What does Celine Dion’s 12½-minute set mean for Las Vegas?
Call it a “measured” revival.
In glittery splendor and owning the stage, Celine Dion performed a two-song set at the “1001 Seasons of Elie Saab” fusion of music, fashion and art in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
Dion belted her classics “Power of Love” and “I’m Alive” in a performance lasting about 12 1/2 minutes. She performed to piano accompaniment and an orchestral track, her vocals reportedly live. Dancers in white and a full choir joined for “I’m Alive.”
Though encouraging to her worldwide following, the event has not prompted Dion’s camp to update her prognosis for a return to the Strip. We can confidently report, again, that dates are being held at Resorts World Theatre for her possible return. But nothing for her has been booked or announced.
Efforts to reach AEG Presents officials for comment about Dion’s status have been unsuccessful.
Dion’s appearance during the “1001 Seasons” show was her longest live performance since her most recent full concert in March 2020. The 56-year-old former Colosseum headliner has been forced off the stage because of her ongoing battle with Stiff Person Syndrome.
The two-song burst was also Dion’s second public singing performance since the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. She also surprised fans by introducing AEG Presents CEO Jay Marciano at City of Hope’s 2024 Spirit of Life Gala in Los Angeles in October
During the finale in Riyadh, Dion was warmly congratulated on stage by Jennifer Lopez, who earlier covered “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor and performed her own hits “Waiting For Tonight,” “On the Floor” and “Let’s Get Loud.” Camila Cabello sang a medley of her favorites,”Never Be the Same,” “Shameless,” “Señorita,” “Havana” and “I Luv It.” Cabello also hugged and kissed Dion.
The event celebrated the Lebanese designer’s 45-year fashion career. Dion certainly was up for the event, vocally and also fashionably. From a report from Billboard, Dion performed “among a parade of statuesque models while wearing a flowing pale pink floor-length sequined gown with a billowing cape and her hair pulled back in a bun.”
A scene, maybe, to build a show around.
Cool Hang Alert
International Bar at Westgate is rife — rife, I tell you! — with consistently high-caliber, no-cover entertainment. Monday it’s the fantastic rock vocalist Kelly Christian, followed by two-man tandem Jamit on Tuesday, Sidney Patrick on Wednesday and cover outfit High Rocktane on Thursday. The place is usually teeming with groovers, just off the main casino entrance. Walk in, make a right, and you can’t go wrong. Hit westgateresorts.com for intel.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. His “PodKats!” podcast can be found at reviewjournal.com/podcasts. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.