Saturday

04-19-2025 Vol 1935

Carrie Underwood Bids Farewell to ‘Reflection’ Residency at Resorts World Theatre

Carrie Underwood closed her ‘Reflection’ production at Resorts World Theatre on Saturday night with an unforgettable finale that left the audience drenched in emotion, both from the performance and the literal waterfall that cascaded down in the closing number, ‘Something in the Water.’

Tears streamed down Underwood’s face, though it was hard to distinguish them from the cascading water that served as the concluding spectacle for the packed house.

The finale highlighted a creative vision that had been in the works for Underwood’s team but was ultimately not feasible for her tour, making it a special way to conclude her time in Las Vegas.

Having performed 72 shows since November 2021, Underwood holds the title of the longest-running headliner at Resorts World Theatre.

She is also the last of the original four announced headliners to conclude her show, following Katy Perry, who completed 80 shows from December 2021 through November 2023, and Luke Bryan, who performed 48 shows from February 2022 through January 2024.

Celine Dion’s situation remains unchanged since she postponed her shows, leaving fans hopeful but with no shows currently on the calendar.

Underwood’s finale was marked by numerous costume changes and heartfelt remarks directed at her audience, expressing gratitude for the support during her 3.5-year residency.

“From all of us, we are so blessed,” Underwood said. “Thank you so much to everyone who has come out, many, many times, thanks to all of you!”

The night also featured one of her most iconic tracks, “Before He Cheats,” which showcased Underwood’s fiery performance style.

With her backing dancers taking part in a prop Jeep skit that culminated with flames, this number would typically serve as a closing moment, but the waterfall that followed added a breathtaking final touch.

Underwood’s impact on the launch of Resorts World cannot be overlooked; she opened the theater with a remarkable performance and shaped her ‘Reflection’ production to be a success.

As Underwood exits, Resorts World has some upcoming activities to fill the void left by her departure.

Janet Jackson is scheduled to return from May 21-31, but there are currently no confirmed residencies set for the remainder of 2025.

One-off performances include comedian Tony Hinchcliffe on May 10, along with podcasters Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat on their “Crime Junkie Life Rule #10 Tour” slated for May 3.

Discussions are also underway for Kevin Hart’s ‘Hartbeat Weekend,’ which successfully took over the hotel last Labor Day Weekend, as they look to finalize the lineup for this year’s return.

The AEG Presents team, involved in the exclusive booking deal with the hotel, aims to maximize the schedule with new events this fall.

Underwood’s farewell was poignant, as she wept and waved goodbye while descending from the stage, leaving her mark on Resorts World.

Switching gears to other music news, expect exciting developments from a newly reformed group called The Band 3.

This trio features Orianthi, renowned for her guitar skills, joined by drumming icon Cindy Blackman Santana and bassist Rhonda Smith, who boasts an impressive resume from working with legends like Prince and Beyoncé.

Carlos Santana shared the trio could have been aptly named ‘Badass,’ given their collective talents.

In an unexpected appearance, a former member of Elvis Presley’s backing band performed at Presley’s Las Vegas theater on Saturday.

Jason Scheff, the former bassist of Chicago, joined Blood, Sweat & Tears as a special guest, bringing along his father, Jerry Scheff, who played throughout Elvis’s Las Vegas era.

Jerry Scheff, 84, shared anecdotes from his time with Elvis and performed classics like “Fever” and “Steamroller Blues,” alongside his son taking the vocal lead.

The elder Scheff’s history spans from 1969 to 1977, during which he participated in the entirety of Elvis’s Las Vegas performances.

In the spirit of tribute performances, veteran Elvis tribute artist Steve Connolly continues his ‘Spirit of the King’ residency at Notoriety Live, showcasing his talent three times a week.

Connolly, a Las Vegas resident since 1996, has entertained audiences at various venues, including the MGM Grand and Bally’s, and has been a part of the cast of ‘Legends in Concert.’

Having opened his residency at Notoriety in January, more information can be found at notorietylive.com.

image source from:https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/carrie-underwood-closes-las-vegas-strip-residency-with-inferno-waterfall-3350892/

Benjamin Clarke