VERDICT: WE GAVE 5 OUT OF 5 TICKETS AND HERE’S WHY!
This guide forms part of our complete USA Travel Guide, featuring scenic road trips, iconic destinations, practical travel advice and honest first-hand travel experiences from across the United States.
This article is also part of the Ultimate Guide to Nevada, exploring the Vegas Strip, the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Area 51 and even Getting Married. Read the complete itinerary here.
A magical evening with one of the greatest voices of all time and why Las Vegas remains the entertainment capital of the world
When people ask us what our favourite memory from Las Vegas is, they usually expect us to say the casinos, the Strip or one of the incredible hotels.
They’re always surprised when we answer almost immediately. Going to live converts and seeing incredible artists such as Céline Dion.
We’ve always enjoyed her music and knew she had one of the greatest voices in the world, but nothing prepared us for experiencing her perform in person. From the moment the lights dimmed, we knew this was going to be something special.
As soon as Céline walked onto the stage, the audience erupted. Then she began to sing. Within moments we completely forgot we were sitting inside a theatre in Las Vegas. Her voice was simply extraordinary.
We’ve all heard the recordings thousands of times over the years, but hearing those songs performed live gave us an entirely new appreciation for just how gifted she really is. Somehow she makes incredibly difficult songs sound effortless.
As the evening unfolded, it also became obvious just how genuine she is. Between songs she chatted comfortably with the audience, joked with members of her band and backing singers and had everyone laughing.
One thing we hadn’t expected was how funny she was. She has a wonderful sense of humour. At one point she even appeared wearing a Vegas Golden Knights hockey jersey, instantly winning over the hometown crowd. As fellow Canadians, we couldn’t help smiling. Even though we’re loyal to our own teams, it was impossible not to appreciate how much she had embraced Las Vegas.
Another thing we loved was that she encouraged the audience to take photographs throughout much of the performance, provided there was no flash. It made the evening feel far more relaxed and personal.
The concert featured many of her biggest hits along with quieter moments that really showcased her remarkable range. She even performed an intimate piano number before surprising everyone by effortlessly breaking into jazz-inspired scat singing. Who knew Céline could scat? She absolutely nailed it.
Another highlight was her beautiful duet with one of her backing vocalists performing Beauty and the Beast. The harmony between their voices was simply stunning.
Throughout the evening she constantly acknowledged her musicians, giving each of them opportunities to shine with instrumental solos and well-deserved applause from the audience. It wasn’t simply about Céline. It felt like she genuinely wanted everyone on stage to share the spotlight.
There were also emotional moments.
By the time we saw the concert, her beloved husband and long-time manager, René Angélil, had passed away. Although she only briefly mentioned him during the show, you could sense the emotion behind many of the songs. When she performed All By Myself, it became difficult not to think about the personal journey she’d been through. There was a real honesty in her performance that connected with everyone in the theatre.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for.
The encore.
As the opening notes of My Heart Will Go On filled the theatre, the audience immediately recognized what was coming.
The Titanic theme. There wasn’t a sound in the room.
As she sang, an extraordinary stage effect transformed the finale into something we’ll never forget. Céline appeared surrounded by a cascading waterfall that seemed to spin around her while the music built toward its breathtaking conclusion.
It was spectacular. Looking around the theatre, we noticed more than a few people wiping away tears. It really was one of those performances that stays with you long after you’ve left the venue.
Would we see Céline Dion again? Without hesitation.
She isn’t simply one of the greatest singers of our generation. She’s one of the greatest entertainers we’ve ever had the privilege of seeing live. Even after facing significant health challenges in recent years, her professionalism, warmth and extraordinary talent remain unmistakable. For us, this wasn’t just another concert. It became one of our favourite travel memories.
Top 10 Current Concert Residencies in Las Vegas
At time of publication. (Schedules change regularly, so check current dates before booking.)
- Kelly Clarkson
- Janet Jackson
- Backstreet Boys
- Lenny Kravitz
- Bruno Mars
- Garth Brooks
- Rod Stewart
- Barry Manilow
- The Eagles
- Dead & Company
Top 5 Shows in Las Vegas
- Sphere – Immersive productions and concerts in one of the world’s most advanced entertainment venues.
- Cirque du Soleil – Including O, Mystère, KA, Michael Jackson ONE and Mad Apple.
- Blue Man Group – A long-running mix of comedy, music and audience interaction.
- David Copperfield – One of the world’s most famous illusionists.
- Penn & Teller – Comedy, illusion and decades of Vegas entertainment.
The Three Biggest Stars to Headline Las Vegas
Elvis Presley
“The King” transformed Las Vegas entertainment during the 1970s with legendary performances at the International Hotel (now the Westgate).
Céline Dion
Widely credited with reinventing the modern Las Vegas residency, proving that global superstars could attract audiences for years with a permanent theatre production.
Frank Sinatra
Alongside the Rat Pack, Sinatra helped establish Las Vegas as the entertainment capital of the world during the 1950s and 1960s.
Before You Go
by My Return Ticket
Local Tip
If you get the chance – just go!
Information Verified: 08/02/2023
The Bottom Line
Amazing. Seeing Céline Dion perform in Las Vegas was one of the highlights of our trip. From her incredible vocals and engaging personality to the emotional finale of My Heart Will Go On, the concert exceeded every expectation. If you're planning a Las Vegas getaway, here's why seeing a world-class residency should be on your itinerary.
Continue Exploring The Grand Canyon and Las Vegas
- Kayaking the Colorado River with Desert Adventures USA: Glide through calm stretches of water framed by towering canyon walls. Ideal for first-timers or experienced paddlers.
- Antelope Canyon: A spectacular slot canyon famous for its colourful sandstone walls and incredible light beams. Guided tours are required.
- Hoover Dam: An engineering marvel spanning the Colorado River, offering guided tours and panoramic views over Lake Mead.
- Sedona: Renowned for its striking red rock formations, scenic drives, hiking trails, art galleries and vibrant downtown.
- Visit Fremont Street Experience: Enjoy the spectacular LED canopy light show, live entertainment, zipline and classic vintage Vegas atmosphere.
- Explore Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area: Just 30 minutes from the Strip, this spectacular desert landscape offers scenic drives, hiking, rock climbing and incredible photography opportunities.
Nearby Attractions And Things To Do In Las Vegas
- Walk the Las Vegas Strip: Experience the world-famous resorts, themed hotels, dazzling fountains, nightlife and free attractions that make Las Vegas unlike anywhere else.
- Visit Fremont Street Experience: Enjoy the spectacular LED canopy light show, live entertainment, zipline and classic vintage Vegas atmosphere.
- Stay at the Venetian Hotel: One of the city’s top hotels. It is a little pricier, but the environment, rooms, and the feeling of Venice is steps away. Quite a magical stay!
- Try out Nine Fine Irishmen and Gordon Ramsay’s Pub & Grill: There are so many restaurants to choose from. We enjoyed both, great food and fantastic hospitality.
- Get Married!: On the Strip you will find numerous opportunities to tie the knot. It all can be arranged in a day. Even get the marriage licence on the day! We did it!
Planning Your Trip?
Before you go, don’t forget to book the essentials:
- 🏨 Hotels & unique stays
- 🚗 Rental cars
- 🎟️ Top-rated tours & attractions
- 📶 eSIMs for easy connectivity
- 🛡️ Travel insurance
- 🎒 Packing Lists
- 🎒 Travel gear from The Venturio
With every trip, we offer feedback to travel companies along with honest views for you, the reader. We rate adventures on a scale of one to five tickets, judged on quality, service, memorability, and price. A perfect ‘Ticket Rating’ of a five-ticket score means the experience was flawless and we’d eagerly return. Your desire to go back is the ultimate measure of a trip’s worth. Exclusive to My Return Ticket.
