Boys on the side: Female-led residences dominate Vegas in 2020
With new residencies from Shania Twain and Kelly Clarkson, plus extensions to super-successful concert series by Gwen Stefani and Christina Aguilera, 2020 might better be known as “Year of the Woman Superstar” at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas.
“Shania Twain ‘Let’s Go!’ The Vegas Residency” opens on Dec. 6, with “Kelly Clarkson: Invincible” beginning on Apr. 1. Meanwhile, “Christina Aguilera: The Xperience” has been extended through March, while the final performances of “Gwen Stefani -- Just A Girl” have dates in February and May.
“I’ve always seen Las Vegas as a place for the top entertainment and entertainers,” said Twain. “So I feel very privileged to be in that place in my career right now.”
The top-performing female country artist ever, with more than 90 million albums sold worldwide, Twain’s prior Vegas residency ran 2012-2014 to rave reviews. Since then, she released 2017’s chart-topping album “Now,” and ventured out on an accompanying world tour.
“I decided to do another residency because I enjoyed the last one so much!” the Canadian singer enthused. “Also, I enjoy the change of being stationary with a big production -- because it’s a real luxury to be able to produce a show that doesn’t have to be built to be mobile.”
The 4,600-capacity Zappos Theater is an up-close and personal for an artist of Twain’s stature. She’ll be emphasizing audience participation in her shows, including an onstage dance floor. “That room is even more intimate because it just has a very informal spirit to it,” said Twain of Zappos. “I enjoy that about live performance; I enjoy breaking down the barriers between the stage and the audience, so this room really allows that.”
Twain is promising nostalgic set lists to thrill every fan, plus outside-the-box concepts and dazzling visuals. She relishes the challenge of impressing more casual attendees -- who may not just be the diehard fans she’s used to playing to while on tour -- as a throwback to her early days.
“I’ve seen a lot of shows in Las Vegas now -- I see shows regularly,” she explained. “I feel that I understand the perspective of the audience, and I design the show with that in mind, never taking for granted that the people in the audience are hardcore fans.”
Following her Grammy-nominated eighth album, “Meaning of Life,” and the success of her eponymous new daytime talk show, Kelly Clarkson is relishing another career first: a 16-date run of “Invincible” shows at Zappos Theater during April, July, August, and September 2020.
“I’ve always loved performing in Las Vegas and the high energy of the crowds there,” she said. “So many of my musical idols have had, and still have, incredible residencies on the Strip, and I’m so excited to create my own!”
The extensions of Christina Aguilera’s multisensory “The Xperience” and Gwen Stefani’s ultra-energized “Just A Girl” are evidence of the stunning success of both of these raved-about Planet Hollywood headliners, which will continue well into 2020.
Ring it in
New Year’s Eve in Vegas will be huge, even by Sin City standards. Why not welcome 2020 with one of your favorites?
Christina Aguilera
“Last year I rang in NYE in Times Square, and this year I’m excited to keep it just as grand,” said Xtina, whose “The Xperience” residency at Planet Hollywood will be in celebratory mode, champagne toast and all, on Dec. 31. “To be on stage and with my fans to countdown the seconds to the New Year brings an incredible sense of community and joy.” Shows on Dec 27, 28, 30, 31
Lady Gaga
The Oscar winner will perform her intimate “Jazz and Piano” residency at Park MGM on NYE, featuring American standards and reworkings of her hits, before a break to craft a new album. Shows on Dec 28, 30 (Enigma), 31 (Jazz & Piano)
Journey
Though a beloved part of American pop culture for decades, Journey seldom host NYE shows. So the quintet’s Dec. 31 performance, crowning a four-night extension to their arena-worthy Caesars Palace residency, is a rare and nostalgic treat. Shows on Dec 27, 28, 30, 31
-Paul Rogers, Custom Publishing Writer