We don’t talk about Bruno. Sure, we’d love to, but the Las Vegas residency of Bruno Mars has only grossed a mere $50 million earning him the #11 spot on the list and we only have room for ten.
The Las Vegas residency is a surefire way to make money on the Las Vegas Strip. These theatrical experiences are what Vegas is all about and one of the main reasons people plan a trip. Have a look at the highest grossing residencies on the Strip of all time here in Sin City and let us know what you think.
#10 Lady Gaga, “Enigma + Jazz & Piano”
Performing at Park Theater at Park MGM, the Lady Gaga residency earned $53.9 million from 2018 to 2021.
Lady Gaga is a multifaceted artist who has showcased her range performing iconic pop songs like “Poker Face” to ballads of love like “Shallow” in “A Star is Born”. The star’s Las Vegas residency, Lady Gaga Enigma + Jazz & Piano, highlighted her array of talents by creating two unique parts to her residency.
The first, “Enigma,” is the Las Gaga you expect to see in Vegas. She dominates in incredible costumes, talented backup dancers and fitting theatrics all while playing a variety of instruments and she goes from one hit to the next.
As for “Jazz & Piano,” she takes a different approach. This, more understated but equally mesmerizing show, complimented Gaga’s raw vocal talent. Some have referred to Jazz & Piano as “the quintessential Las Vegas Show” offering up big band sound, stories, glitz and glamour. A majority of the songs Gaga performs here are songs from the past that we all know and love like “Luck Be A Lady” and “Mambo Italiano”, but also includes some of her most wanted hits like “Paparazzi” and “Born This Way”.
Her residency initially outpaced Jennifer Lopez and Britney Spears, who are number six and four on this list, but perhaps the challenge of the pandemic and the need to cancel shows in 2020 hindered her numbers. Jazz & Piano will return in April 2022, and can potentially move Lady Gaga higher up on the list.
#9 Rod Stewart, “The Hits”
Performing at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, the Rod Stewart residency earned $57.4 million from 2011 to 2018.
Since 2011, “Rod Stewart: The Hits” regularly found itself on the can’t-miss entertainment lists in Vegas. With over five-decades of chart toppers spanning several music genres his residency truly gives the people what they want. That means a majority of the songs are ones you can sing along to, “plus a few surprises” according to Stewart.
The next round of “Rod Stewart: The Hits” opens this May at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
#8 Bette Midler, “The Showgirl Must Go On”
Performing at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, the Bette Midler residency earned $71.8 million from 2008 to 2010.
While the economy in Las Vegas was struggling from 2008 to 2019, Bette Midler’s residency, “The Showgirl Must Go On” was thriving. The charismatic performer found herself off-script a time or two, making the show feel even more personal than her flawless takes. Her witty, campy and raw nature shined as she engaged the audience between “Wind Beneath My Wings” and other hits.
Her final residency performance was on January 31, 2010.
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#7 Cher, “Cher”
Performing at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, the Cher residency earned $97.4 million from 2008 to 2011.
If there is one artist that has stood the test of time, it’s Cher. Her 200-show run at The Colosseum included special effects, aerialists, over-the-top sets, and fashion by none other than Bob Mackie. Her true legend status deserved nothing less than the 17 intricate costumes. The incredible setlist for Cher included the ballad “Believe”, beloved “The Shoop Shoop Song” and even footage of iconic “Sonny and Cher” moments.
Contrary to what you may have read in the “Enquirer”, the 75-year old diva is alive and well. She has no upcoming musical performance scheduled, but is instead focusing on charity work and her upcoming biopic.
#6 Jennifer Lopez, “All I Have”
Performing at The Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood, the Jennifer Lopez residency earned $101.9 million from 2016 to 2018.
Possibly the only show on the Las Vegas Strip with hoverboards, “Jennifer Lopez: All I Have” was a true spectacle and a favorite of tourists for its three-year run. No surprise that the former “Living Color” dancer incorporated elaborate choreography wowing crowds of thousands nightly. With music ranging from Latin to Pop to R&B, the audience was regularly up and out of their seats dancing.
Her residency concluded on September 29, 2018 to a packed house which included her family and a myriad of special guests like Kobe Bryant, Tiffany Haddish, Vanessa Hudgens, LL Cool J, Diddy and many more.
#5 Elton John, “The Million Dollar Piano”
Performing at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, the Elton John residency earned $131 million from 2011 to 2018.
Elton John’s 207-show run at The Colosseum for “The Million Dollar Piano” was the performer’s second Las Vegas residency. The show pairs Sir Elton with his beloved piano, “Blossom” who steals the show with the help of some nimble fingers. The piano itself took four-years to construct and matches the flashiness the “Rocket Man” singer is known for.
#4 Britney Spears, “Piece of Me”
Performing at The Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood, the Britney Spears residency earned $137 million from 2013 to 2017.
The debut residency of Britney Spears was a success from day one and an experience she describes as “magical”. After selling out the first two-legs of her “Piece of Me” run, the initial two-year schedule was quickly extended for an additional two-years. Spears revamped the show mid-run to update costumes, props and choreography and also to incorporate newly released songs.
While nothing is currently scheduled, all the doors are open the small-town Louisiana sensation who recently ended her 13-year conservatorship.
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#3 Elton John, “The Red Piano”
Performing at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, the Elton John residency earned $166.4 million from 2011 to 2018.
Appearing for the second time on this list is Sir Elton John. Now, if Celine Dion is the “Queen of Las Vegas”, Elton John could possibly be the king. One of only two men on the highest grossing residencies list, he made a significant impact on how people viewed residencies. Residencies weren’t for mega-stars on their way out, residencies were a chance for notable names to create productions on a massive scale that could never be done on tour.
Nikita, AKA “The Red Piano”, is one of seven touring pianos. The other ones include Blossom, Nina, Kay, Diana, Winifred and Aretha, all named after “brilliant female piano players” according to a Facebook comment left by Sir Elton John himself.
Currently, Elton John is touring as he makes up for concerts cancelled due to the pandemic. Unfortunately, no Las Vegas stops currently scheduled for 2022, so “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues.”
#2 Celine Dion, “Celine”
Performing at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, the Celine Dion residency earned $296 million from 2011 to 2019.
Shortly after the birth of her twins in 2010, Celine Dion was slated to make a highly anticipated return to Las Vegas. Her new residency, Celine, would also take place at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Once again, records were breaking and shows were selling out. 16 years and 427 shows after making her Vegas residency debut in Las Vegas, Celine wrapped on June 8, 2019, and the talented singer and “Queen of Las Vegas” embarked on her world tour.
#1 Celine Dion, “A New Day”
Performing at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, the Celine Dion residency earned $385 million from 2003 to 2007.
Long before Eurovision became a household name in the United States thanks to the ridiculous Netflix comedy, Celine Dion made her breakout appearance competing for Switzerland in 1988 and took home the gold. The 600 million TV viewers were entranced and Dion entered worldwide musical dominance.
Since then, she went on to win five Grammy Awards, six Billboard Music Awards, 12 World Music Awards, 20 Juno Awards and earned her spot at the top of this list for having the two highest grossing residencies ever on the Las Vegas Strip. Fun Fact: She also holds four Guinness World Records.
After the birth of her first son, Celine took some time away from the spotlight, but her husband and manager René Angélil was hard at work pitching a residency to the folks at Caesars Palace. “A New Day” opened in March 2003 in a theater conceived specifically for her show.
The venue, The Colosseum, would see her perform to the tune of 700 sold-out performances and 3 million excited fans. The decision to move from international touring to a Las Vegas residency is considered, “one of the smartest business decisions in years by any major recording artist.”
The residency was rich with theatrics, technology and performance art. The show evolved through the years, removing some of the overpowering theatrics and giving Dion’s fans exactly what they wanted out of the show.
The result? Adding two years onto her residency, which closed in 2007 having earned more than $385 million.
Some might be shocked to see that the King of Rock ‘n Roll, Elvis Presley didn’t make the cut. We can only imagine that his 636 show run spanning 1969 to 1976 at would have ranked high, if only there was box office data available.
A few other honorable mentions include Shania Twain at $43.6 million, Backstreet Boys at $34.4 million, George Strait at $47.9 million and Gwen Stefani at $20 million.
Anyone you were surprised to find on the list?
Frequently Asked Questions About The Highest Grossing Residencies on the Strip in Las Vegas
What is considered a Las Vegas residency?
A residency is defined as a run of ten or more of the same show performed at a single venue. Many shows on the Strip are considered residencies.
Outside of Las Vegas, what are some of the highest grossing residencies?
Outside of Las Vegas the highest grossing residencies can be found in New York. Billy Joel in Concert which debuted in 2014 at Madison Square Garden has grossed $129.9 million and Springsteen on Broadway which ran from 2017 to 2018 at the Walter Kerr Theatre grossed $113 million.
What are some notable current and upcoming Las Vegas residencies?
Silk Sonic as Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak are currently performing at Dolby Live at Park MGM and will be there through May.
Carrie Underwood will take to The Theater at the new Resorts World Las Vegas from March 23 to April 2.
You can find John Legend at the Zappos Theater starting in April.
Katy Perry will also be at Resorts World’s The Theater in March and May through August.
Keith Urban‘s new home starting March 25th will be at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, he will be there through May.
Santana will return to Mandalay Bay‘s House of Blues in May.
Rod Stewart: The Hits continues on The Colosseum Stage this May, September and October.
Sting: My Songs heads to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in June.
The Adele residency, while postponed, may debut still in 2022.
