In front of a sold-out crowd, Bette Midler said a heartfelt goodbye to Vegas during her final performance of The Showgirl Must Go On at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The magical evening--two years in the making-- included many special performances, surprise guests, tearful moments and numerous standing ovations.
Included in the VIP audience were: TV and pop star Paula Abdul, iconic songstress Gladys Knight, legendary entertainer Wayne Newton, comedienne Rita Rudner, writer Bruce Vilanch, and Las Vegas headliners Terry Fator, Marie Osmond and George Wallace. Boxing promoter Bob Arum and his wife Lovee also attended.
Among the evening’s highlights was a surprise appearance by fellow Las Vegas headliner Marie Osmond, who offered up a few clean jokes and kind words to Bette. Hawaiian ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro played the Beatle’s classic “In My Life” alongside Bette. Gladys Knight was called on stage by Bette to reminisce and perform a chilling solo rendition of “The Way We Were.” Finally, Celine Dion said goodbye and congratulations to Bette in a video message towards the very end of the show, humorously poking fun at Bette for starting to sing “My Heart Will Go On” instead of her signature closing song, “Wind Beneath My Wings.”
Bette Midler The Showgirl Must Go On was created in partnership with AEG Live exclusively for The Colosseum at Caesars Palace and premiered on February 20, 2008.
