears

Britney Spears performing her 'Britney: Piece of Me' residency at the Axis Theater in the Planet Hollywood Las Vegas hotel in 2016.

Britney Spears performing her 'Britney: Piece of Me' residency at the Axis Theater in the Planet Hollywood Las Vegas hotel in 2016.

Las Vegas residencies were once seen as something more suited for older artists, but that changed when Britney Spears, still a pop superstar, started her "Britney: Piece of Me" residency in 2013 at Planet Hollywood’s Axis Theater. With her iconic hits on the setlist, Spears' residency brought in $137.7 million in ticket sales over four years, making her the first artist to perform at the newly renovated theater. Following Spears, other pop artists like Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and Adele have also taken up residencies on the strip.

U2

U2's Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Bram van den Berg performing their 'Achtung Baby' residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas in 2023.

U2's Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Bram van den Berg performing their 'Achtung Baby' residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas in 2023.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

U2 is known for putting on captivating concerts, and they took things up a notch with their “U2:UV Achtung Baby” residency at the new MSG Sphere at the Venetian in Las Vegas. This residency began in September 2023, coinciding with the grand opening of the cutting-edge venue and marking Bono and The Edge’s first live performance together in four years. The Sphere stands out on the strip with its impressive LED screens and dome-shaped exterior. It also features a top-notch audio system and offers a 4D multi-sensory experience with various immersive elements that enhance the concert-going experience. The “Achtung Baby” residency by U2 wrapped up earlier this month.

Editor's P/S:

The article showcases the vibrant music scene that has shaped the identity of Las Vegas as the entertainment capital of the world. It delves into the iconic musical residencies of renowned artists such as Usher, Wayne Newton, Elvis Presley, Celine Dion, Diana Ross, Elton John, Britney Spears, and U2. These residencies have not only entertained millions but have also transformed the city's cultural landscape.

Through their captivating performances and long-standing presence in Las Vegas, these artists have left an indelible mark on the city. Their shows have attracted fans from far and wide, creating a thriving entertainment industry that has become synonymous with Las Vegas. The residencies have also played a significant role in revitalizing the city, bringing in tourism and economic growth. They have also helped establish Las Vegas as a destination for world-class musical performances, solidifying its position as a global entertainment hub. talents and connect with fans on a deeper level.