As Dita Von Teese returns to burlesque, why stars rely on Vegas to make millions
KNOWN for her iconic performances in a giant champagne glass, the sensational Dita Von Teese is ready to dazzle audiences again at the age of 51.
This month she graces Las Vegas with her ruffled robe and will delight fans as she revives her glittering career.
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The stunning dancer and model shows no signs of showing off as her residency at the Voltaire promises a spectacle of glitz and glamour.
And Joseph Hagancelebrity publicist and owner of Streamline PRsays returning to the spotlight could boost her annual earnings by as much as £20million, and her stay in Vegas could be a springboard to bigger and better things.
He says: “Dita Von Teese’s return to the Vegas Stage at 51 shows that age is no barrier to reinvention, especially in a city that celebrates spectacle and glamour.”
She’s not the only celebrity using Las Vegas to rake in millions and Joseph says Sin-City has become a ‘game-changer’ for celebrities looking to reinvent themselves.
READ MORE ABOUT DITA VON TEESE
Here, YASMIN HARISHA reveals the many other stars who have made fortunes from their residencies, and Joseph explains what makes their shows so spectacular.
Lady Gaga
Estimated earnings: £1.2 million per show
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Lady Gaga’s residency, Enigma, at the Park MGM Hotel and Casino between 2018 and 2022 helped her become one of the most versatile artists of her generation.
Joseph says: “The residency earned around £1.2 million per show and showcased both her pop personality and her love of jazz, with separate performances for each genre.
“Gaga’s ability to shift between energetic, theatrical sets and intimate piano ballads highlighted her range and attracted fans from around the world.
“The residency not only boosted her earnings but also cemented her status as a top artist following her role in the film A Star Is Born.”
Jennifer Lopez
Estimated earnings: £659,000 per show
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Jennifer Lopez (JLo) used her Vegas residency to cement her status as a top artist.
Her All I Have residency at the Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood, which ran from 2016 to 2018, grossed £79.1 million across 121 shows, with each performance grossing just over £659,000.
Joseph says: “J-Lo’s dynamic dance routines and successful performances proved that she was more than capable of competing with younger pop stars.
“The residency also strengthened her brand beyond music, positioning her as a top-tier entertainer and strengthening her appeal to a global audience.
“The success has led to conversations future Vegas stints, in addition to numerous TV and acting roles.
Adele
Estimated earnings: £536,000 per show
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Adele’s weekends with Adele residency at Caesars Palace between 2022 and 2024 proved that even artists known for their sedate ballads can thrive in Vegas.
Joseph says: “Earning £536,000 per show, her residency gave fans an intimate look at her incredible vocal talent without the need for fireworks or elaborate costumes.
“The show was such a success that Adele renewed the series and revealed how the residency ‘brought her back to life’.
“Vegas provided Adele with a space to connect more closely with her fans, often engaging in informal conversations with the audience, while also securing a consistent stream of income, further boosting her career.”
Katya Perry
Estimated earnings: £481,000 per show
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Katy Perry’s Play residency at Resorts World Theatre, Las Vegas, which launched in December 2021, became an instant hit.
With each show earning her around £481,000, the fun, whimsical performances were packed with hits, giant toilet seats and her infamous Super Bowl shark.
Joseph says: “Perry’s residency was so successful that she extended it several times, until November 2023.
“This stint in Vegas helped re-establish her as a must-see live performer, especially after a hiatus in her music career.
“It reminded fans and critics alike that Katy’s performance art can be both playful and profitable.”
Celine Dion
Estimated earnings: £417,000 per show
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At the age of 56, the legendary artist, who has sold more than 200 million records worldwide, collected an astonishing £299 million for the first time with her spectacular show, A New Day.
This groundbreaking production, which ran from March 2003 to December 2007, set the benchmark for all who followed and cemented her status as a true icon of the Las Vegas entertainment scene.
She then returned to the strip in March 2011 for another 70 appearances for her show Celine before quitting in June 2019.
Joseph says: “Celine Dion’s Vegas residencies have become legendary.
“These are not just concerts, they are full-fledged experiences.
“From her breathtaking, water-soaked performance of ‘My Heart Will Go On’ to the stunning visuals of Cirque du Soleil, Celine has raised the bar for what a Vegas residency can be.
“People come for the hits, but leave with memories of a spectacular production.
“Even with her recent health issues, Celine is still in talks for a new residency, and that says a lot about her resilience and how lucrative the Vegas scene really is.
“It’s incredible to think she can rake in more than £417,000 per show, but it also speaks to the magnetic appeal she has on audiences. Her name alone fills seats.”
Dita von Teese
Estimated income: £400,000
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Dita is back to take her signature vintage, sultry aesthetic mainstream – after a successful Sin City residency from October last year to June this year.
Joseph says, “Las Vegas allows her to package her performance art as high-quality, stylish entertainment, making her accessible to a broader audience who may not be familiar with burlesque.
“The residency helps position her not only as a burlesque icon, but also as a symbol of timeless glamor and sensuality, which has broad appeal in today’s entertainment landscape.
“By embracing the luxury and nostalgia of Vegas, Dita is succeeding in making her art more universal, renewing her image and expanding her career in a powerful, lucrative way.”
Britney Spears
Estimated earnings: £312,000 per show
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As Princess of Pop, Britney Spears was destined to make waves in Vegas and cement her place in history.
The two-time Grammy nominee made big money with her exciting Piece of Me residency at Planet Hollywood, which kicked off in December 2013 and ended in December 2017.
It achieved huge commercial success, winning Best of Las Vegas awards in 2015 and 2017, and despite being under her controversial curatorship, Britney is estimated to have raked in an impressive £312,000 per show.
Joseph says: “Britney Spears is a Vegas success story that proves a residency isn’t just about vocal perfection, it’s about the entire experience.
“Of course there was criticism of lip syncing, but her earnings of £312,000 per show show how much her fans loved the nostalgia.
“Britney recreated iconic music video moments, and the audience was there for the full entertainment spectacle, lip-syncing aside.”
Why celebrities rely on Vegas to revive their careers
By means of Joseph Hagan famous publicist and owner of Streamline PR
Las Vegas residencies have become a game-changer for celebrities looking to reinvent themselves while raking in millions.
What sets a Vegas residency apart is its ability to transform an artist’s image while providing a lucrative, stable income.
Celebrities like Usher, who earned a whopping £93 million from his 100-show residency – more than all his tours – have used this platform to cement their status as icons.
His residency not only showcased his continued popularity, but also culminated in him landing the prestigious Super Bowl halftime show, proving that Vegas can be a career-defining moment.
