Dion emotional at Caesars Palace news conference
Celine Dion said she is trying "to stay grounded" and let her three children know "I've got their backs" as they deal with husband and father Rene Angelil's failing health.
Back at Caesars Palace for the first time in a year, Dion sighed deeply before taking questions from the media Thursday before what she agreed would be one of her most difficult nights on stage.
Angelil's battle with cancer has bonded the family, she said.
She acknowledged having "awkward emotions" as she prepared for her return.
Her songs, she admitted, mean so much more now. "To me they have become different songs," she said, citing "Power of Love" and "Because You Loved Me."
At one point she pointed to a red light at the back of the Colosseum and acknowledged Angelil's presence.
A full house, including fan clubs from around the world, showed up to greet her.
Among the Dutch delegation was Mathias de Groot, a 29-year-old entertainment marketing student from Rotterdam.
He wasn't planning a Las Vegas trip this year, but that changed when he heard Dion was returning.
"Especially with everything she and Rene went through this past year," he said via email. "I just had to, because I knew it was going to be very special and I wanted to support them."
It is his seventh trip to see Dion since 2005. Others in his group have topped that number.
The cost of the entire trip, he said, would be a minimum of $2,000 to $2,500, including two show tickets, front orchestra, at $250 a piece.
Three years ago, more than 120 fans from Holland and Belgium came to Las Vegas for Dion's premiere of "Celine."
She has a huge following in Europe. A month before the release of a DVD for "A New Day ..." in December 2007, a crowd of 750 showed up for the world premiere at the most prestigious movie theater in The Netherlands.
The Dutch delegation is hard to miss in its orange shirts.
For this special night, de Groot wore a suit with an orange tie.
"I have been a fan as long as I can remember. I grew up listening to her music. My parents kept playing a cassette of her 'The Colour of My Love' album," he said.
The scene and heard
Tattoo artist Dirk Vermin, the owner of Pussykat Tattoo parlor and star of A&E's "Bad Ink" reality show, was among a big crowd that turned out for the grand opening of The Golden Tiki in Chinatown. The pineapple-flavored Dole Whip soft serve frozen dessert alone is worth an exploratory trip. "They serve it at Disneyland and get crazy long lines," co-owner Branden Powers said. Other co-owners of the former Little Macau space at 3939 Spring Mountain Road: Jeff Fine, Seth Schorr and Joe Cain. ...
On this day, Aug. 28, 1992: "Honeymoon in Vegas," a romantic comedy starring Nicolas Cage and Sarah Jessica Parker, opens. The dramatic highlight features a jumpsuit-clad Cage skydiving into Las Vegas with the Flying Elvises to get his girl back. The film earns $35 million. (Thanks to Mike Precker).
Sightings
British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding, shooting a music video downtown Wednesday night. ... Country star Toby Keith, visiting Carrot Top backstage after Wednesday's show at the Luxor. Carrot Top was prepared for his friend: The dressing room was stocked with red Solo cups. ... Brazilian mixed martial arts star Jose Aldo Jr., dining Tuesday at N9ne Steakhouse in the Palms with UFC's vice president of athlete development, Reed Harris, four-time Brazilian jiujitsu world champion Fredson Paixao and others. ... Dave Amato, lead guitarist of REO Speedwagon, meeting the cast of "Rock of Ages" at The Venetian after taking in Tuesday's show. ... Carrot Top and Pia Zadora, at "My Fab 40th" viewing party Tuesday at Dal Toro Ristorante in the Palazzo. The Bravo reality show features two Las Vegans, Julie Marcus and Francine Sanchez.
The punch line
"South Korea has agreed to stop broadcasting insulting propaganda over the North Korean border. They've agreed to stop doing it. They've also canceled their Comedy Central roast of Kim Jong Un." — Conan O'Brien
— Norm Clarke's column appears Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He can be reached at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find more online at www.normclarke.com. On Twitter: @Norm_Clarke
