Adele's grand exit from her Las Vegas residency is nothing short of cinematic. Over the last two years, she graced the stage at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace every weekend, captivating audiences with her soulful performances and genuine interactions. Yet on Saturday night, November 23, 2024, she pulled back the curtain for the final time, marking the end of 'Weekends with Adele.' What was supposed to be just another show transformed quickly as emotional waves washed over not only her but the audience of 4,000 fans who have been with her through thick and thin.
Reflecting on the experience, Adele couldn't contain her emotion, expressing, “I’m so sad this residency is over, but I am so glad it happened. It got off to such a rocky way.” She recalled the challenges she faced before launching the residency and how it began on the heels of considerable personal turmoil. "It was one of the worst years of my life," she confessed, referring to the tumultuous events surrounding the show's launch.
Back then, she encountered difficulties leading to the initial cancellation of her first show just hours before it was due to start. This setback had left her feeling injured both personally and professionally, leading to doubts about her choices. Yet, as she now stood proudly at her centennial show, she reflected on how things came full circle. "Had I done the show I canceled, I certainly wouldn't be standing here tonight completing my 100th show here at the Colosseum,” she said, her voice cracking with emotion.
Adele expressed gratitude for Las Vegas, driving home her feelings by saying, “I am bursting with pride, so proud of myself and all my team.. all of my glam. I am so thankful to Vegas for giving me this second chance.” Her candor revealed how deeply she appreciated the opportunity to perform, and the subsequent bond she formed with her fans over those intense concerts.
It's easy to understand why Adele’s shows became such personal journeys for her. She used the residency as more than just performances; it became part of her story, allowing her to be nearby for her son, Angelo. "I chose to do this residency because I f—ing hate touring. But I wanted to keep his life normal," she shared. This life balance, between personal sacrifice and professional ambition, tugged at the heartstrings of many who related to her commitment as both singer and mother.
But the heartbeat of the evening came tinged with bittersweet reflection—Adele, known for her deep sensitivity and emotional connection with her audience, told her fans, “I don’t know when I next want to perform again,” amid tearful shouts of encouragement from the crowd. She conveyed the weight of this goodbye, not merely to her residency but perhaps to this specific chapter of her life.
Celine Dion’s surprise appearance at one of her recent performances—an event she described as “closure”—added another layer of emotion. When Adele spotted the music icon during “When We Were Young,” she was brought to tears. "I cried for a whole week. It was just such a full-circle moment for me because that's the only reason I ever wanted to be here," she explained, giving insight not just about the night's feeling but her long-held admiration for Dion.
Intriguingly enough, this performance series became her platform, not just for singing but for sparking memorable interactions with fans. There was the time Adele defended exuberant audience members, unflinchingly telling security to leave one fan alone, or addressing a heckler who shouted “Pride sucks” during one of her shows. “Don't be ridiculous. If you have nothing nice to say, shut up, all right?” she chastised, demonstrating the fierce spirit fans love about her.
Having sold over 100,000 tickets and grossed approximately $336 million since beginning the residency, Adele definitely left her footprint on Las Vegas. Each show showcased not only her vocal prowess but also her ability to connect meaningfully with her audience. Many fans came expecting the glitz of Las Vegas entertainment but walked away feeling part of something much more intimate and genuine.
Now, as she embarks on her much-anticipated hiatus from music, Adele reflected on her next steps with uncertainty but also with acceptance. "I’m actually s—ing myself about what I am going to do. I don’t have any f—ing plans," she admitted candidly, letting fans know this pause is both necessary and welcomed after such intensive performances.
Drawing on her plans for the future, Adele revealed aspirations to step back from the limelight and spend more time exploring other creative avenues, such as possibly pursuing her passion for English literature: “If I hadn’t made it singing, I think I would be an English lit teacher.” She has hinted at her longing for the days before fame, indicating her struggles with maintaining privacy as the spotlight shone brightly on her all these years.
Adele ended the night thanking each attendee for their support. “I hope you liked having me as much as I've liked being here,” she concluded, leaving the audience to ponder the performances they had seen and shared with her. With so much raw emotion and love pouring out on the final night of her residency, Adele's departure feels less like the closing of a show and more like the completion of the chapter of her life—one that's filled with memories, growth, and the friendships formed through the shared power of music.
While fans rally for more performances, Adele’s next steps remain cloaked in mystery. The feeling shared by both the artist and her audience, though, is one of mutual gratitude, respect, and anticipation for what lies on the horizon. Without question, she has made her mark not just on the stage of Las Vegas but also deep within the hearts of those who turned up week after week to see her shine. "Of course, I’ll be back. The only thing I’m good at is singing and things like this, but I love you," she reminded her supporters—an open door left ajar for the future.
