I can hold onto grudges quite easily.

So, on a chilly day in late January 2022, as I approached a COVID-19 testing site at Caesars Palace, I received a call from my editor. She told me that a tearful Adele had just shared a video announcing the postponement of her residency’s opening. I couldn’t muster any sympathy.

Like many others, I had traveled to Las Vegas to witness this much-anticipated debut. The ticket I purchased from a secondary market was exorbitantly priced. Thankfully, my flight from the East Coast was short; others had flown in from across the globe.

Even though I frequently visit Vegas, this trip was for work, so the cliché, “at least you’re in an enjoyable place!” did not ease my frustration.

My editor and I vented about the situation, and I promised that when Adele finally managed to pull everything together, her performance would need to be incredibly captivating for me to forgive her for the interruption that had affected so many fans.

Just How Stunning Was Adele’s Vegas Performance?

Fast forward ten months, and I returned to Vegas, seated high up in the 400-level section. I was excited to see what marvels Adele had prepared but also anxious about the possibility that she might not show up.

But she did show up—and she was incredible.

Adele was sincere and relatable (she wore black ankle socks with a fitting gown—why not?). The London native was both funny and radiant (my review highlighted how her “voice was as flawless as her expertly groomed eyebrows and pristine manicure”).

As for her singing? Imagine a powerful train wrapped in cream.

On November 23, Adele will conclude her “Weekends with Adele” residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, ending with her 100^th show. She leaves behind a legacy that, like Celine Dion before her, has allowed her to master this iconic venue simply by her presence.

Fans were able to enthusiastically sing along to “Rolling in the Deep,” be enchanted by the stunning performance of “Skyfall” featuring a dramatic reveal of a 24-piece string section, or, as one friend put it, “cry their hearts out” during “Someone Like You.”

What set her shows apart, despite a visually consistent yet beautiful production and a 20-song playlist, was Adele herself. Her humor offered a refreshing contrast to her beautiful music, effortlessly blending playful banter with heartfelt ballads. Her approachable demeanor never belied the fact that she is wealthier and more glamorous than most.

Social media buzzed with memorable moments from her shows. Adele turned down a fan’s marriage proposal, hinting at her committed relationship with Rich Paul. She playfully reprimanded a security guard for making an ardent fan remain seated. Plus, she even helped stage a marriage proposal during a segment of the concert where she mingled with the audience while singing “When We Were Young.”

VIP boxes were often filled with celebrities of the highest caliber. In October 2023, Paul McCartney warmly greeted Adele, while the following year, the legendary Celine Dion was visibly moved, overwhelmed by the combination of Adele’s charm, her stunning vocals, and the nostalgia of returning to a venue dear to her heart.

Adele’s Mysterious Retreat Post-Vegas

Adele’s residency was primarily intended to promote her fourth album, the Grammy-nominated “30.” However, it turned into a frenzied race for tickets, an unprecedented demand not seen for any other artist apart from Taylor Swift or Beyoncé.

In contrast to her fellow superstars, Adele performed in an intimate 4,100-seat venue on select weekends throughout the year. The demand for tickets was incredible, with prices for her last show reaching thousands of dollars just two days before it started.

For those who weren’t able to enjoy “Weekends with Adele,” she is expressing her desire to relax and focus on her personal life after leaving Vegas, with an uncertain timeline for her return.

Anyone lucky enough to witness her performances during this run, especially those who secured a ticket for the final show, have experienced the profound impact of her two-hour performance as it unfolds.

For her final song, Adele performs “Love is a Game,” a track from her album “30.”

As she concludes, Adele is showered with a downpour of fuchsia glitter and vanishes into a pink mist—a truly enchanting moment in a city renowned for its illusions.

Adele’s sudden disappearance feels almost symbolic. We were fortunate to have been part of her captivating performance.