.jpg)
In the world of live music, concert residencies are the ultimate showcase of an artist’s skill and charisma. Think of iconic ‘gigs’ that legends like Elvis, Lady Gaga, or Cher held in Vegas; they are massive productions, complete with all the razzle-dazzle and glitz and glamour you could ever think of. Often hosted in iconic venues, these multi-night, often multi-year stints bring audiences closer to their favorite stars while raking in staggering earnings. Here’s a look at some of the most successful concert residencies of all time, from Las Vegas legends to trailblazing tours.
1. Celine Dion – A New Day
Dates: March 25, 2003 – December 15, 2007
Gross Earnings: $385 million
Venue: The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
Celine Dion’s A New Day residency redefined the Las Vegas entertainment scene. Combining stunning visual effects with her insane vocals, this show was more than a concert; it was a theatrical experience. Designed by Franco Dragone, the production featured over 70 dancers and cutting-edge technology that set a new standard for residency shows. Over the course of 717 performances, Dion drew nearly three million fans, solidifying Las Vegas as a premier destination for live music.
2. Celine Dion – Celine
Dates: March 15, 2011 – June 8, 2019
Gross Earnings: Over $296 million
Venue: The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
After the triumph of A New Day, Dion returned with Celine, a more intimate, but equally captivating show. With a focus on her biggest hits and heartfelt tributes, including performances of My Heart Will Go On, the residency was a love letter to her fans. Despite its smaller scale compared to her previous production, Celine ran for over eight years and became one of the highest-grossing residencies in history.
3. Billy Joel – Madison Square Garden
Dates: Began in January 2014 - Ongoing
Gross Earnings: Over $150 million (as of 2023)
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York
Billy Joel’s residency at Madison Square Garden is a testament to his status as a living music legend. Dubbed the ‘Piano Man,’ Joel has performed a monthly show at MSG since 2014, making it the first-ever music franchise of its kind. With over 100 performances and counting, the residency has attracted fans from all over the globe, eager to witness his timeless hits like Uptown Girl and New York State of Mind.
4. U2 – Achtung Baby at the Sphere
Dates: October 2023 – Present
Gross Earnings: Over $100 million (projected for its initial run)
Venue: The Sphere at The Venetian Resort
U2's groundbreaking residency is a celebration of their iconic Achtung Baby album. Hosted in the futuristic Sphere in Las Vegas, the residency offers an unparalleled visual and auditory experience. The Sphere’s 360-degree LED screen and advanced acoustics make it one of the most innovative concert venues in the world, perfectly complementing U2's bold style. The residency also marks U2’s first-ever long-term engagement, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge technology, drawing fans eager to experience the next era of live performance.
5. Elton John – The Red Piano
Dates: February 13, 2004 – April 22, 2009
Gross Earnings: $166.4 million
Venue: The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
With flamboyant costumes, dazzling visuals, and hit after hit, Elton John’s The Red Piano was a feast for the senses. Designed with help from photographer David LaChapelle, the show was as much about storytelling as it was about music. Featuring classic tracks like Rocket Man and Candle in the Wind, Elton’s charismatic performances made The Red Piano a standout success, cementing his legacy as one of Las Vegas’s most beloved performers.
6. Britney Spears – Piece of Me
Dates: December 27, 2013 – December 31, 2017
Gross Earnings: $137.7 million
Venue: Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
Britney Spears, icon of early 2000s pop music, brought pop royalty to the Las Vegas Strip with Piece of Me. Performing over 250 shows, Spears delivered a high-energy setlist of her biggest hits, from Toxic to …Baby One More Time. The residency was a turning point for both Spears and Vegas itself, attracting a younger demographic to the city and proving that pop stars could dominate the residency scene just as effectively as classic rock and ballad singers.
7. Dead & Company – Dead Forever
Dates: Ongoing since 2015 (Annual multi-night engagements)
Gross Earnings: Over $100 million
Venue: Various, including Citi Field and The Gorge
Dead & Company, featuring members of The Grateful Dead alongside John Mayer, have turned their annual multi-night runs into some of the most profitable events in live music. With a loyal fan base known as ‘Deadheads,’ these residencies are a celebration of improvisation and community. Fans travel from around the world to experience their blend of psychedelic rock and jam-band magic, keeping the Grateful Dead’s legacy alive.
8. Elton John – Million Dollar Piano
Dates: September 28, 2011 – May 17, 2018
Gross Earnings: $131 million
Venue: The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
Elton John returned to Las Vegas with Million Dollar Piano, named after his dazzling Yamaha piano adorned with over 68 LED screens. The residency combined Elton’s iconic showmanship with a setlist spanning his decades-long career. Each performance was a masterclass in entertainment, reaffirming the artist’s position as a residency heavyweight.
9. Bruno Mars – MGM Park Theater
Dates: 2016 – Present (Intermittent engagements)
Gross Earnings: Over $50 million
Venue: Park MGM, Las Vegas
Bruno Mars brings his signature blend of funk, soul, and pop to his residency at Park MGM. Known for his electrifying stage presence and unmatched charisma, Mars delivers a non-stop party, performing hits like Uptown Funk and 24K Magic. His residency appeals to fans of all ages, making it one of Vegas's hottest tickets.
10. Lady Gaga – Enigma
Dates: December 28, 2018 – May 1, 2022
Gross Earnings: $53 million
Venue: Park MGM, Las Vegas
Lady Gaga’s Enigma residency showcased her versatility as both a pop icon and a theatrical performer. Featuring futuristic costumes and a dynamic stage design, the show was part concert, part sci-fi spectacle. Gaga also performed a jazz-focused set called Jazz & Piano, highlighting her musical range.
11. Jennifer Lopez – All I Have
Dates: January 20, 2016 – September 29, 2018
Gross Earnings: $101.9 million
Venue: Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
Jennifer Lopez’s All I Have residency was just as glamorous and bombastic as the artist herself. Combining breathtaking choreography, elaborate costumes, and her biggest hits, the show was a celebration of her career and Latin heritage. J.Lo's infectious energy and flawless execution made every performance unforgettable, and fans kept coming back for more, night after night.
12. Cher – Classic Cher
Dates: February 8, 2017 – March 2018
Gross Earnings: $97 million
Venue: Park Theater, Las Vegas
With her larger-than-life persona and a career spanning decades, Cher’s Classic Cher residency was a dazzling retrospective. From her iconic Bob Mackie costumes to her timeless hits like Believe and If I Could Turn Back Time, the show was pure spectacle. Cher’s ability to captivate audiences proves why she remains a musical legend, and she continues to inspire fans and fellow artists alike.
13. Bette Midler – The Showgirl Must Go On
Dates: February 20, 2008 – January 31, 2010
Gross Earnings: Over $70 million
Venue: The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
Bette Midler’s residency was a glitzy production that paid homage to her showgirl roots. With her signature humor, elaborate sets, and a stunning 13-piece band, the show celebrated her career highlights, while bringing Vegas-style theatrics to life.
14. Shania Twain – Let’s Go!
Dates: December 6, 2019 – September 10, 2022
Gross Earnings: Over $60 million
Venue: Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood
Shania Twain’s second Las Vegas residency, Let’s Go!, was a celebration of her country-pop dominance. Packed with hits like Man! I Feel Like a Woman! and You’re Still the One, the residency showcased her electrifying energy and storytelling flair.
15. Rod Stewart – The Hits
Dates: August 24, 2011 – October 23, 2022
Gross Earnings: Over $57 million
Venue: The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
Rod Stewart’s residency, aptly named The Hits, was a masterclass in classic rock. Featuring fan favorites like Maggie May and Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?, Stewart’s residency was a crowd-pleaser that combined nostalgia with high-octane performances.
Join Xposure Music and gain access to some of the best music industry professionals in the U.S. Top experts from Sony, Columbia, Def Jam, or Universal have already joined our platform, and they’re ready to give invaluable, on-point feedback on your work, which can help you land that dream record deal or publishing deal you’ve been working towards. Sign up now and reap the rewards.
If you’re looking to kickstart your music career but have limited resources, we can help you get funding for your next project while staying in control of your own work and career trajectory. You keep 100% ownership of your masters and get an advance ranging from $1,000 to $3 million to get your career off the ground. Get an estimate now and start turning your dream into reality.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
