Big Bucks for Big Shows: The Biggest Residencies in Las Vegas History

_{U2’s 'Achtung Baby' residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas raked in millions. (Image: Anne-Marie Forker / Alamy)}

Las Vegas has a long and colorful history of residencies by popular musicians and bands. People who come to the city's popular casino destinations need more than gambling to occupy their time — they also need to be entertained.

Las Vegas does its part by bringing in some of the greatest performers to ever grace the stage. Over the years, however, which artists and bands have been able to bring in the most revenue for their shows?

Naturally, the shows from the 21st century have topped the standings (as tabulated by Billboard). While you won't see Elvis Presley or Frank Sinatra on this list, rest assured that they were also considered—and they didn’t earn as much as these artists and bands.

Honorable Mention: Adele (2022-2024), Caesars

There’s a reason the British songbird is in the honorable mention bracket. After her first 24 shows of her residency at Caesars Palace pulled in approximately $2 million per show, Caesars stopped reporting on the money that Adele was raking in from her performances.

With her residency in Las Vegas now completed, it’s estimated that Adele and Caesars pulled in roughly $200 million for the 100-show run, which, if accurate, would have put her well into the top five in Las Vegas residency history. However, since that number is based on estimates, we can’t rank her in the top echelons of the ratings.

10. Jennifer Lopez (2016-2018), Planet Hollywood, $101.9 million

Back before she began having issues selling concert tickets, Lopez was a hot commodity on the Las Vegas Strip. Her "All I Have" residency at Planet Hollywood was booked solid for its two-year run, pushing J.Lo into the top ten based on her gross revenues. 

With the recent cancellation of her international tour due to poor ticket sales, Lopez may return to Las Vegas and try to resurrect her musical career from a solid base.

9. Lady Gaga (2018-2024), Park MGM, $110 million

The former Stefani Germanotta brought one of the most creative shows to the Strip—actually, two distinct shows. One focused on her pop music, while the other showcased her more jazz-oriented pursuits. 

_{Lady Gaga performs at Park MGM as part of her ‘Enigma’ Las Vegas residency in 2019. (Image: Amy Cicconi / Alamy)}

It didn’t seem to matter to her Little Monsters which performance they saw, as Gaga brought in over $110 million in revenue for her Las Vegas performances. It's likely Lady Gaga will return to the Strip, especially if she’s allowed the same creative freedom that made these shows stand out.

8. Bruno Mars (2016-Present), The Cosmopolitan, $124 million

This residency at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan is ongoing, so it will continue to climb the list. 

Before Mars was mentioned as having a gambling debt, he eschewed touring in favor of his Las Vegas residency, allowing fans to come to him instead of dealing with the burdens of travel. 

Mars continues to crank out excellent work (evidenced by his duet with Lady Gaga on 'Die with a Smile'), so expect his earnings to grow.

7. Elton John (2011-2018), Caesars Palace, $131 million

“The Million Dollar Piano” at The Colosseum earned way more than that for John and Caesars Palace. The show featured a piano crafted specifically for the residency, bedecked with gold, crystal, and video panels. It cost $1.3 million to create, according to its manufacturer, Yamaha. 

Though John has since retired from touring, there’s always a chance he might return to Las Vegas to recreate the magic.

6. Dead & Company (2024), Sphere, $134 million

Nearly three decades after the passing of Jerry Garcia, his former bandmates continue with his spirit in their show at Sphere. Bob Weir and Mickey Hart are the only remaining members of the Grateful Dead to participate, but that hasn't stopped Deadheads from flocking to the venue. 

Despite the youthful vocals of John Mayer, it may be difficult for this residency to continue for much longer.

5. Britney Spears (2013-2017), Planet Hollywood, $137.7 million

This was a time when Britney Spears, the ultimate pop princess, was still performing. Spears was highly prized as a singer and stage presence, and Planet Hollywood took advantage of this with a residency that originally lasted two years but was extended several times. 

_{Britney Spears greets fans at Planet Hollywood before her Las Vegas residency debut in 2013. (Image: Associated Press / Alamy)}

The theater where she performed is now known as PH Live and continues to bring quality entertainment—even after Spears.

4. Elton John (2004-2009), Caesars Palace, $169 million

This was Elton’s first residency in Las Vegas, back when it wasn’t certain if such lengthy residencies would be successful. "The Red Piano" featured iconic songs from "Rocket Man" and was initially scheduled for a three-year run. Caesars Palace extended it a couple of years due to its success.

3. U2 (2023-2024), Sphere, $244.5 million

The Irish rockers have been credited with putting Sphere through its paces with their iconic show. "U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere" has celebrated their legendary album Achtung Baby, and fans have flocked to see not only the band perform but also experience the impact of the venue. This residency is one of the shortest on this list (only 40 shows, with Dead & Company performing only 30), but U2 may return for future performances.

2. Celine Dion (2011-2019), Caesars Palace, $296 million

This wasn’t Dion’s first residency in Las Vegas (more on that below). She took this turn at The Colosseum to stay close to her late husband, René Angélil, who passed away in 2016. The residency was a resounding success as Dion commanded the stage with unparalleled grace. 

While her health issues have raised questions about a return, don’t be surprised if she beats the odds.

1. Celine Dion (2003-2007), Caesars Palace, $385 million

If you’re wondering why The Colosseum at Caesars Palace exists—and why every casino now has a major performance stage—this is the woman responsible. At the time, Las Vegas residencies were considered something for performers on the decline, but Dion proved them wrong. 

She took the residency to stay close to her family, but it became a monumental success, making her the most successful performer in the history of Las Vegas, with over $681 million in earnings from residencies.

There you have it—the biggest residencies in the history of the Strip. Artists and bands will continue to flock to Las Vegas because of the convenience (one-stop tour!) and the lucrative opportunities. But will anyone ever reach the top ten again? In Las Vegas, you can bet that it will.