I can hold a grudge pretty long.

So, on a chilly day in late January 2022, when I arrived at a COVID-19 testing station at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, I was shocked to get a call from my editor. She informed me that a tearful Adele had just released a video announcing the postponement of her residency launch. My feelings were far from sympathetic.

Like many others, I had made the trip to Vegas to witness this much-anticipated event. The ticket I bought from a secondary market was extremely expensive. Luckily, my flight from the East Coast was only a few hours long; many fans had flown in from overseas.

Even though I’m a regular visitor to Vegas, this trip was for work, so the idea of being in a fun place didn’t help alleviate my frustration.

My editor and I complained about the situation, and I promised that when Adele finally pulled herself together and brought this show to life, it better be a dazzling display of talent and music to make up for the disappointment that left so many fans stuck and out of pocket.

What Made Adele’s Las Vegas Show So Special?

Fast forward ten months, and I found myself back in Vegas, sitting in my original 400-level seat. I was excited to see the spectacle Adele had put together but also worried she might not show up.

But she did show up. And she was absolutely amazing.

Adele was sincere and relatable (who else could pull off black socks with a stunning gown?). The London singer was both funny and radiant (I wrote that her voice was as flawless as her perfectly styled eyebrows and nails).

And her vocal performances? Nothing short of spectacular.

On November 23, Adele will take her final bow after her “Weekends with Adele” residency at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace. She concludes at her 100^th show, feeling accomplished and proud, as no artist has so captured the venue quite like her, not even Celine Dion, who inspired this iconic space.

The audience could reliably dance along to “Rolling in the Deep,” admire the stunning performance of “Skyfall” featuring a 24-piece string section, or, as one friend expressed, “weep openly” during “Someone Like You.”

However, what truly distinguished the shows, despite their stunning visuals and a lineup of 20 songs, was Adele herself. Her humor served as a sharp contrast to her beautiful music, always managing to blend playful banter with heartfelt ballads. She projects a vibe that makes you feel like you could enjoy a drink with her, even while knowing she is wealthier and more glamorous than most people.

Social media buzz was rampant with moments like Adele politely rejecting a fan’s marriage proposal, reinforcing her committed relationship with Rich Paul. There were times when she playfully reprimanded a security guard for making a passionate fan remain seated and even moments when she facilitated another marriage proposal during a particularly intimate part of the concert when she mingled with the crowd for the nostalgic “When We Were Young.”

Her VIP section was often filled with A-list celebrities. Paul McCartney appeared in October 2023, and the following year, Celine Dion was seen tearing up, overwhelmed by the combination of Adele’s charm, stunning performances, and the nostalgia of returning to a venue that holds a special place in her heart.

Adele’s Quiet Departure from Las Vegas

The purpose of Adele’s residency was to promote her fourth studio album, the Grammy-nominated “30.” However, the demand for tickets skyrocketed to unprecedented levels for any artist not named Taylor Swift or Beyoncé.

In contrast to other major stars, Adele performed in a theater that holds 4,100 people, offering shows on select weekends each year. The interest was phenomenal, with tickets for her final performance selling for exorbitant prices less than two days before the show.

If you weren’t able to catch “Weekends with Adele,” she has made it clear that her plans after Las Vegas include taking some time off to relax. It looks like she’s going to be making a retreat without any specific plans for a return.

Those who were lucky enough to attend the shows or secure a highly sought-after ticket for the concluding performance will truly grasp the richness of the two-hour experience as it unfolds.

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

As she concludes, a shower of fuchsia glitter falls, and she vanishes in a cloud of pink, creating a magical moment in the city known for its illusions.

Adele’s disappearance feels almost too literal, reminding us of how fortunate we are to have experienced her captivating performance.