LAS VEGAS – Halfway through her first song on the opening night of a residence that many expected would never materialize, Adele uttered the words, “I’m so happy.”
As the adoring crowd of 4,100 tolerant fans sounded a chorus of — naturally — “hello” back in front of the British superstar on Friday, Adele grinned, her nerve visibly loose.
Yes, she was happy.
Her devotees—many of whom have spent thousands of dollars on bragging rights to attend the first 32 “Weekend with Adele” concerts at Caesars Palace—were delighted.
Whatever concerns about production led Adele, 34, to cancel her original show slate in January with less than 24 hours to go, well, her instincts were prescient.
This retooled expression of artistry is a two-hour stunner, even for casual Adele fans (though at ticket prices, this multigenerational audience was packed with the most steadfast enthusiasts).
rematch?:Beyoncé and Adele will once again compete for top honors at the 2023 Grammy Awards
Between her slick video takes over the length of the Colosseum’s massive stage and her vocal idiosyncrasies on songs like “Take it All” from 2011’s sophomore album, “21” and the speedy ballad “Water Under the Bridge,” Adele’s presentation was a delight.
Nor did she avoid an apology.
“Thank you so much for getting back to me,” she told the audience after she sang “Easy On Me” as she sat next to pianist Eric Wortham II.
It was the first of many mea culpas to earn the many fans who traveled from all over the world for its initial residency.
But Adele was starkly honest when she said at the end of the show that canceling “was the worst feeling I’ve ever had, but the best decision I’ve ever made.”
What’s clear about “Weekends with Adele” is that every show will be different thanks to its unfiltered interactions, episodicity, and storytelling.
Her look was gorgeous—a dark, figure-hugging gown (with black stockings gleefully showing her off) and luxurious, honey-colored hair falling over her bare shoulders.
But the vibe was “having a few pints in an English pub” — bawdy, sentimental, and completely unscripted (“Have you been to a pool party?” I annoyed some latecomers). Her chatter has been attributed to nerves, but any Adele assistant knows he could spend a full two hours of the show delivering hilarious, swear-word-filled anecdotes.
While there was plenty of audience interaction (fans on the lower level were treated to her having a chat before she blasted “When We Were Young” off the aisles), Adele clearly wanted this show to focus on the music.
in every song, whether it’s a newcomer (“I Drink Wine” from her Grammy-nominated album “30”), or a catalog classic (“Send My Love”). [To Your New Lover],” under hot pink lighting), Adele’s voice was as flawless as her sculpted eyebrows and French manicure.
Party like a rock star: But get ready to pay for VIP packages and perks
While the show begins quietly, with only Adele and Wortham on stage, it eventually introduces her six-piece band, and during the highlight of “Skyfall,” a 24-piece string section, makes it clear that despite the scenery, the essence is the song. .
Adele remained in the same dress throughout the performance, only leaving the stage briefly after about 90 minutes to make room for the production elements accompanying “Set Fire to the Rain”—a stage-length chute, fire crashing from the floor and a drowning piano.
The giant stage also includes walls of video screens that envelop the room—Adele’s expressive eyes and luminous smile featured frequently—and sliding platforms for the band members.
Adele deftly sprinkled the 20-track list with some of her favorites, like the soulful pop triumph that was “God Only Knows,” along with the red-lighting “Rumour Has It,” the eternally aching “Someone Like You.” “.
But it also made the song selection—and placement—introspective.
The shrill riff of “Rolling in the Deep,” complemented by Adele and her three backing vocalists tapping hips, seemed like an obvious finale.
Pictures: Take a look at the top 2023 Grammy Awards nominees
Instead, she leaned in on the closing track on “30’s majestic “Love Is a Game.” A mix of strings and organ, a pastel-drenched stage and heart-shaped cutouts streaming from the rafters, drenched the song in a cinematic beauty.
As the band pitched the song to its final notes, Adele vanished into a poof of fairy dust, a musical mirage that fans were actually able to — finally — see.
#Star #dazzles #fans #10month #delay