Las Vegas Weekly

March 24, 2009 · 8:53 AM

Rumors swirl as execs gather to mark The Colosseum’s sixth anniversary

By Robin Leach

Sir Elton John.

Photo: Harrah's

It’s safe to expect a variety of questions about Michael Jackson concerts and the return of Celine Dion when The Colosseum celebrates its sixth anniversary tomorrow. Top executives from AEG Live/Concerts West will join with Caesars Palace President Gary Selesner for a cake-cutting celebration and will likely be grilled as to which superstar will replace Sir Elton John when his Red Piano spectacular comes to an official end April 22.

The occasion is officially to recognize the employees of the theater who have been there since opening day. But when the invitation dropped, it immediately set off speculation that John Meglen, president and co-CEO of AEG Live/Concerts West, and Vice President John Nelson would take the opportunity to provide some answers to our questions about future entertainment.

Photo: Firooz Zahed

Bette Midler.

Will Michael play Las Vegas now that he’s sold out his first 50 shows in AEG’s 02 Arena in London? Will Celine return to The Colosseum to rotate with Cher and Bette Midler after her current 18-month hiatus and rumored new pregnancy? Who will take over when Sir Elton ends his residency?

AEG Live is the giant entertainment group led by Denver billionaire Phillip Anschutz, who just guaranteed the 50-concert run in England for Michael. We know that’s part of a three-year contract with the King of Pop that will definitely have concerts here in the United States, but the locations are yet unknown.

Since opening, The Colosseum has showcased some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Jerry Seinfeld, Luciano Pavarotti, Gloria Estefan, Mariah Carey, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Vegas DeLuxe will report any breaking news from the celebration.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

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