The Best 
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Taking Chances 
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Immensité 
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The Best
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Taking Chances
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Immensité
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Do not forget to tune in to France 2 at 8:50 p.m. CET to watch TONIGHT's TV-Special " Les Stars de l'année 2007 ".
Guest-stars: Celine Dion, Johnny Hallyday, Michel Delpech, David Guetta, Chris Willis, Christophe Willem, Koxie, Amel Bent, Vitaa, Patrick Fiori, Roch Voisine, Christine Ricol,
Lorie, Arielle Dombasle, Aaron. The special has been taped on November 3rd, 2007 during the promotional tour of Taking Chances in France.
(8:30 a.m. GMT)
Secondo Billboard, gli spettacoli di Celine dal 5 al 9 Dicembre si classificano
al QUARTO posto della Billboard Boxscore Concert Grosses (la classifica degli
incassi dei concerti nel MONDO) di questa settimana. Guadagni delle vendite: 3.457.546 dollari;
Show tutti esauriti: 5 su 5; biglietti venduti nei 5 giorni: 20.740 su 20.740.
Gli spettacoli dal 12 al 15 Dicembre si classificano
al SETTIMO posto. Guadagni delle vendite: 2.755.100 dollari;
Show tutti esauriti: 4 su 4; biglietti venduti nei 4 giorni: 16.562 su 16.562.
Con questi show, gli spettacoli tutti esauriti sono 528 su 723. Dall'inizio dell'anno, Celine si è esibita in 122 spettacoli
i quali hanno incassato un totale di 70.509.937 di dollari con 499.948 presenze.
(8:30 a.m. GMT)
According to Billboard, Celine's Vegas shows from December 5th to December 9th are at the
FOURTH position of this week's Billboard Boxscore Concert Grosses (the chart of concert
grosses in the WORLD). Gross Sales: US$ 3,457,546 ; Shows/ Sellouts: 5 out of 5,
Attend/Capacity: 20,740 out of 20,740. The shows from Dec. 12th to Dec. 15th are at the
SEVENTH position. Gross Sales: US$ 2,755,100 ; Shows/ Sellouts: 4 out of 4,
Attend/Capacity: 16,562 out of 16,562. With these shows, Céline's sold-out shows are 528 out of 723 performed shows.
The 122 shows (since the beginning of 2007) grossed US$ 70,509,937 with 499,948 attendances.Capturing the superstars in recently recorded live performances, this spectacular entertainment event will send some much-needed holiday cheer to the troops. Participating programs include:
9:00 p.m. Celine Dion – “A New Day...” – The show has closed its unprecedented five year run in Las Vegas but her amazing performance which premiered in cinemas this
December will delight the troops again in this special New Year’s Special.
[Source: Source: AEG Network LIVE]
December 16th, 2007   
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(8:00 p.m. GMT) This Christmas, Celine Dion - one of the biggest selling female artists in the world - takes centre stage in An Audience With Celine Dion, a spectacular
celebration of her incredible music career. Performing in front of a star studded audience, the guest list includes Dame Kelly Holmes, Shane Ward, Lemar, Shane Ritchie, Louis Walsh, Nancy Dell'Olio,
George Takei, Katie Price and Peter Andre. As always with An Audience With…, the guests can ask the star any question they like, so expect questions on Celine's life, career, gossip and how
she'll be spending this Christmas. During the show we'll get to know some little known secrets about Celine's world both in and out of the limelight. Celine will perform a variety of her greatest hits, including,
Think Twice, I Drove All Night and Alone plus tracks from her latest best selling album Taking Chances. Celine's illustrious career began
following her 1988 Eurovision Song Contest win and her popularity has grown ever since as hits like My Heart Will Go On and It's All Coming Back To Me Now became synonymous
with cementing her global fame. Numerous awards followed and a hit sell out show A New Day in Las Vegas will ensure her album sales push towards 200 million worldwide by the end of 2007.
"It's great to be back in London once again, it's so long since I've been here, I have to say I'm extremely happy to be here," Celine said.
According to the fans that attended the show, Celine sang these songs: 'River Deep Mountain High', 'I Drove All Night', 'Taking Chances', 'Think Twice'.
A medley of 'It's All Coming Back To Me Now',' Because You Loved Me' and 'To Love You More'. Then 'Eyes on Me', 'Alone', 'The Prayer' with Andrea Bocelli and a short
version of 'My Heart will go on'. The show (taped on October 30, 2007) will be televised December 22nd, 2007 (tomorrow!) at 9.15-10:15pm GMT on ITV1.
[Source: MyParkMag]
The Nice List : #1. Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie - their combo of global good works and just generally looking fabulous have propelled them to the top of the nice list. #2. Oprah Winfrey - whether it's the
hair-pulling mania induced from her "Favourite Things" episode or just being the most famous face on TV, Oprah was voted the nicest by folks in British Columbia and Atlantic Canada. #3. Céline Dion -
it could be because she's playing a free concert for Québec City's 400th birthday, but Canadians in Quebec were most likely to vote this Canadian diva the nicest in 2007. #4. Al Gore - his
environmental crusading made the man behind An Inconvenient Truth most popular with young Canadians age 18-34.
The details on the Virgin Mobile Naughty or Nice Survey In December 2007, Angus Reid Strategies ran an online survey with a randomly selected,
representative sample of 1,094 adult Canadians. The
margin of error for the total sample is +/- 3.0%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been statistically weighted according to Statistics Canada's most current education, age, gender and region Census
data to ensure a representative sample of the entire adult population of Canada.
[Source: newswire]
First, a personal disclosure: besides being a professional writer and former Time magazine senior editor, I am a fan of Celine. I was the first major American journalist to write about
her, back in 1994. In 1996, I put her on the cover of Time International, and in a sign that I was getting too close to the rising star, she sent me a Christmas card that year. If a music
writer denies ever becoming a fan of some artists, then he or she is lying.
Anyway, my professional dalliance with Celine ended abruptly in 1998, when I wrote an article in Time Canada that criticized her album, " Let's Talk About Love ."
Her collaborations with such older performers as Barbra Streisand and the Bee Gees were, I wrote, strange " duets with dinosaurs ." That was the last time I was invited to interview Celine.
Of course, I was not the only one to turn on Celine. Critics dismissed her as soon as they noticed her. When a performer becomes extremely popular -- and particularly popular with "low brows"
(middle-class schlubs) - the intelligentsia really sharpen their knives.
Celine became the definition of unhip and a running joke on Saturday Night Live. My friend and former Time music critic, Christopher John Farley, was especially insulting and
oblivious of Celine's popular appeal. If you read Chris's writing and nothing else, you would have to conclude that Hootie and the Blowfish became bigger stars than Celine.
I never made it to Celine's Vegas show. Now I'm sorry I didn't because I just saw a video of the show, which was screened in movie theaters around the U.S. this week. Even as a long-time
Celine watcher, I was amazed by what I saw. I now see why the Vegas extravaganza was such a huge success. Which leads me to two sure-to-be-scoffed-at assertions:
1. Celine Dion is the hardest working performer in show business history. (I'm sorry, Mr. Brown, in rock 'n' roll heaven above.)
2. No other star has ever put on as big a show for her fans as Celine.
Notice that I didn't say the "best" show. That's a matter of taste. Over-the-top spectacle is not for everyone. For a Springsteen fan, listening to Bruce and the E Street Band just sing and play for a couple of
hours must be the closest thing to heaven on earth. But some people want more for their hundreds of dollars per seat. They are delighted to have a show as well as a concert. For her show, Celine hired the
Cirque du Soleil folks to create a hybrid between a pop concert and circus phantasm. Her nerve and ambition -- some would say ego and self-importance -- boggled the mind. She mastered 90 minutes of
intricate choreography with dozens of dancers and musicians while the costumes and sets were constantly changing. How good it was is a matter of opinion, but the crowd always roared and no one left
Caesar's Palace feeling gypped.
Celine tried harder than anyone ever has to please her fans. It was Madonna times five. I get exhausted just thinking about what Celine has done for the last five years. Sinatra never sold out
the same theater for years running. Maybe Bruce could, but he would never try. To do it, you have to consider putting on a show to be the most important thing in your life. I wonder if the critics will ever
properly acknowledge Celine's place in show business history. This week's New York Times article, while not written by a critic, is a start. But there is much more to be said.
I'm not arguing that Celine is the greatest singer. She's not even my personal favorite. And she's not necessarily the greatest recording artist just because she has sold hundreds of millions of records
worldwide, more than almost anyone else.
What is undeniable, though, is that she is the Barnum and Bailey of pop music. And she will retain that title at least until someone dares to try to stop her. In the realm of putting on shows, she
became bigger than Sinatra. Bigger than Streisand. Bigger than the Stones. Bigger than Springsteen. That's not fan talk. That's simply a fact.
[Source: by Charles Alexander, Huffington Post]
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(7:00 a.m. GMT) Sunday was not to be "A New Day ... " for Celine Dion. But after being showered with accolades and 100,000 rose petals, the singer was looking forward
to the rest of her weekend in nonsuperstar mode. "For me tomorrow morning will be coffee time," the singer said, sitting on the front stage steps of the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
She was talking to reporters at 1 a.m. Sunday, two hours after bringing down the curtain on her final performance. "I will stay in the house," making Christmas cookies with her 6-year-old
son, she said. "It will be so wonderful to be able to appreciate that. Do the Christmas tree, some decorations and all that. ..."It sounds very unreal right now, but tomorrow morning it will be back to reality and I will be back to Mommy." The final performance -- No. 717 if you don't count
previews and a couple of benefits -- started late, ran an extra half hour and had the star speaking to the audience for more than eight minutes during her first break. "Tonight I was emotionally
invaded," Dion later told reporters. "It was very important for me to pace myself." The singer added that she was "very tired vocally," after three weeks of interviews and promotion
for her new album. But she realized, "It's not about singing tonight. It's about embracing life, embracing that success."
The success of "A New Day ..." -- which grossed more than USD$400 million and was seen by nearly 3 million people since it opened in March 2003 -- was celebrated more by fans, family
and producers than by celebrity patrons. Husband-manager Rene Angelil sat next to the couple's son, Rene-Charles, and Dion's mother. After the show, Angelil told reporters, the star's dressing room was
crowded with 10 siblings (she is the youngest of 14 children). "A New Day ..." normally began with a roaming camera that put audience close-ups on a giant video screen. But the final
substituted comments from Harrah's Entertainment CEO Gary Loveman, and the screening of a documentary included on a new DVD version of the revue. At the end, the singer typically presented a single
rose to an audience member.
But Saturday, after giving the rose to her son, he returned to the stage and gave it back to her. Later, another rose surprise: Show director Franco Dragone presenting more than 700 white
blooms, one for each performance. "I wonder if I can keep them and dry them?" she asked. The thousands of red rose petals that showered the stage for the show's finale were a carefully
guarded surprise to the singer and 50 dancers, said producer John Meglen. Many of the dancers loitered onstage long after the show ended, hugging and snapping photos as the patrons filed out.
The singer almost made good on her goal: "Try not to cry," she later told reporters. But in her long speech to the audience, she recounted how an "undreamable" idea surmounted its
challenges. "At one point, it was feeling like the Titanic was about to sink again." "But we believed and we went on with it, even though the vibe was not that positive," she added. But for those who
persevered, "It was worth it."
"Today is not an end," she told the crowd. "Today is a beginning, the beginning of the rest of our lives." Bette Midler opens a new production, "The Showgirl Must Go On," in the Colosseum
on Feb. 20. Cher is expected to be announced soon as Midler's main co-tenant. Dion said her only advice to Midler was, "Have them fix the stage." The steeply raked stage, designed to enhance
the views from the upper balcony, will be removed in favor of a smaller, conventionally flat stage, and about 150 new seats will be added in the front rows of the 4,100-seat venue.
[Source: LV Review Journal]
   
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(6:00 a.m. GMT) Las Vegas lore is littered with many end-of-an-era instances. The dissolution of the Rat Pack. The razing of the Sands Hotel. The annulment of Britney Spears and Jason Alexander's
57-hour quickie marriage. And on December 15, 2007, Sin City bid yet another bittersweet goodbye: to Celine Dion, who ended her historic five-year, 717-show, $400 million-grossing
run at Caesar's Palace. Yes, apparently not everything that happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, as Celine has finally decided to move on after five years. (After all, she does have a new pop album,
Taking Chances, to promote.) But it seems like only yesterday that--in a bold move seemingly ripped straight from the pages of circa-Julius Caesar Roman folklore--the Colosseum Theater was
erected to honor a bona fide goddess. (See, the $95 million, 4,000-seat venue was built in 2002 specifically for Celine's "A New Day" residency.) And although worthy successors like Bette Midler and Elton John will soon grace the Colosseum stage in early '08, Celine Dion will likely always be the great Caesar's ghost that haunts the Palace.
Of course, any of the previous 716 nights that Celine hit the Colosseum stage, accompanied by her 50 dancers/backup musicians and Fremont Street-eclipsing lightshow, was in and of itself a
big event...but her December 15th grand finale was the grandest of all, attended by everyone from mindfreak Criss Angel to Lifestyles Of The Rich & Famous
emcee Robin Leach (who sauntered in carrying a flute of champagne, natch) to genius So You Think Can Dance choreographer Mia Michaels (who, by the way, also
masterminded the moves for Celine's show).
And then, there were the megafans--the lady who'd seen the show more than 100 times, the couple who'd paid $15,000 for their front-row seats, the man who'd actually moved to Vegas from
Uzbekistan just to be closer to his idol--all scooping up every last bit of Celine merchandise and posing for photos next to the uncannily lifelike Celine wax mannequin inside the lobby. Celine obviously
owes a huge debt to these devotees; to loosely quote one of her many five-hanky power ballads, she's everything she is because they love her.
Anyway, the show-of-shows began about 45 minutes late, though her packed house of ardent admirers didn't seem to mind--Celine later joked onstage that she simply wanted to "elongate"
her final Vegas evening. But first the audience was shown a behind-the-scenes documentary short, A New Day: The Secrets, about Celine's revue. (Incidentally, Celine's manager/husband, Renee
Angelil, prominently entered the theater and walked to his seat amid thunderous applause just as his interview segment ran on the movie screen, which made for one synergistically surreal moment.)
Yes, Renee's entrance alone solicited a standing ovation. But that certainly wouldn't be the only time that audience members rose to their feet this evening.
No, Celine got her first of 11 (ELEVEN!) standing ovations before her first song was even over, pretty much for just showing up. And when she tried to speak between songs, her
choked-up anecdotes were often drowned out by audience cries of "Don't go!," "Five more years!," and the ever-popular, "I love you!" But eventually everyone shut up and
listened to Celine, who quite refreshingly hadn't rehearsed some tired old goodbye speech. No, it was clear that she was speaking from the heart, because she rambled rather aimlessly, babbling
about being a mom, confessing that when her Vegas residency first started she had worried it would be like "the Titanic sinking again," etc.
Not all of it made sense--English is her second language, after all--and just like her heart will go on, her speech went on and on and on. And on. But bless her, at least she was being
sincere. Like when she marveled, "It's amazing what believing in music and love and passion can do." Or when she said, "These people onstage are giving their soul every night." Or when
she reflected on all the sacrifice over the past five years and summed it up with: "I assure you, it was worth it."
Another downright cute, from-the-heart moment was when she showed off one of her surprisingly non-blingy accessories--a loop of string around her wrist--explaining that it came from a
"seven-feet-tall" congratulatory card that her son, Renee Charles, had given her the night before. Waving to the boy, who was sitting in the audience with her husband, mother, and sisters, she cried
out, "Renee Charles, YOU are the new day!" Aw... And with that, she was off and running, belting out crowd-pleasing hit after hit after hit: "Power Of Love," "It's All Coming
Back To Me," "Because You Loved Me," "I Drove All Night," "Taking Chances," and covers like "River Deep Mountain High" and Frank Sinatra's "All The Way"
(the latter performed as a digital duet with archival Ol' Blue Eyes footage on the big screen behind her, bringing to mind her beyond-the-grave Elvis duet on American Idol earlier this year).
And of course, there was her Vegas jackpot song: " My Heart Will Go On ," a fitting final number if there ever was one, performed as real rose-petal confetti rained from the theater's vaulted
ceiling. By the end of that weepy number, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Even Celine buried her face in her hands and covered her own watery peepers with her dainty cupped palms as soon
as she warbled that signature song's last note. "If that wasn't a Kodak moment, I don't know what is," declared one moist-eyed, petal-strewn fan in the crowd.
But then, just when everyone thought it was all over, Celine announced: "Since it is the last show, I figure I can do whatever I want!" And what she wanted to do was sing another song!
A holiday song! Yes, it was a Christmas miracle. And the mood in the Colosseum was festive indeed as Celine signed off with "The Christmas Song" (aka that chestnuts-roasting-on-an-open-fire
carol), then "elongated" the evening another good 15 minutes or so as she took multiple bows, hugged seemingly all 50 dancers and crew members, hugged her son and husband when they hopped onstage...
and then returned from the wings several times to take more bows and dole out yet more hugs. It seemed like she didn't want the night to end any more than did her fans.
But of course, it was the Celineheads whose hearts truly went on, as they lingered long after Celine had vanished--chatting for nearly a half-hour with Mia Michaels and the dancers, not to mention
scooping up fistfuls of rose petals which they no doubt lovingly pressed in their Celine scrapbooks at the end of this titanically terrific night.
[Source: Yahoo! Launch]
(6:00 a.m. GMT) Celine Dion said it over and over as the moments unfurled onstage Saturday night at Caesars Palace: "Today is a beginning. It is not an end." But the singer grabbed hold
of her final performance of " A New Day...," the show that's made her a Vegas staple for the past half-decade, as if it were a last communiqué before her exile. In reality, she's taking a couple of
months off, then embarking on a world tour. Dion will likely return to Vegas too; she's keeping her home near the city. But with her gale-force voice and unflagging faith in big emotions, Dion is
the queen of going over whatever top presents itself. This finale was a Matterhorn.Fans who can't stand having missed this milestone can see a film version in 200 theaters nationwide tonight. (For a local list, see www.fathomevents.com.) Directed by Cirque du Soleil veteran Franco
Dragone, " A New Day..." melds hits from throughout Dion's career within a florid dreamscape of screen-projected heavy weather, high-energy dancers and ear-shattering melodic rock. Focused
on massive power ballads with a few uptempo dance numbers to quicken the pulse (and one ill-advised tribute to Frank Sinatra), the show mixes feminine dreaminess and carnival-esque aggression. The
deafeningly amplified pennywhistle that begins Dion's signature ballad, " My Heart Will Go On ," pretty much defines the show's odd balance.
Saturday, though, the show itself wasn't news. Its finality was. To honor that -- and to give something extra to an audience clearly present to witness a historic event -- Dion and her team
prepared exclusive extras that proved more affecting than most of the corporate pop songs she so energetically sang. First was a lengthy behind-the-scenes video, featuring interviews with
Dion, her husband-manager, Rene Angelil, and others involved in creating " A New Day...." In several between-song speeches meant, she said, to "elongate the evening," Dion further reflected on
an era she's wistfully ready to leave behind.
Whether retelling a famous anecdote about losing her shoes on opening night, remembering her tearful performance the evening after her father's death in 2003 or singing yet another chart topper, Dion
was full of gauche sincerity. Singing and dancing, Dion moved across the massive stage like an ice skater or a runway model, each step stylized to make her look huge. Even her
tears were flowery, like a silent film star's. But her words were down to earth.
Eulogizing " A New Day ," Dion mourned the family of "dancers, singers, musicians and technicians" on the verge of dissolution, choking up about the "undreamable" dream they'd made real
through more than 700 performances. She went on to thank everyone from Dragone to the domestic help who "kept our families safe." And she extolled her fans, saying they'd shocked her with
their loyalty. Dion also emphasized that her time in Vegas wasn't just another gig. "We're not only talking about music," she intoned, "we're talking about five years of life."
What mattered most to Dion about those five years wasn't artistic achievement or even the economic triumph that changed the game for A-list performers in Vegas. Dion's cherished accomplishment is
one her average-gal fans also seek: that elusive balance between work and life. Dion's son, Rene-Charles, who is almost 7, was the other star of Saturday's performance, though only after the encore did
he leave his orchestra-section seat and shyly walk onstage to hug his mother. Dion's focus during the show kept returning to the boy. When she spoke of him, she let her goofy, uncontrollably loving side
show, and its warmth tempered the theatricality that can make her performances feel overblown.
Working mom is a good role for Dion. She's never been skilled at projecting sexiness (a couple of painful numbers featuring skin-baring male dancers made that obvious) or the spunky "girl power"
of, say, Gwen Stefani. By focusing her earnest passion on her son (and putting her much older husband in the role of the strong, silent, mercifully ignored type), Dion is updating her image in tune with her
maturing female fan base.
She isn't faking it, either. Sometimes when performers show off their children, it's creepy, with all the markings of a stunt. Rene-Charles, with his golden mama's-boy mane, is definitely a prized
kid. But whenever Dion would catch his eye, she'd lapse into a little dance of hand gestures and funny facial expressions that was as unstudied as her power-ballad chest thumps were predictable. Dion did
seem a bit sad to be leaving " A New Day " itself, not just the work-at-home lifestyle it afforded her. Her superhuman vocal cords rarely let her down (her pitch is so good that it often seemed like
she was lip-syncing), but at the very end of " My Heart Will Go On ," when she meant to hold the note a little longer, her voice collapsed with a sigh and a little choke.
The hand she tried to hold aloft, as if she were waving from a float, dropped to her cheek. For a split second, Dion was actually at a loss. But then the moment passed; she returned her hand to princess
position and waved us all goodbye. By the time she returned to sing " The Christmas Song " and walk Rene-Charles off the stage, she was completely composed again.
[Source: Los Angeles Times]
While the show was still in development in 2000, Dion, 39, became pregnant and told husband-manager Rene Angelil she did not want to continue. "I had a life for the first time," the
French-Canadian chanteuse said in a video before her 717th show. "I knew then that I wanted to have more success as a mother than a singer." But Angelil told her that too much money
and too many people were involved. Not only would the Colosseum cost $95 million to build, her initial three-year, $100 million contract broke records for a live entertainer. So she pushed on, fighting
through initial bad reviews to make it five years of filling a 4,100-seat arena.
After her last number, Dion invited husband Angelil and her son, Rene-Charles, now 7, on stage with her. Rene-Charles repeatedly reached down to grab rose petals that rained down on the
final bow, giving them to her. "Most of us have left our families behind to give ourselves every night," she said. "I can assure you it was worth it." Since opening in March 2003, Dion's
show, "A New Day ... " grossed more than $400 million and was seen by nearly 3 million fans. Dion said one fan had seen her Las Vegas show more than 100 times. Tickets for the final show were
for sale on EBay for as much as $1,899. A light celebrity turnout included Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte; Gayle King, Oprah Winfrey assistant; and illusionist Criss Angel. Oprah had planned
to attend, but she reportedly was under the weather. Grammy winning composer/producer David Foster, one of the final-show attendees, said Dion helped bring entertainment back in Las Vegas.
Last month, Dion released " Taking Chances " her first English-language album in four years, and she sang the title song on the album during the extra-long finale. The album was most recently
the 12th best-selling in the U.S., according to Billboard magazine. Dion starts touring with a first concert date set for Valentine's Day in Johannesburg, South Africa. Taking Dion's place at Caesars Palace
will be Bette Midler's "The Showgirl Must Go On," which is set to open Feb. 20. "Tomorrow morning, it will be back to reality and back to (being) mommy," Dion told reporters after the show.
[Source: AP]
After the show, nibbling at pickles from a small picnic cooler, the 39-year-old Canadian superstar reflects on the end of a landmark venture in Las Vegas entertainment. Back in 2002, the
show that put big names back into play on the Strip and has been seen by nearly 3 million people was, well, the least objectionable option at the time. "When I gave birth to my son (Rene-Charles,
in 2001) I was not ready to come back into show business," she says. Her priorities had changed from an artist's point of view to a mother's. But Las Vegas offered the singer and her husband-manager,
Rene Angelil, just about everything possible to keep her in both worlds: a commute from Henderson to a new, $95 million theater for a show that was no mere headliner showcase, but a spectacle helmed by
Cirque du Soleil director Franco Dragone.
It wasn't born easily. "A New Day ..." opened the same week the United States invaded Iraq in March 2003. The star was visibly uncomfortable with some of Dragone's grand ideas, such as
descending 44 feet to the stage as an angel in a flying harness. Her shoes disappeared from a quick-change room on opening night, and many critics felt the star herself was lost amid the dancers and
high-definition visuals. "I think the first year for me was pretty overwhelming," she says. "And the second year, I was exhausted because of the first year. And the third year, that was the hardest
for me. I didn't see the end of it. I was very tired, I had to cancel a few shows."
"You know how when you start, you're really ready for it, then you give it all, then you go like this?" Her hand draws a dip in the air. "You're exhausted. ... It was very hard for me."
But Dion stuck it out, and the show benefited from near-constant tinkering that continued right up to this week, when she decided to include "The Christmas Song" (The surrealistic
bicyclist who floats across the stage now wears a Santa outfit).
"I needed to give myself time for that show to be mine as well (as Dragone's)," she says. Her husband would coax: "Do your thing. Don't be shy, be natural." But she considered the venture
a 50-50 partnership with Dragone. "Am I allowed to do so? Should I do that?" she wondered. Over time, she says, "the stage becomes your living space. It's not only a platform. You know exactly where
it dips down, where it's slippery, where it's not. Once you start being comfortable in your environment, then I think the best of you comes out." "We're keeping our home," she says. "It's my son's house. This is his memory as a child. He learned how to swim, how to walk. There's no way we can stop the show here and move our stuff out of the
dressing room and then" -- her voice tilts up to incredulity -- "move from our home? No. Too much." Today is going to be hard enough. "I'm trying to really stay calm -- and strong."
Dion is noncommittal about when, where and to what degree she would perform again on the Strip. These probably are better questions for her husband, and he has a long tour to worry about.
"But I can say I would love that," she says of someday returning. Las Vegas is now "a little bit my hometown and I'll tell you why: I've never lived in another place for five years. Even Florida,
I don't even know if I lived there that long," she says. "It's been an amazing success, this whole thing. When I'm back in the area, it's going to be like singing to my hometown." "It all started, I believe, with the arrival of Celine," said Gary Selesner, president of Caesars Palace. "The opening of the Colosseum and Celine were without question the first step in what I
characterize as the rebirth of Caesars Palace." Dion didn't pour concrete or install drywall in the $289 million Augustus tower Caesars opened in 2005, but she cut the ribbon on the 949-room structure and
earns a share of the credit for making it viable. "(We've had) double-digit increases everywhere since Celine opened," former Caesars president Mark Juliano said in a 2004 interview. At the time, Juliano said, the 4,000-seat
Colosseum, built to accommodate Dion, was worth $45 million to the bottom line of Caesars Entertainment, the company that owned the resort before Harrah's and struck the deal with the singer. Juliano
said a big-name performer in the venue was worth almost $175,000 in revenue per night to the resort. "It's added a tremendous level of energy and excitement to the property that's noticeable in the guests," he said. The income is more remarkable considering Caesars built the theater but didn't share
in the ticket revenue; that goes to venue operator AEG and Dion. Caesars got its return solely from what fans spent in the resort before and after the shows. Since Harrah's took over Caesars in a
$9 billion deal in 2005, it built on the resort's momentum, most recently announcing plans in July for a $1billion expansion.The company also struck a deal with Bette Midler for 250 shows after the final
curtain falls on Dion's gig tonight. "There are really very few stars in the world who are capable of filling 4,000-seat arenas 50, 100, 170 times a year," Selesner said.
And the success Caesars had with Dion has prompted more competition to find them.
Boyd Gaming Corp. has a deal with AEG, the company that was a partner with Caesars for the Dion run, for a 4,000-seat theater in the $4.8billion Echelon resort scheduled to open in 2010.
The decision to work with AEG on the arena at Echelon went deeper than Dion, but Boyd Gaming spokesman Rob Stillwell said the success of her "A New Day ..." show "was part of the
consideration." AEG has arena deals worldwide, and the contacts make it a good partner in attracting international guests, Stillwell said.
They haven't decided whether they will sign a long-term deal with an entertainer to anchor the Echelon arena.
"That option (is), obviously, included," he said. Dion told the gathering she will miss her life in Las Vegas and thanked her husband/manager Rene Angelil for "taking the big gamble." "As you know, my husband is a gambler, and I'm glad he is,"
she said. Angelil couldn't be happier, either. He won more than $1 million in a $100,000 buy-in no-limit Texas hold-em poker tournament this week at Caesars Palace. Or you can fork over $12.50 Monday night at the Regal Village Square Stadium 18 in Las Vegas, one of hundreds of movie theaters simulcasting a recently videotaped concert performance.
(The 300-seat movie theater is already sold out, but you might get lucky.) The ending of Dion's reign - an unprecedented five-year residency at the Colosseum - is like the passing of a presidential
era. The venue was famously custom-built at a cost of $95 million for the performer, who has sold more than 200 million copies of her 25 albums in French and English. Dion has been a magnet (and a
magnate), drawing celebrities and helping refresh the Las Vegas image, and a vibrant local microeconomy has sprung up around her. Having taken in more than $500 million at the box office and in merchandise, the production employs hundreds - the 50 dancers, musicians and others visible onstage are just the tip of the iceberg.
Before Dion's show, the adjacent Celine Dion Boutique is bustling, clearly one of the busier stores in the high-end Appian Way mall. The boutique, which offers Dion-branded items from
fragrances to holiday ornaments, will close Jan. 2. The fevered brainchild of Dion, 39, and director Franco Dragone, the show combines images that bring to mind works by Cecil B. DeMille,
Busby Berkeley, Henri Magritte, Salvador Dali, Bob Fosse, Robert Wilson and Pee-wee Herman. As a theatrical event it leaves you overentertained, with 90 minutes of Dion's maudlin, masochistic anthems,
iconic stances and gestures, chest thumps, salutes, back bends and fist-clenched glory notes atop staircases that suddenly materialize. (Also suddenly materializing, in just the second number of the evening: tuxedoed and tutu-ed dancers, spiny aquatic angel creatures, flaming chandeliers and a host of enigmatic Cirque du Soleil
creatures.) Just when you're semistunned into spectacle-shock, waiting with slack-jawed how-they-gonna-top-that awe for the inevitable elephant or maybe monster trucks or Led Zeppelin, Dion appears
to burst into flames. But it's way too late for another review of this show. In fact, it's 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, an hour or so after Dion finishes the first beat of the 4-3-2-1 countdown of the final week's
performances. Ensconced in her suite of offices under the stage, Dion has already checked in on her 7-year-old son, Rene-Charles, at home, called her doctor and entertained two meet-and-greet groups. The cozy
room, burnt orange in color, decorated with West Elm furniture and those Anne Geddes flower-baby photographs, is redolent of Christmas. Everywhere there are dozens of tiny evergreens, red candles
and vases stuffed with crimson roses and hydrangea. There's time for one more conversation before she calls it a night. "Do you mind if I munch an orange?" Dion asks as she delicately peels
the fruit while nestled on a couch. (She eats!) She's still in her smoky-sparkly stage makeup, honey-toned hair pulled up, legs tucked beneath her in a black smock, sheer stockings and heels.
She seems understandably tired, but serene and kind and alert, not a trace of divatude (though make no doubt about it, her bodyguards are world-class). Dion was uncharacteristically late for her 8:30 p.m. curtain, and the sold-out crowd of 4,000 even started amiably stomping and clapping. Dion wryly apologized for the delay after a few songs,
but didn't really tell what made her late. In the hour before showtime there was a costume fitting for the upcoming world tour, European promotional spots to be videotaped and a wheelchair-bound
Make-A-Wish kid eager for a visit. Staffers were racing around with iPhones while some of the show's 50 dancers clustered around concert posters, writing well-wishing notes in gold ink. Then Dion's husband-manager, Rene Angelil, 66, came racing in just before showtime. He had just won $1.6 million at a poker tournament at Caesars. "It's incredible that this happened three days
before we're leaving. We've been here five years," Angelil says. "Poker is my passion." "I'm so happy for him," Dion says. She's heard the rumors around town - that the show had to be extended
to cover Angelil's gambling losses - and shrugs them off. "Honestly, my husband is a gambler," she whispers in her still strongly French-accented English. "But he's smart. Poker is his game.
A long time ago, he used to play every game - craps and blackjack and everything - but that's too crazy. Vegas is wonderful for him," she says and knocks wood. "And I'm glad he's a gambler,
because he's taken only gambles in his life. From mortgaging his home to make me sing, to moving us here." Dion says she loves living and working in Las Vegas. "All people talk about is the gambling and the girls, the clubs. Once you live here, there's so much beauty and there's a life here. People
who know me - I'm not talking about the singer - know what a family-oriented person I am. Do you think I would have moved here if it would have put my family's life in jeopardy? "I
know people say," and she whispers in a derisive, gossipy tone, " 'You know Rene's a big gambler and they're going to Vegas?' " She continues in her near whisper, " 'She's going to be in Las Vegas for three
years? Normally people finish their careers there.' Well, I'm glad we went for it." She says Vegas has been an ideal place to indulge her own vice: "I love shopping. I live and work next to a shopping mall - what does that mean?" she says, and laughs. "But what I wanted
was to have stability for my family. My son was a year old when we moved here. He learned how to walk and crawl and potty-train and swim here. When I had this baby in my arms for
the first time, I didn't even want to come back in the industry. I didn't want to sing." Dion and her family live in Lake Las Vegas, about 35 minutes from her workplace. "The Strip doesn't exist
there," she says. She insists she's a hometown kind of girl - she has even been known to stop and pick up a sack of chili dogs from Hot Dog Heaven on her way home. As this era of her Dion-asty comes to a close, her main focus is on keeping it together for these final performances. "I'm really trying to remain very strong," she says. "Because I'm not sad.
I'm just very, very emotional. A lot of us (in the stage company) are going on tour, we're looking for another thing to work on. But a lot of the guys, they're not all coming ..." Her voice trails off sadly.
She gets teary when asked to dash off a farewell note to Las Vegas on a piece of her show's stationery. Any advice for Bette Midler, who moves into the Colosseum on Feb. 20 for a projected two-year, five-night-a-week stand? "(Midler) said, 'Is there anything I should know?' And I said, 'Make them
fix the stage for you - flatten that stage.' I told her I did warm up the stage for her. It's ready to go." You'd think Dion would give herself a break after her emotionally and physically draining long run.
"Who told you that, the big winner?" she snorts in an "as if" tone. "Yes, we have a month off from this show, but it's a month of rehearsals for the next one," which is a yearlong, 19-country
tour. "But I'm not complaining. I like to work hard. Dion has hired director-choreographer Jamie King, who staged Madonna's two most recent tours, including the one with the controversial mirrored crucifix. "He's young and it will be a fresh
approach for me. It's going to move more. Because I've never really had a lot of up-tempo songs in my life." She flirts openly with rock and club pop on the new CD, and some critics have pointed out
that Dion seems to be nipping at her younger competitors in the pop world - Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Shakira. There are even a few Britney-esque moans and groans. The songs will form the
blueprint for her new show, "but they also tell the story of my childhood," she says. "People think it's an edgy and new approach - there's nothing new about it," she insists. "It's new compared to what I've been doing, which was maybe softer, but when I pay attention, I don't
remember having such a good time recording an English album. I could see myself at the kitchen table when I was 5 and my brothers and sisters" - she had 13 siblings growing up in Charlemagne, Quebec - "
playing Janis Joplin, Doobie Brothers, Creedence in the basement of the house and I could hear ..." She pounds the beat on the couch for emphasis. "I could not believe that the songwriters finally sent me that type of music," she says, spiraling into a miniswoon about the recent changes in her music. "I was so happy. It's edgy. I'll be 40. My husband is
a mature man, my son is growing - I don't want to start my career again. I want to enjoy it." Dion's show has raised the bar for Vegas concerts. "I think Vegas changed me. I don't want to
have the pretension to say that I changed Vegas," Dion says. "I think Vegas was ready to evolve, and I arrived at the same time. But when I came here, nothing was a sure thing. We came because
we believed in Franco and the show and the dancers and we got attached to each other. And then the success, people were coming night after night, year after year." It's almost time to say goodbye. "I'm not leaving," she whispers urgently. "And I'm not moving," she emphasizes, looking around at her personalized, penthouse-styled warren of offices
and conference rooms. "Just to clean my stuff here, all the crystal flowers and teddy bears and pictures that my fans give me ... We started to pack it up, and I told Rene, 'This is Rene-Charles' home, he
learned how to walk here. This is his childhood house. There's no way I'm packing.' " Asked about a return to the Colosseum stage, she says, " 'A New Day ...' will not come back, no. I'm going
on tour and if Vegas wants me again, I'm not saying no. I don't want to talk about three or five years from now where I'll be, but if they want me, I'd be honored to." While the notion of an MSO-Dion collaboration has been in the air for years, this is the first evidence of interest on Dion's end. Repertoire is an open question. The closest thing to classical in A New
Day, her Las Vegas show, was Ammore Annascunnuto, a Neapolitan ballad. The chanteuse has lately expressed an interest in Maria Callas, claiming that one of her recurring dreams is to win an
Academy Award as an actress for a film portrayal of the late operatic superstar. Dion's 2007 tribute-to-womanhood album, D'Elles, includes La Diva, a reflection on Callas with words by the
Quebec novelist and cultural critic Denise Bombardier, who noticed a resemblance when she visited Dion backstage in Las Vegas. In each of its first two years, "New Day" took in US$80.5 million; it was the second-highest grossing concert "tour" of 2003 and third highest of 2004. She pulled in US$81.3 million
in 2005 and US$78.1 million last year. Her residence opened the door to bring in Elton John's "Red Piano" show at the venue and has spawned imitators such as Barry Manilow at the Las Vegas
Hilton. Bette Midler will take over for Dion starting Feb. 20; she is inked to deliver 250 shows within the 2½ years that follow her opening. John will do about 50 shows in 2008, and another performer --
rumored to be either Diana Ross or Cher -- will be coming in to do an additional 80-100 shows per year when Midler and John are out. Five years ago, when Caesars Palace built the showroom and partnered with promoter AEG, Las Vegas' hottest attractions were Siegfried and Roy and Cirque du Soleil's "O." Most venues held fewer
than 2,000 patrons, and entertainment bookers were looking for the next "Mamma Mia" -- a Broadway import that would attract hordes. "Sometimes, it's the simplest concept that works best," said John
Meglen, president and co-CEO of Concerts West and officer of AEG Exhibitions. "We had to build (a venue) this large to make the numbers work. A big name entertainer is only going to do one show per
night." In her first calendar year, Dion attempted to do 200 shows, which proved to be too much as illness forced a dangerous number of cancellations. "Cancel too much, you get a reputation, and it kills
you," Meglen noted. Her slate was reduced to 160 shows per year while John upped his commitment. To keep the venue operating regularly, it has been used for one-nighters, occasional appearances by
Jerry Seinfeld and specialty programs geared to visitors in town for the annual Rodeo Week (Dolly Parton or Tim McGraw, for example), the Chinese New Year and Mexican Independence Day.
The Dion plan that wound up working was to alternate between five shows one week and four shows the next. Midler will be performing five nights per week, with Mondays and Thursday dark. She is near the end of working on the show in New York and will be coming to L.A. to start rehearsals this month at
Sony Studios. Dion, meanwhile, begins a worldwide tour Feb. 14 in support of her latest album, " Taking Chances ." "This has created a paradigm in this marketplace when you are high end," Meglen said. "The MGM model is Cirque-based, and it's very successful and a very good formula. Since we've been doing this --
and we have been approached with a lot of ideas (for shows in the Colosseum) -- we have not changed from our model: The headliner with a creative show that cannot tour. The only place you can see it
is in Las Vegas." AEG will also be using the resident-artist model for Echelon, which is expected to open in either 2010 or 2011. Company is also in the process of building a new Joint at the Hard Rock
that will open in summer 2009. Capacity will be 4,000 general admission or 3,000 seated, and it primarily program one-nighters. Purchased by Quebec-based production company Solotech - which has been providing sound, video and lighting systems for Dion since 1992 - the two Vista 5 SR desks will handle front-of-house and
stage monitor duties throughout the Canadian songstress' entire 2008/2009 world tour. Commencing with its first show on Valentine's Day in Johannesburg, South Africa, the concert itinerary is scheduled to run at
least a year and visit a wide array of venues ranging from intimate ballrooms to huge stadiums across South Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe/UK, North America, and the Middle East. During rehearsals in Las Vegas for the tour, Dion's FOH engineer, Francois "Frankie" Desjardins, explains his reasons for selecting the digital Studer Vista 5 SR consoles. "All of the systems we
considered sound good and offer similar features. But, for me, the top three reasons for going with the Vista 5 SR were easy. Number one, it is very compact and light. Since we will be taking the console with us
throughout the tour"--the production will only carry its complete PA system on the European and North American legs of the tour--"weight is very important. And its small footprint means ù
that we can place it within the audience" without taking up valuable seating space. "Secondly," the engineer continues, "the Vista 5 SR produces very little heat. When touring Australia in February, for example, the local temperatures can cause major reliability problems with equipment that
runs hot. Finally, we need a design that can handle FOH and monitors equally efficiently. Our operators will be out on the road for perhaps two years, so we may need to swap between mix positions; having to learn
two console systems just wasn't viable for us. The Vista 5 SR is perfect for our needs and very quick to use." In addition, "maintenance of the console is easier--we will need to carry fewer spare parts--and we'll have
a better knowledge of the product," he considers. Denis Savage, Dion's longtime FOH engineer and now tour manager, offers that mixing on-stage monitors for the Taking Chances tour--a task that will fall to Charles Ethiere--will be particularly complex.
"We have a number of sound sources and other elements locked to video that need to be sent to different artists. Because we are planning [to provide] 16 stereo monitor mixes, the Vista 5 SR's routing
flexibility is a big deal for us." The front-of-house Vista 5 SR features 64 mono inputs (54 plus 10 spares), 36 stereo inputs (15 plus eight effects returns and five spares), eight aux mono outputs (seven effects sends
plus a spare), ten aux stereo outputs (eight sends to stage plus two spares), eight stereo group busses, four master stereo and four stereo matrix busses; all channels and outputs feature full signal processing. The monitor Vista 5 SR offers 64 mono and 36 stereo inputs, routing to 16 aux mono and 20 aux stereo outputs, plus a master stereo and 20 stereo matrix busses. The Vista 5 SR console is a road-ready
version of the standard Vista 5 and features Studer's powerful Vistonics graphics-based user interface. The patented display/control technology utilizes an array of encoders mounted directly into TFT screens that
provide immediate access to all channel and output settings. The system is supplied with preset configurations to handle dedicated front-of-house and monitor applications. A stand-alone Config Editor streamlines
the set-up of the Vista 5 SR's channel/bus topology, with all setup parameters for each show capable of being saved and recalled from memory or a USB device. An expandable I/O array accommodates the available
Studer D21m Series cards, including CobraNet and Aviom A-Net(r). MADI is used along the optical snake link from stagebox to the FOH/monitor processing rack. "We've had great support from Studer," Desjardins concludes, "but I think Jamie Dunn from Studer USA made the difference. He spent many hours with us in Las Vegas. Given that our audio setup is a bit unusual
for FOH and monitors, he was able to build two different setups really quickly, and it worked the first time. That made a positive influence on us regarding the choice of Studer consoles."
"We are constantly investing in cutting-edge technology," adds Solotech Sound Department Special Project Director Mario St-Onge, "and continually developing ever more effective solutions. Our sound, lighting and
video teams work together [to] find the best solutions." "On behalf of the state of Nevada, we are delighted to have the opportunity to publicly honor and thank Celine Dion, an extraordinary entertainer who has not only performed in Nevada but
also chosen to call Nevada home and invested in the health and prosperity of the state and its residents," Krolicki, tourism commission chair, said. This year's Governor's Conference on Tourism is offering
early registrants the exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets to one of Dion's final performances in Las Vegas. The offer is for the Wednesday, Dec. 12, performance at 8:30 p.m. and tickets
start at $112.50. Tickets are limited. This will be one of Dion's last performances in The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, which was built specifically for her show. Dion has been performing in
Las Vegas to sold-out crowds since the opening of the show in March 2003, with almost 3 million people having seen the show. Caesars Entertainment built the $95 million Colosseum
to stage her show, "Celine Dion A New Day...," and enhance its reputation as a superstar show venue. Since becoming a resident of Las Vegas, Dion has dedicated more than a half dozen performances and donated millions of dollars to various Las Vegas-based charities from Opportunity
Village and Aid for AIDS of Nevada, to The Rape Crisis Center, Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, and Project REACH. Nationally and internationally, she has donated proceeds from her
performances in Las Vegas to UNICEF for the Asian tsunami, the Red Cross for Hurricane Katrina, and more than $2 million for Harrah's Entertainment employees affected by the hurricane in New
Orleans. "Nevada is known for its elaborate stage shows featuring famous entertainers, most of whom visit the state on tour performing for only a few nights and then get back on the road," Tim Maland,
Commission director, said. "Since the new millennium, Ms. Dion has stood out as a very productive member of our community -- aspiring to make a positive difference in the lives of all
Nevadans." The 2007 Nevada Governor's Conference on Tourism will be the most comprehensive forum for tourism, hospitality and travel industry leaders including CEOs and directors of marketing
and sales from major hotel/casinos in Las Vegas, Reno and Lake Tahoe. The conference provides delegates with sneak previews of upcoming trends, insight into what is new in the industry and the
opportunity to rekindle contacts and share ideas and information. It's sort of funny to think about now, because it just goes to show how completely unlikely it was then that Celine would go on a few years later to stake her own claim at revolutionizing Las
Vegas. Or that it would be that Cirque production, helmed by Franco Dragone, that would famously convince her that she wanted to deviate radically from the normal pop-star-in-her-prime script and
become a long-term Vegas headliner. And now, after nearly five remarkable years, Queen Celine is voluntarily abdicating, flinging herself off her ginormous Colosseum throne with gusto
and back into the whirlwind of international tours, record promotion and possibly additional parenthood. And I can hear the hipsters and aspiring hipsters among you who huff "Good riddance!" or
"Who cares?" and pity you for having no appreciation for the fact that she ever graced us with her regime. Now is the time for all good-hearted people who love this city and destination to lay down their arms and embrace our gentle, benevolent departing monarch. It's not about the music, so if your
complaint with Dion is that she over-belts sugary wedding-dance ballads that appeal to folks who wouldn't know The Cure from Tupac, then you're as arrogant and elitist in your own way as you believe
Celine's fans are toward you and yours. This moment is significant. As major as the final days of the Rat Pack or Elvis. Really. It is not overstating it to say that Celine Dion revolutionized Las Vegas at least as much as that other major brand from Quebec you might have heard of around here. She didn't have to do it,
to be sure, but she did. And yes, she was paid handsomely—detractors may say obscenely—for it. But as she leaves, she's done more for us than we've done for her. Don't believe me? No less
than her successor, the inimitable Bette Midler, told me in a recent interview that without Celine, there'd be no Elton John, no Barry Manilow, no Toni Braxton, no Prince. Pick your delight,
whatever the genre, and when Celine proved that Vegas was an efficient, highly profitable and personally fulfilling place to hang around, that word got out. "The effect is absolutely huge, enormous," Midler said of Celine's tenure. "She was a giant headliner, and she made a choice. It was a choice that a lot of other people wouldn't have made at the
time, and it opened a lot of people's eyes to the possibility not just to the Colosseum but to all of Vegas. And I think it was a very sharp and shrewd move, and also she had a good time." There's
no doubt there's a large chunk of this magazine's audience that must think I'm a square queer by now. And to that I'll clarify that I haven't always been kind to Celine or the show myself. I even told Los
Angeles Times travel-section readers that they're better advised to see Clint Holmes if they're looking for an amazing headliner experience. And I have wondered in print whether the simplicity of
Celine's bio—she married her manager as a teenager and became a mammoth pop star—made her lack personal understanding of the desperation of loneliness and heartache contained in the lyrics of
some of her songs. But more recently I realized I'd missed something impressive about her personal story that ought to earn her a salute even from the cooler-than-thou crowd: This woman has taken more abuse
than just about any noncontroversial pop-culture figure and just kept trucking along anyway. She never complained. That's character-building. Still, the cool kids can't help themselves. She gave
loads of access to Newsweek recently, and they rewarded her with a largely sunny tribute, except that the first sentence of the story opened: "Celine Dion is going to try to sing. This isn't a setup for a joke."
Only it is. Or, that is, everyone has to be in on the joke to get the irony of the setup, which is that a viral infection in October caused some show cancellations. And consider that this is the same publication
that ran a snarky piece when she arrived under the headline "She's Just Not Vegas." That piece quoted some Vegas luminaries questioning whether she'd fit in here, the standard seeming to be based entirely
on whether she'd ever show up to do celeb karaoke at the Bootlegger on Monday nights. I should know. I contributed to that piece. Over the years, she did her shows, found creative ways to raise large
gobs of money for charity, kept out of trouble and turned the Colosseum into the closest thing Vegas may ever have to New York's Radio City Musical Hall. It's by far the most prestigious and classiest
theater to perform in in the Western United States. And so, a grateful Vegas ought to bid her a fond farewell. I know I do. Seriously. During her country wide tour which will include spectacular performances in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Celine has vowed to give her thousands of fans the most
memorable night that they have ever experienced. Carrying the title of the World’s biggest selling female artist of all time - compatrioted only to that of the record of Elvis Presley in the male category,
Celine Dion has proved that her appeal ranges to all ages and cultures. Her Taking Chances World tour which will take her to 35 countries on 5 continents is set to be the most spectacular box
office gross of 2008, with shows around the world selling out in mere minutes. This is first time in South African history that an international artist performs at more than six outdoor stadiums
during a visit to the country. Results will be tallied just before Christmas and a massive New Year's Show of the Century will count down the Top 2007 Artists until we reach number 1. Who is your Number 1 of 2007?
Plus, for all your great sweat and tears, we will be giving away four awesome albums from our current album chart collection. There is just no downside here - on Vh1 you give us your top artist of 2007
and we gotch yer back with great albums. Contest ends Thursday December 20th." How do you feel about leaving Las Vegas? What do you think you’ll miss most about it? Well, it’s been my home for the last five years. We consider ourselves Las Vegans now (laughs). We’re going to keep our house here because my son was 1 ½ when we moved here and he
made memories here. It’s his home. We’ve celebrated six birthdays here, so we’re going to keep this house although we’re building our new house in Florida. Do you feel good about getting older? My feet are definitely more grounded than before. And I know that I’m not holding onto a dream. I’m holding onto my life. I’m so centered in feeling great about me that I can give great things
to my son and my husband and my family. I see clearer and clearer now. There’s no such thing is aging, but maturing and knowledge. It’s beautiful, I call that beauty. You have a world tour coming up. What can audiences expect? A brand new show. It’s very modern, very fresh, dynamic. (snaps fingers) Very up tempo. Uplifting, edgy. Let’s put it this way, same Celine — I will be singing my previous
repertoire that’s sure, but I also have my new album called Taking Chances, and those songs are very powerful. Definitely a lot more edgy. I will be performing both old and
new songs. I can’t wait. I’m very thrilled. Where would you most like to live in the world? It doesn’t matter for me where I live as long as I am with my entourage, my entourage of my husband and son is my home. As long as I have my two men, it doesn’t matter. What do you never leave home without? My son. Sometimes my husband has to stay for business stuff, but most of the time, my husband and my son. Lets talk about the album title, Taking Chances. Do you consider yourself a big risk taker? I take chances in what I believe. And I thought those songs were amazing. The title is very appropriate because, first it’s a song and, second, the journey in Vegas. Probably people thought,
“She’s not going to do a tour. They’re not going to do an album. She’s exhausted” and all that. Yes I am, but I’m especially uplifted as well. Because it’s been an amazing journey but at the same time
the songs are so unbelievable, there’s no way I’m going to put this on the table and leave it there. I will go on stage and have a good time. Also my son is going to be noticing that. Can you
imagine, “My mother is on stage.” And I’m singing an album that I’m very proud of. It’s going to be a visual spectacular and he’s going to be 7 years old. He’s at an age where he’ll
probably remember. It’s a privilege to be able to have this experience with him. There’s a big rock influence on this album as well. My edgy side…(laughs) Which will undoubtedly broaden your demographic. Was it a conscious decision to do that or is that how it came about naturally? It came about naturally. How would you say you’ve evolved as an artist and as a woman? As an artist, think progressively, naturally. As a woman, I think it's opening up yourself to life and noticing what life can bring you and let it in. And then it becomes whatever you become. I definitely
would never go back to my 20s. The best is yet to come. How do you feel about other artists who are having difficulties being grounded? I have to say this — the thing I’m most proud of, that I’m grounded and balanced. That’s my biggest success is the person I could remain through the years. It’s not easy to achieve and I certainly wish
that everyone would have the family and the support and team that I have. I think this could make the huge difference. I feel in this generation they have to have it all. Beat the odds and do it all, but they
need the family and the support there. The music industry has changed tremendously and the kids have so much pressure. I’m glad I did my work, studied my career 20 years ago and now I can enjoy it. What advice would you give a young singer trying to get into the business? Never say that your life is to be a singer. You want to sing because it’s a part of your life. But in your life, you are in charge. If you don’t succeed as a singer, it doesn’t mean you don’t have a life and
it's over. You have your life and you can have a career to have fun. Most kids these days say it’s their life. That’s the problem. For more on Celine, pick up the latest issue of OK!, on newsstands Thursday! In addition, "Celine Dion - A New Day: Live In Las Vegas" will premiere more than three hours worth of bonus material including three documentary features: "Because You Loved Me -
A Tribute to the Fans"; "A New Day - All Access," (presented in THREE versions: one for the Quebec market, one for French market and one
for the International market) the a revelatory behind-the-scenes look at 12 hours in the life of Celine as she creates that
day's performance of her Las Vegas extravaganza, from leaving home to soundcheck to a night vision view of the show from her unique backstage perspective;
and "A New Day - The Secrets," an intimate collection of highlights, high-jinx, and memories
spanning the five years of magic that made "A New Day" the hottest ticket in Las Vegas history. Launched on March 25, 2003, Celine Dion's "A New Day" began with Celine's initial three-year commitment -- later extended to five years -- to appear five nights a week at The Colosseum at Caesars
Palace in Las Vegas, a 4000-seat arena designed specifically for her show. A 90-minute event, "A New Day" introduced a new form of theatrical entertainment, a fusion of song, performance art, innovative
stage craft and state-of-the-art technology. The show was created by Dragone Productions, a team led by Franco Dragone, the creative spirit behind ten of the critically acclaimed productions by
Cirque du Soleil, including the groundbreaking "O" at Bellagio in Las Vegas. On December 15, 2006, Celine announced that she was entering the last year of performances with the final curtain set to rise and fall on December 15, 2007, four days after the release of her
"Celine Dion - A New Day: Live In Las Vegas" DVD collection translated in 9 languages: French, English, Dutch, German, Korean, Thai, Chinese, Spanish and Italian.
Over the course of the show's record-breaking sold-out run, more than 3,000,000 people have seen Celine Dion's "A New Day."
When the show's final curtain falls on December 15, 2007, "A New Day" will have taken in approximately $400,000,000, one of the highest concert grosses in music history. Disk 1: Unfortunately for fans of the multi-octave Canadian songstress, Sony BMG has confirmed earlier retailer reports that although the DVD release of 'A New Day' remains on schedule,
the Blu-ray version has been yanked. However, a studio rep told High-Def Digest that the title has not been permanently cancelled, and that Sony BMG is currently eyeing a new date for Celine's
high-def debut "sometime in 2008." As always, we'll keep you posted as soon as the title has been officially rescheduled. Stay tuned... What’s it really like to raise a family in Las Vegas? “People who haven’t been there for 20 years have a vision of Vegas, but it’s evolved tremendously,” she said. “People have jobs, they go to work in the morning, they go to church. It is
possible to have a normal family life. In fact, it’s going to be pretty hard to leave behind—like closing a chapter. But I’m not sad, only energized and happy." Her son is being home-schooled.
“It’s working extremely well,” she told me. And is Mom or Dad le professeur (teacher)? “Neither one,” said Celine. “We have a wonderful teacher. Her name is Kerri. There!
Now she will be the world’s most-famous teacher.” When Celine flies in February to Johannesburg, the first stop on her yearlong world tour, both Renés will join her—Angelil running the show, and their son in tow. How big is her traveling party?
“About 100 cities,” she said. “After South Africa, we’ll go to Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.” Céline turns 40 next year. “It’s a wonderful thing to grow older,” she said. “I hope to have another
child.” A girl this time? “I would take a little boy or a little girl.”
[Source: LV Review-Journal]
Act sold more than $400 million in tickets
(12:00 p.m. GMT) Call Celine Dion's schtick maudlin or melodramatic, but don't forget to include moneymaker among the list of adjectives. Since 2003, when the Canadian crooner pranced into
the customized $95 million Colosseum theater at Caesars Palace, her act has sold more than USD$400 million in tickets. Perhaps more important, the show's buzz rubbed off on the casino and
infused it with energy that helped prompt Harrah's Entertainment to invest hundreds of millions for Caesars to regain its footing among top-tier Las Vegas resorts.
[Source: LV Review-Journal]
Brand New Pictures!
[Source: Le Journal de Montreal]The Entertainer Of The New Millennium
(8:00 a.m. GMT) A sentimental Celine Dion said she will forever remember Caesars Palace as the site of her son's first steps. "And his first potty training," she told the Governor's Conference
on Tourism on Thursday at Caesars Palace. Gov. Jim Gibbons presented Dion, whose 41/2-year run at Caesars Palace ends Saturday, with the newly created Nevada Entertainer of the New
Millennium Award. The award recognized Dion for "entertaining millions and changing the lives of all Nevadans through her commitment to philanthropic giving." Nevada first lady Dawn Gibbons
gifted Dion with a Nevada-mined turquoise necklace.
[Source: LV Review-Journal]
Dion, Vegas parting - but not forever
(8:00 a.m. GMT) You really had to be there. After all, you had five years to do it - three years more than anyone ever expected. But if for some reason you weren't one of the 3 million
people who made it to Celine Dion's spectacular " A New Day ..." at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, you can catch the last show tonight. If you've got the cash and the connections. That's a big
if. Or you can watch it on the newly released five-hour double DVD " Celine Dion: A New Day - Live in Las Vegas " (released this week and packaged along with Dion's perfume for the
full sensory experience). It includes an entire concert performance, filmed in January in high definition, with 19 songs.
[Source: Las Vegas Sun]
Big-Screen Concert Film Starring Celine Dion Selling Out on Fandango.com
(8:00 a.m. GMT) Indicating a strong fan interest in seeing entertainment events on the big screen, two concert films are among the top ticket-sellers this weekend at Fandango (www.fandango.com), the
nation’s leading moviegoer destination. One of these concert films is: Celine Dion: A New Day –One Night Only is the exclusive big-screen version of Dion’s Las Vegas engagement (closing Saturday night after nearly five
years of weekly shows). The concert experience plays at movie theaters on Monday night, December 17, for one show only. In many cities, the evening is already sold out.
[Source: Prweb]
Celine & Kent Nagano
(8:00 a.m. GMT) Celine Dion, who closes an almost-five-year run in Las Vegas tonight, may be taking her chances with Kent Nagano and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra in 2009.
Quebec newspaper La Presse has quoted the singer's husband and artistic manager, René Angélil, to the effect that two concerts with the orchestra would be a better-than-even
bet after the close of Dion's Taking Chances world tour on Jan. 30, 2009. "Kent Nagano impressed me," Angélil told the paper. The MSO music director flew to Las Vegas last
week with MSO administrative boss Madeleine Careau and pop lyricist Luc Plamondon
[Source: The Gazette]
December 14th, 2007
Celine Dion concert comes to close
(7:00 a.m. GMT) When Celine Dion takes her final curtain call in Las Vegas on Saturday, her " A New Day " show will have grossed US$400 million in ticket sales
over her four-year, eight-month run at Caesars Palace. Deemed a risky move when Dion began her residence at the then-new 4,100-seat Colosseum, her show has rewritten the rules regarding
headliner entertainment in Sin City. She will have racked up 718 performances, provided she performs tonight and Saturday, and she has played to better than 95% capacity throughout the run.
Add sponsorships and merchandise sales, and Dion show's tally hits a half-billion dollars, according to the show's promoter, AEG.
'Day' in Vegas ends with $400 million in sales
[Source: Variety]
December 13th, 2007
Celine Dion set to tour the Globe with New Studer Vista 5 SR Pair
(11:00 a.m. GMT) Following her five-year, 700-plus performance run with A New Day at the Caesar's Palace Colosseum in Las Vegas, Celine Dion is now poised to embark upon her first world tour in
eight years. Her highly anticipated return to the road - which is in support of a new album, Taking Chances - is also newsworthy in that it will benefit from a pair of brand new Studer Vista 5 SR digital live
sound consoles, a design that was unveiled at the recent AES Convention in New York City.
[Source: news.etnow]
Reminder: Nevada Commission on Tourism to Honor Celine Dion
(11:00 a.m. GMT) La Commissione del Turismo dello stato americano del Nevada onorerà la superstar internazionale
nonchè vincitrice di numerosi Grammy awards: Celine Dion, come Artista del Nuovo Millennio durante la Conferenza annuale sul Turismo
che avrà luogo dal 12 al 14 Dicembre 2007 al Caesars Palace hotel and casino di Las Vegas. Celine farà un'apparizione speciale per accettare il premio
durante il ricevimento del 13 Dicembre (OGGI!!) alle 6:00 p.m. PT
(11:00 a.m. GMT) The Nevada Commission on Tourism will honor Grammy award-winning, international superstar Celine Dion as Entertainer of the New
Millennium at the annual Governor's Conference on Tourism in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace hotel and casino, December 12-14, Lt. Gov. Brian
K. Krolicki announced today. Dion will make a special appearance to accept the award at an evening reception on December 13 (TODAY!) at 6 p.m.
[Source: marketwire]
December 12th, 2007
::: Celine TOPS The Billboard Boxscore Concert Grosses :::
(8:30 p.m. GMT)
Secondo Billboard, gli spettacoli di Céline dal 29 Novembre al 2 Dicembre si classificano
al PRIMO posto della Billboard Boxscore Concert Grosses (la classifica degli
incassi dei concerti nel MONDO) di questa settimana. Guadagni delle vendite: 2.760.848 dollari;
Show tutti esauriti: 4 su 4; biglietti venduti nei 4 giorni: 16.592 su 16.592.
Con questi show, gli spettacoli tutti esauriti sono 519 su 714. Dall'inizio dell'anno, Celine si è esibita in 113 spettacoli
i quali hanno incassato un totale di 64.297.291 dollari con 462.646 presenze. Il prezzo ufficiale dei biglietti delle ultime
rappresentazioni è enormemente incrementato: $350, $250, $200, $100.
(8:30 p.m. GMT)
According to Billboard, Céline's shows from November 29th to December 2nd are at the
FIRST position of this week's Billboard Boxscore Concert Grosses (the chart of concert
grosses in the WORLD). Gross Sales: US$ 2,760,848 ; Shows/ Sellouts: 4 out of 4,
Attend/Capacity: 16,592 out of 16,592. With these shows, Céline's sold-out shows are 519 out of 714 performed shows.
The 113 shows (since the beginning of 2007) grossed US$ 64,297,291 with 462,646 attendances. The official price of tickets for
the latest Celine's Vegas concerts increased enourmously: $350, $250, $200, $100.
The Canadian Album Chart
(8:00 p.m. GMT)
Secondo i dati compilati dalla Nielsen SoundScan Canada, il nuovo album di Céline, "Taking Chances", rimane al SECONDO posto nella
classifica degli album più venduti di questa settimana in Canada vendendo 45.000 copie. Al primo posto si classifica Josh Groban con
53.000 copie vendute. Ad oggi, sono state vendute un totale di 203.000 copie di Taking Chances in Canada.
(8:00 p.m. GMT)
According to Nielsen SoundScan Canada, Céline's new album: "Taking Chances", remains at No. 2 of this week's best-selling album chart in
the Canada selling 45,000 copies. A total of 203,000 units. Josh Groban is still at #1 with 53,000 units sold.
A New Day... Live In Las Vegas - DVD
[Thanks France]
The Strip Sense: An appreciation of Celine
(12:00 p.m. GMT) "The first time I saw Celine Dion live was an auspicious date, although I hardly understood why at the time. It was my 26th birthday, she was in the post-Titanic throes of her
Let's Talk About Love tour, and my then-partner surprised me with tickets I'd later realize he charged to my credit card. But that's a whole other tacky matter. The date was October 16, 1998.
Any dyed-in-the-wool Vegas devotee worth his chips must recognize this as the day that Steve Wynn's Bellagio opened. Just a mile west of the Thomas & Mack where Celine crooned along with
videotaped performances by Barbra Streisand and the Bee Gees, the crème of the Sin City crop was eating richly, drinking liberally and ushering in a milestone in the city's history with the debut
performances of the Cirque du Soleil aquatic spectacle O.
[Source: by Steve Friess, Las Vegas Weekly ]
!DVD SOLD-OUT IN QUEBEC!
(6:00 p.m. GMT) According the the Quebec press, Celine's much-anticipated and long-awaited DVD, A New Day: Live In Las Végas, is
completely SOLD-OUT in Quebec (Canada). The DVD, that came out yesterday, went sold out in less than a hour at Archambault stores, at
Wal-Mart 300 copies went sold-out in less than 3 hours, same situation at Future Shop, HMV and Zellers stores.
[Source: canoe]
"A New Day..." on The Italian TV
(6:00 a.m. GMT) Martedì, 25 Dicembre alle 22:50 su Italia 1 verrà trasmesso il fantastico show di Celine a Las Vegas:
A New Day: Live in Las Vegas. NON PERDETELO!
December 11th, 2007
« Les Stars de l'année 2007 »
(8:00 p.m. GMT) The French TV-Special « Les Stars de l'année 2007 » will be televised on saturday, December 29th, 2007 at 8:50 p.m. (local time) on the TV-Network
France 2. The show, taped on November 3rd during the European Taking Chances promotional tour, will also feature a Celine's amazing performance of Tina Turner's
Simply the Best.
[Source: coulisses-tv]
Tenor Andrea Bocelli talks about Celine
(8:00 p.m. GMT) Here's an excerpt from an interview with the Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli: "Question - Do you have a favorite star with whom you've performed? --
Answer -- It's difficult to say, but if I say just a name, I have to say Celine (Dion) has been a special moment in my career. (His duet with her on "The Prayer" was a big hit and
a big boost to his fame.) "
[Source: OCregister]
::::: From "La Dernière Heure" :::::
December 10th, 2007
::::: From "The Gazette" :::::
::::: From "The Guardian" :::::
*Updating*: Celine breaks showbiz records in South-Africa - THE VIDEO!
(1:00 p.m. GMT) Visiting this webpage, you'll be able
to watch (click on "From Celine Dion With Love..." on the right) Celine's videotaped message. In a congratulatory videotaped message Celine Dion herself sent to the winner of the Idols 2007 competition during the two finale spectacular on Sunday night. She
furthermore confirmed that Jody has been chosen to perform as her local support artist during her upcoming Taking Chances world tour which kicks off in South Africa on February 14th.
Having achieved double platinum status of her new Taking Chances album Celine Dion is undoubtedly still the biggest artist ever visit South Africa.
December 9th, 2007
Les Adieux de Céline Dion à Las Vegas - The Teaser!
(9:00 a.m. GMT) By right-clicking here (and then choosing "Save Target As..."),
you'll be able to download the teaser of the TV-Special Les Adieux de Céline Dion à Las Vegas (Celine Dion's Vegas Farewells) that will
be broadcast by TVA (Quebec) on December 16th. "Live all the great moments of this special night. Follow Celine before, during and after
her final show. Accompany her leaving home with Rene et Rene-Charles. Watch the preparations in her dressing-room. See the special moments of her final show. And
do not miss the AFTER-THE-SHOW-PARTY."
[Source: TVA]
Top Artist of 2007 Contest - Let's Vote For Celine!
(9:00 a.m. GMT) "2008 is just around the corner, but before we start celebrating we need to crown the Top Artist of 2007.
Vh1 will be presenting a very special New Year's show which will feature the Top Artists of 2007 as chosen by you. You can vote for the likes of Celine Dion, Nelly Furtado,
Kanye, Justin Timberlake, Fall Out Boy, Avril Lavigne and plenty more...100's more in fact. We give you THE list of 2007 and you vote for your #1 TOP ARTIST of 2007. Maybe, its the sound,
maybe its someone's legs, or perhaps its just that sexy voice - no matter the reason, get off the merry-go-round and get on board with voting voting voting for the Top 2007 Artist!
[Thanks Renato]
December 7th, 2007
Céline @ "Star Système"
(2:20 p.m. GMT) By right-clicking here
(and then choosing "Save Target As..."), you'll be able to download a video-report about Celine Dion aired last night in Quebec during
the show "Star Système" on TVA. The show co-host, Pénélope McQuade, met Celine Dion and Rene Angelil in Las Vegas to celebrate
the Radio Rock Detente contest winners.
[Source: tva]
Celine Dion / Yuna Ito Duet - THE VIDEO!!
(6:30 a.m. GMT) Celine Dion and japanese music star Yuna Ito (who recorded " My Heart Will Go On " featured on a japanese cover-album dedicated to Celine Dion) will duet the
song Anata ga Iru Kagiri ~A WORLD TO BELIEVE IN. The song was recorded in October. Celine sings the part in English and Yuna Ito sings the part in
japanese. This single will come out in the japanese stores on January 16, 2008. The videoclip was shot in Las Vegas and Yuna Ito will support Celine concerts in Japan in March 2008.
[Source: orient-extreme]
OK! Interview: Celine Dion
(6:00 a.m. GMT) A music staple, Celine Dion has been in the industry for more than 25 years and the songstress believes life is only getting better and better. Having just released a new
album, Taking Chances, and preparing to call "curtains" on her extended Las Vegas concert run, Celine, who has a son, René-Charles, 6, with husband René Angélil, is looking forward to a
new chapter in her life. The 39-year-old opens up in the newest issue of OK! about family, music and how she's remained grounded all these years.
[Source: OK! Magazine (US Version)]
December 6th, 2007
Céline @ Vivement Dimanche
(8:00 p.m. GMT) Celine Dion will be one of the guests of THIS coming Sunday's episode of the French TV-show « Vivement Dimanche ». The show, hosted by
Michel Drucker will be aired on the French TV-Network France 2 as from 2:00 p.m. (local time). Celine's segment was taped on November 5th during the promotional tour in Europe of
Taking Chances.
[Source: coulisses-tv]
Columbia Records Announces the Release of 'Celine Dion - A New Day: Live in Las Vegas'
(11:00 a.m. GMT) Columbia Records will release "Celine Dion - A New Day: Live In Las Vegas" -- a deluxe FIVE hour double-DVD commemorating the historic five-year sold-out
run of Celine Dion's attendance record-breaking Las Vegas concert extravaganza, "A New Day" -- on Tuesday, December 11. The "Celine Dion - A New Day: Live In Las Vegas"
DVD collection will include Celine's Las Vegas spectacular in its entirety, featuring 18 songs and 90 minutes of music, filmed in breath-taking state-of-the-art high definition during a
week's worth of performances during the week of January 17-21, 2007.
[Source: Prnewswire]
December 5th, 2007
::::: From 'Gala' :::::
*EXCLUSIVE Pictures*
[Thanks Mymy]
La Dernière de Celine à Las Vegas
(8:00 p.m. GMT) The Quebec TV-Station TVA will broadcast a TV-Special dedicated to the latest show of Celine Dion at The Colosseum at Caesars
Palace in Las Vegas on December 16th. The show, entitled Les Adieux de Céline Dion à Las Vegas (Celine's Vegas farewells), will be produced by Julie Snyder.
The broadcasting has been conceived by Celine and Rene. The cameras will enter the itimacy of the couple during latest show's night (December 15th).
We will be able to see Celine leaving her home with Rene and their son who will attend her mother's show. We'll see Celine in her dressing room, in the elevator that takes her to the stage.
The special will last from 30 to 45 minutes.
[Source: Journal de Montreal]
At #2 of the Canadian Album Chart
(8:00 p.m. GMT)
Secondo i dati compilati dalla Nielsen SoundScan Canada, il nuovo album di Céline, "Taking Chances", scende al SECONDO posto nella
classifica degli album più venduti di questa settimana in Canada vendendo nuovamente 39.000 copie. Al primo posto si classifica Josh Groban con
46.000 copie vendute. Ad oggi, sono state vendute un totale di 158.000 copie di Taking Chances in Canada.
(8:00 p.m. GMT)
According to Nielsen SoundScan Canada, Céline's new album: "Taking Chances", slips to No. 2 of this week's best-selling album chart in
the Canada selling 39,000 copies again. A total of 158,000 units. Josh Groban comes in 1st with 46,000 units sold.
' Taking Chances ' in the U.S.A.
(8:00 p.m. GMT)
Secondo i dati compilati dalla Nielsen SoundScan, il nuovo album di Céline, "Taking Chances", rimane stabile all'OTTAVO posto nella
classifica degli album più venduti di questa settimana negli Stati Uniti con 93.000 copie vendute, per un totale di 435.000 unità vendute.
(8:00 p.m. GMT)
According to Nielsen SoundScan, Céline's new album: "Taking Chances", remains at #8 of this week's best-selling album chart in the U.S.A.
selling 93,000 copies, a total of 435,000 units sold to the date.
A New Day - The DVD
(2:40 p.m. GMT) Here are few pictures of the final version of the much-anticipated and VERY long-awaited DVD of Celine Dion's Vegas show A New Day...
According to this press-release the issue-date has been postponed to December 18th
in the U.S.A. . SonyBMG Italy also postponed the issue-date to December 14th. The Blu-ray version will come out in February 2008.
The Show:
The bonus:
Disk 2:
[Source: DVD Planet]
December 4th, 2007
Celine's ' A New Day... ' Blu-ray
(2:30 p.m. GMT) Fans hoping to spend the holidays with Celine Dion in high-def are going to have to wait for ' A New Day ,' as Sony BMG has bumped the planned
December Blu-ray release of her live Vegas spectacular til next year. As originally reported back in October, 'Celine Dion: A New Day... Live in Las Vegas' was first announced for a
December 11 Blu-ray release, day-and-date with the standard-def DVD. The release looked to be quite spectacular, with a splashy press release touting a "deluxe high-definition DVD" package featuring
a making-of documentary, additional tracks, and even more extensive bonus features.
[Source: highdefdigest]
December 3rd, 2007
STILL at the TOP of the European Album Chart!!
(8:20 p.m. GMT)
Secondo Billboard Magazine, il nuovo album di Céline, "Taking Chances", rimane saldo al PRIMO posto nella
classifica degli album più venduti di questa settimana in Europa. Al secondo posto si classificano gli Eagles e al terzo Alicia Keys.
(8:20 p.m. GMT)
According to Billboard Magazine, Céline's new album: "Taking Chances", is in a second week at No. 1 on this week's European Top 100 Albums chart.
The Eagles comes in 2nd and Alicia Keys in 3rd.
Taking Chances Added to A New Day...
(7:00 a.m. GMT) Celine's new song Taking Chances has been added to the song-list of her spectacular and record breaking Las Vegas show: A New Day....
This song replaces the song " If I Could ". Only NINE shows to go to the end of this amazing experience in Las Vegas for Celine!!
December 2nd, 2007
In Step With...Celine Dion
(7:40 p.m. GMT) One of the world’s most popular entertainers, Celine Dion, will spend the holidays in Las Vegas instead of her native Canada. “Usually we spend Christmas in
Québec with my mother and the family,” she said. “But because I’ll be rehearsing in Las Vegas for my world tour, we’ll be staying there." For the last five years, Vegas has been home to
Céline. There, she has performed her $100 million show, A New Day, at Caesars Palace. The electrifying run draws to a close on Dec. 15. Before it ends, A New Day will be filmed for a TV special.
And last month the international superstar released Taking Chances, her first new English-language studio album in four years. Pretty good for a kid from the sticks who grew up speaking only
French. Now Céline is rich, famous, happily married to manager René Angelil and mother to 6-year-old son René.
[Source: Parade]
A pause to salute Céline
(7:40 p.m. GMT) May we take a moment, please, to congratulate our national diva, Celine Dion, for the monster reception she is getting on her homecoming. That tickets for her first
four Bell Centre shows, Aug. 15, 16, 19 and 20, sold in just 35 minutes (as was expected to be the case for the just-announced fifth on Aug. 23 when those tickets went on sale yesterday) is no small feat,
and though we have razzed her incessantly for the six or so years of our pesterhood, there comes a time when one must pull back, admire the accomplishment, and say: Brava Céline.
[Source: The Gazette]
December 1st, 2007
6 x Montreal!!
(9:00 p.m. GMT) Spectacles Gillett Group and AEG announced on November 26th that Celine would have performed FIVE times in Montreal next year during
her " Taking Chances " world tour. Today, it was the day of the going on sale to the general public of this fifth date in Montreal (August
23rd, 2008). At 10:00 a.m. ET Spectacles Gillett Group added a SIXTH more date and also these shows went sold-out in less than 35
minutes. Celine will perform 6 times at the Bell Center: on August 15, 16, 19, 20, 23, 25...a total of 120,000 tickets.
[Source: matin.qc.ca]
Celine Dion Taking Chances TV-Special
(9:00 p.m. GMT) Take a chance with STAR WORLD TV and you may just end up hopping on a plane, and flying to Las Vegas to catch
Celine Dion's final performance at Caesar Palace. Get up close and personal with the Grammy Award winning diva Celine Dion as Star World presents the premiere of this exclusive special -
Celine Dion Taking Chances on December 5th at 10 p.m.
[Source: StarWorld]