To avoid confusion, a Vegas Residency in the entertainment industry is not to be equated with a person moving to Las Vegas as a permanent move. It is what is known as a concert residency, where a performer will agree to settle into a specific venue (Las Vegas, in this case) for a predetermined period of time. Lady Gaga has agreed to spend 2 years, beginning at the end of 2018, to do Vegas shows. After doing one world-wide tour after another, this could be a way for the soon-to-be 32 year old singer to give her body a much needed rest. She has suffered from fibromyalgia for many years and there is some question whether her condition will limit her ability to meet the demands of a Vegas Residency.
What amazes many people is the amount of the deal. The $100 million is said to be a low figure based on the fact she is expected to make $1 million per show. The more accurate figure is estimated to be in the area of $200 million. With that kind of money on the table, fans can expect Vegas packages to see the controversial star costing a significant premium price. The exact numbers are still being worked out but as long as she doesn’t disappoint the lines can be expected to be long. The initial agreement has her performing a minimum of 74 shows over the 2 years.
While fans are likely to be thrilled to be able to see Lady Gaga perform regularly without chasing her all over the world, there are definite challenges for her creative team known as Haus of Gaga. While they have been lauded in the music industry for their creativity and imagery — and Las Vegas in definitely a locale to showcase those talents — keeping Lady Gaga’s image relevant in a static environment is not as easy as it seems. She managed to gain seriously credibility as a performer at the 2015 Academy Awards where she performed a medley of songs from The Sound of Music. As for her critics, it has been accurately stated that the only opinion that matters to Gaga is that of Julie Andrews — who said Gaga “hit it out of the park.”
There must be far more admirers than critics of the pop star, as according to sources this deal that tops the $100 million level is the most lucrative ever offered for a Vegas Residency. Celine Dion, who is largely considered to be the top female Vegas entertainment draw, got paid $476,000 per show. Lady Gaga is poised to double that figure. Of recent vintage, Britney Spears two year Vegas Residency paid her $30 million.
The locale of her performances will be at the MGM Park Theater in the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino. Though past performance is not an indicator of future results, her last tour that lasted 37 dates averaged $2.5 million per show. For backers of her Vegas Residency, the math says she will potentially make a minimum of $185 million over those 2 years. Those backers can add hotel bookings and package deals to the final tab. It is certain that there are doubters. But remember, this is Las Vegas, where the odds always favor the house.
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