Bob Anderson
Breakout stars, returning faces and big celebs—we just can't get enough of them in Las Vegas. Here, a look at seven who plan to entertain in big ways this year, along with two teases for stars we just cross our collective fingers will come through with shows in the coming year.
1. Bob Anderson
This singer has the help of a makeup artist to change him into Frank Sinatra, but his renditions will have you swearing Ol’ Blue Eyes himself is onstage when Frank: The Man, The Music comes to The Palazzo on Jan. 24. A 32-piece orchestra backs those greatest hits, including “Come Fly With Me” and “My Way.”
2. Reba McEntire
Country star Reba is so big that she dropped her last name and teamed up with a reunited Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn for 12 dates starting in June at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Expect to hear her hits including “Fancy,” “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” and “Consider Me Gone.”
Jennifer Lopez
3. Jennifer Lopez
Jenny From the Block may have been teasing her rumored residency when she brought her “The Best is Yet to Come” to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace at the last minute during her New Year’s Eve show. That show included her smash hits backed by a cast of 25 musicians and dancers. Stay tuned.
4. John Mulaney
This comedian’s self-titled sitcom on Fox about a rising stand-up star propelled him into the limelight. The former Saturday Night Live writer and co-created memorable characters on the show, such as nightlife expert Stefon. He makes his Vegas headlining debut in the Aces of Comedy series at The Mirage on March 6.
Barry Manilow
5. Barry Manilow
The contemporary singer has had two residencies in Las Vegas already, but now fans have “One Last Time” to see him in concert when he brings his farewell tour to the MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 10. Surely songs such as “Copacabana,” “I Write the Songs” and his mega-hit “Mandy” will make the cut with this parade through his chart-toppers.
6. Arnel Pineda
The lead singer of Journey spent years in cover bands in Hong Kong and the Philippines before he was discovered by Journey’s Neal Schon via YouTube videos in 2007 and asked to audition for the group. The band performs a three-week mini-residency at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel, April 29 through May 16.
Gary Levox of Rascal Flatts
7. Gary Levox
Life is indeed a highway for Gary LeVox, the lead singer for country band Rascal Flatts. For nine dates starting Feb. 25, LeVox takes over The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel with the Vegas Riot! residency. “Bless the Broken Road” and “What Hurts the Most” are sure to be among the hits that make it onto the set list.
8. Wayne Newton
It’s been five years since Wayne Newton wooed fans with “Danke Schoen” during his Tropicana residency, but Mr. Las Vegas is said to be in talks with The D owner Derek Stevens for a special event on Fremont Street. In the meantime, Newton still wants to open his 36-acre Casa de Shenandoah ranch as a museum.
Jeff Dunham
9. Jeff Dunham
The comedy ventriloquist may not be playing with a full deck, but his six-month residency at Planet Hollywood Resort brings out all the cards in his lineup of sidekicks. Walter the Grumpy Retiree, Achmed the Dead Terrorist, redneck Bubba J, purple Peanut, spicy José Jalapeño and Little Jeff all make appearances.
