Luxe Life Blog
Exclusive: Mom-to-be Celine Dion signs new contract, sets starting date
Celine Dion, shown onstage with her husband, Rene Angelil, and their son, Rene Charles, at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in December 2007, when her A New Day Tour drew to a close.
Photo: Scott Doctor/www.greatscottstudios.com
Singing superstar Celine Dion and husband and manager Rene Angelil may not have settled on a name for their new baby to be born in late April or early May, but they have picked the return date for a new run of shows on the Strip! I’m certain that my exclusive will be shot down by all concerned because it’s so far in advance, but I can reveal that Celine plans to be singing New Year’s Eve of next year back at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace!
It would be some three years since her extraordinary Dec. 15, 2007, final night of the New Day residency that grossed $400 million and was seen by 3 million fans -- and just days from her 16th wedding anniversary!
Celine Dion, Rene-Charles and Rene Angelil are escorted by a guide in Shanghai.
Despite expected denials from both resort casino officials and the giant concert conglomerate AEG, who will produce her new shows, I have been reliably told “the deal is now done.” As yet, I don’t have the full details of the number of shows or appearances, but I’ve learned that she wants to kick it all off on Dec. 31, 2010, “to start a new year right!”
Vegas DeLuxe has previously reported rumors of Celine’s return to the Strip, and none of our stories have been denied. Even Rene told us previously that they wanted to return to The Colosseum when the time was right.
Celine Dion in concert in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 28, 2009.
I understand that Celine’s pregnancy, confirmed on Aug. 18, is going smoothly. There was a false start to the first in vitro procedure. When contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was in Florida this year for the Super Bowl, he captured a candid moment of Celine proudly pointing out her tummy as if to say the process was underway. Unfortunately, after eight days, the IVF was unsuccessful, and Rene and Celine returned to a Manhattan clinic for another attempt.
The second procedure was successful, and 41-year-old Celine is now just six months away from giving birth. After the baby is born, Celine will have nine months of recuperation, rest and relaxation playing new mom before starting rehearsals for the Caesars Palace concerts. Celine and Rene, who were married on Dec. 17, 1994, had their first son, Rene-Charles, via an in vitro procedure. He is now almost 9 and attending school near their Florida residence.
Celine Dion in concert in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 28, 2009.
Previously, I have reported that Celine’s new shows would not come on such a strenuous schedule as her nightly New Day performances and recent grueling Taking Chances world tour that began Valentine’s Day last year and criss-crossed five continents with 132 stadium shows. Celine will rotate, with far less of a demanding schedule, with current headliners Cher and Bette Midler.
I couldn’t get any comment about my story from Caesars Palace officials who remained totally mum, but we’ll continue to monitor all developing details, even if it gets a denial!
Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.
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