Residency by Christina Aguilera | |
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Location | Las Vegas, Nevada United States of America |
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Venue | Zappos Theater (now PH Live) at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas |
Start date | May 31, 2019 |
End date | March 7, 2020 |
Legs | 4 |
No. of shows | 24 |
Attendance | 75,675 |
Box office | $10.2 million ($12,155,564.23 in 2021 dollars) |
Christina Aguilera concert chronology |
The Xperience (a portmanteau of Xtina + Experience) was the first concert residency by American singer Christina Aguilera. It was produced by Live Nation Entertainment and was performed at Zappos Theater (now PH Live) at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas. The residency was held for 24 performances separated into four legs, starting on May 31, 2019 and concluding on March 7, 2020. Aguilera performed material from her discography, as well as several covers and remixes. A fifth leg was planned as the final leg of the residency, set to begin towards the end of 2020 and continue until November 21, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the shows were suspended and eventually canceled on September 30, 2020.
Christina Aguilera: The Xperience was themed around 70s disco and outer space, featuring galactic visuals and disco remixes. It also draws inspiration from the retrofuturism movement and Cirque du Soleil in its staging and fashion. The residency is divided into six acts, with each act being marked by its own theme, colors, textures and scents, playing into the residency's "multi-sensory" aspect. The show alludes to Aguilera's notorious nickname, Xtina, through its name, as well as the X-shaped catwalk. Christina Aguilera: The Xperience received positive reviews with critics complimenting the show's production, costuming and Aguilera's vocals.
The residency had been quietly in talks for several years before its announcement. Aguilera had taken a break from touring for 10 years, following the conclusion of the Back to Basics Tour (2006–2008), due to her concern of touring with children. [1] During this time she began planning the residency. [2] Following the conclusion of The Liberation Tour, which visited North America between September and November 2018, Aguilera made a surprise appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on January 29, 2019, where she made the official announcement of the residency. The first set of tickets released were the first and second leg, which took place between May and June, and September and October respectively. Fans who signed up through Aguilera's website would have access to the fan presale, which was available from January 30 at 10 a.m. PT, while American Express card members would have access to the presale starting from 12 p.m. PT the same day. Caesars Rewards members and Live Nation and Ticketmaster customers would have access to a second presale, starting at 10 a.m. PT the following day. [3] All presales were available until 10 a.m. PT on February 1, 2019. Tickets became available to the general public on February 2, 2019, at 10 a.m. PT with ticket prices starting at $60, and a limited amount of meet and greets available. [4] [5] [6] $1 from each ticket sold would benefit The Shade Tree, a non-profit shelter in Southern Nevada for women and children. [7] [8]
When speaking about the set, Aguilera called it her most ambitious show yet. [9] The poster used in the marketing for the show features Aguilera with pink sparkles on her face, forming a pink sparkly mask. This mirrored the show's intention to make the viewer remove the mask they wear everyday and "try on another one", making the show a "safe space" for the audience. [10] [11] Separated into several acts, Christina Aguilera: The Xperience [12] was designed to be a five sensory experience, stimulating the five human perception senses: vision, hearing, scent, touch, and taste. [13] The visual aspect of the show involved each act having its own distinct colors, fashion, and visuals. The music featured on the show included material from six English-language studio albums in Aguilera's catalogue, the Burlesque soundtrack (2010), and other singles. Several remixes were included in the show. Songs like "Your Body" and "Accelerate" were performed in the format of their official remixes, while "Can't Hold Us Down", "Candyman", and "Feel This Moment" were remixed to include elements of other songs. One of the main attractions of the show and the most emphasised aspect of the five sensory experience was the scent pumping system. Scent pumps were installed throughout the auditorium, providing a signature scent for each act. The audience could touch and interact with objects that descended from the ceiling, while the taste aspect of the show referred to orders that attending viewers could place, such as the Xtini (portmanteau of Xtina, Aguilera's nickname, and martini). [14] Several numbers and visuals from the show were adapted and used on The X Tour, which ran concurrently with the residency. Aguilera released her thirteenth fragrance, Xperience , in 2019, which is named after the residency. A fifth leg was announced as the final leg of the residency. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the shows were put on hold. On September 30, 2020 the shows were canceled. [15]
The stage setup included the use of many LED screens. The show's intro sequence video plays on a retractable projection screen. The front LED screen is lined with arena lighting and laser lights, as well as a staircase leading to the band area, which is backed by another LED screen. Color changing orbs and disco balls would descend from the ceiling during their respective numbers. The stage also included a scent pumping system, confetti canons and CO2 jets supplied by QSFX USA. [16] The catwalk of the stage had an X-shaped detail. The setup also included a metallic lotus flower, out of which Aguilera would emerge from during the show's opening number, as well as a staircase lined with candles, which was featured during the show's religious themed act. Outfits for the show were designed by Gareth Pugh and Bobby Abley, and styled by Karen Clarkson. [17] [18] [19]
Christina Aguilera: The Xperience is divided into six acts, with an encore included into the sixth act. [19] Each act follows a specific theme, which the colors of outfits, visuals, music, and the venue's scent system follow. [19] The show incorporates material from Aguilera's discography, as well as covers of songs by Donna Summer, Whitney Houston, and Madonna. [19] [20] Several numbers in the show were reworked to include new songs, or to perform the songs in different acts. According to Billboard magazine, the show bolsters an "intensely theatrical experience". [19]
The show's introduction involves a dancer wearing a space suit. [18] The dancer takes off part of the suits and makes their way to a table with a mask on it. They put it on and the show's galactic intro video begins on the projection screen. The show opens with Aguilera's cover of Donna Summer's "I Feel Love" playing over the sound system. [19] [21] In the center of the stage a metallic dome shape opens in the form of a lotus flower, as Aguilera appears in the middle of it, opening the show with "Your Body", dressed in a futuristic white outfit with a detachable head detail. [22] [23] [24] Aguilera originally followed up "Your Body" with "Not Myself Tonight" in the first two legs of the residency. [25] It was later replaced by "Bionic", the title track from the same album, which was originally performed later in the show. Aguilera goes into her first two songs, "Genie in a Bottle", and "Reflection". An interlude features Aguilera painted in gold, sitting on a golden throne, [26] before she comes onto the stage wearing a sequined gold outfit, complete with matching chaps to perform "Dirrty". The song is followed by a medley of "Vanity", "Express", and "Lady Marmalade". During "Express", Aguilera and her dancers venture into the audience.
A video interlude playing to Aguilera's 2018 single "Fall in Line" featuring Demi Lovato plays on the projection screen. Once the interlude ends, it cuts to a clip of Cher's "Mom, I am a rich man" interview, where she recounts her mother telling her that she needs to settle down and marry a rich man someday, with Cher responding that she is one, implying that she doesn't need a man. Peaches' "Boys Wanna Be Her" begins to play, as dancers appear on stage. The song transitions into Aguilera's own "Can't Hold Us Down". It is followed by "Sick of Sittin'". An interlude which mixes operatic background vocals with a hip hop beat plays, while dancers dance on the stage. The dancers disappear from the stage and Aguilera is heard saying "Expose your soul" over the speakers. The projection screen shows Aguilera wrapped in a blue veil blowing in the wind as a gregorian choir sings in the background along to bells and chimes. The first song of the act, "Maria", follows. As the song begins, Aguilera, dressed in a blue outfit reminiscent of a preacher's outfit, rises on a lift onto a platform on top of a staircase lined with candles, which is built in the center of the stage. In earlier versions of the show, "Maria" is followed by "Twice" and a cover of Whitney Houston's "I Love the Lord". The section was later revised and "Maria" transitions to a mashup of Aguilera's own "Makes Me Wanna Pray" and a cover of Madonna's "Like a Prayer". The songs transition into different versions of "What a Girl Wants" and "Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You)".
The show then goes into "Ain't No Other Man". An interlude of "You Are What You Are (Beautiful)", an electro-pop remix of "Beautiful" featured on Keeps Gettin' Better: A Decade of Hits (2008). Aguilera's background singer, Avery Wilson, begins singing "Say Something" and is later joined by Aguilera, dressed in a red outfit. Several male dancers begin dancing together to "Glam". A remix of "Candyman" featuring excerpts of "I Want Candy" follows. Aguilera wears a pink and black bodysuit with light-up hearts across her chest and crotch under a big red coat. The coat is shed for the performance of "Woohoo". In earlier versions of the show, "Woohoo" is followed by "Elastic Love" and "Bionic". In later performances, "Bionic" is performed in the first act, while "Elastic Love" is cut entirely from the set list. The two halves of the act are separated through a video interlude where Aguilera is dressed in a sparkly outfit, while "Telepathy" plays. Aguilera returns to the stage performing a remix version of "Accelerate" and "Feel This Moment", which incorporates instrumental and vocal elements of "Desnudate".
Aguilera begins the show's encore featured in an interlude which shows her between the empty seats of a theater, wearing a sheer red outfit. She then begins singing "Beautiful" in a kimono, a reference to her childhood in Japan. The kimono is taken off to reveal the sheer red outfit from the interlude for the following number, "Fighter". The ending of "Fighter" leads to "Let There Be Love". The song is performed as the words "Live life in love" are shown onto the LED screens. The show finishes as the band ends the song.
Christina Aguilera: The Xperience received positive reviews for its production, message, and Aguilera's vocals. John Katsilometes of Las Vegas Review-Journal reacted positively saying, "This isn't a concert as much as it is a Disney blockbuster playing out in real time. Aguilera kicks out a series of acts seemingly unrelated, but all delivering a forceful message of individuality and empowerment." [22] Melinda Sheckells of Billboard called the show, "A celebration of range, power and pride." [19] Evan Real of The Hollywood Reporter wrote, "Aguilera's show served as a prism reflecting just a sample of her varying identities: sex-positive seductress, fierce feminist, soulful chanteuse and committed ally of the LGBTQ community. The pop superstar served up impressive vocals, visuals and couture costumes." [23] Logo TV's Lamar Dawson provided a positive review, praising the "empowering" set and the way Aguilera tributed other pop divas: Cher, Whitney Houston, and Donna Summer. He went on to declare that the singer's "gay icon status is still in excellent standing". [27]
Year | Award | Category | Result |
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2020 | Best of Las Vegas Awards | Best Resident Performer/Headliner | Nominated [28] [29] |
Best Production | Nominated [30] [29] | ||
Bachelorette Party | Nominated [31] [29] |
Encore
Date | Attendance | Gross | |
---|---|---|---|
Leg 1 [32] [33] | |||
May 31, 2019 | 24,988 / 32,042 (78%) | $3,978,466 | |
June 1, 2019 | |||
June 5, 2019 | |||
June 7, 2019 | |||
June 8, 2019 | |||
June 13, 2019 | |||
June 15, 2019 | |||
June 16, 2019 | |||
Leg 2 [34] [35] [36] | |||
September 20, 2019 | 27,756 / 32,308 (86%) | $3,702,768 | |
September 21, 2019 | |||
September 24, 2019 | |||
September 27, 2019 | |||
September 28, 2019 | |||
October 2, 2019 | |||
October 4, 2019 | |||
October 5, 2019 | |||
Leg 3 [37] [38] | |||
December 28, 2019 | 8,720 / 10,894 (80%) | $1,050,939 | |
December 30, 2019 | |||
December 31, 2019 | |||
Leg 4 [39] [40] [41] | |||
February 26, 2020 | 14,211 / 16,683 (85%) | $1,511,851 | |
February 29, 2020 | |||
March 4, 2020 | |||
March 6, 2020 | |||
March 7, 2020 | |||
Total | 75,675 / 91,927 (82%) | $10,244,024 |
Date | Reason |
---|---|
December 27, 2019 | Health reasons [42] |
February 28, 2020 | Technical difficulties [43] |
November 11, 2020 | COVID-19 pandemic |
November 13, 2020 | |
November 14, 2020 | |
November 18, 2020 | |
November 20, 2020 | |
November 21, 2020 |
Christina María Aguilera is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality. Recognized as an influential figure in music and having received widespread public interest, she is noted for her four-octave vocal range, use of the whistle register, and incorporating controversial themes into her music. Referred to as the "Voice of a Generation", she was also named a Disney Legend, in recognition for her contributions to The Walt Disney Company.
The Justified & Stripped Tour was a co-headlining concert tour by American recording artists Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera. It was launched in support of Timberlake's debut studio album, Justified (2002), and Aguilera's fourth studio album, Stripped (2002). Timberlake announced that he would go on a co-headlining tour at the 2003 American Music Awards on January 13, 2003, and it was officially announced the following day that Aguilera would be the co-headlined artist of the tour. Tour dates were revealed on February 21, 2003; it kicked off on June 4, 2003 in Phoenix, Arizona and visited 45 cities in North America. The Black Eyed Peas were serviced as the tour's supporting act.
PH Live is a mid-sized auditorium in the Planet Hollywood Las Vegas hotel and casino on the Las Vegas Strip. The venue hosts events including charity benefits, concerts and award shows including beauty pageants such as Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA.
Bionic is the sixth studio album by American singer Christina Aguilera. It was released on June 4, 2010, by RCA Records. Inspired by Aguilera's taste for electronic music, Bionic is characterized as an electropop, futurepop and R&B record. The first half consists of electronic songs incorporating synthesizers and electronic beats, while the second half displays a balladic production. The album's main themes include sex and feminism.
"Bionic" is a song recorded by American singer Christina Aguilera, taken from her sixth studio album of the same name (2010). The song was written by Aguilera, Kalenna Harper, John Hill and Switch, while production was done by the latter two. "Bionic" is an electronic number and has garnered comparisons to works by artists including Santigold and Janet Jackson.
"Not Myself Tonight" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera for her sixth studio album Bionic (2010). It was released by RCA Records as the lead single from the album on April 2, 2010. Produced by Jamal Jones a.k.a. Polow da Don and co-written in collaboration with Greg Curtis, Ester Dean and Jason Perry, "Not Myself Tonight" is an electropop, electro-R&B and dance-pop song, which explores Aguilera's adoption of different personas on the dance floor.
"Woohoo" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera featuring rapper Nicki Minaj. The song was written by Aguilera, Onika Maraj, Claude Kelly, Ester Dean and Jamal "Polow da Don" Jones, and produced by Polow da Don, for Aguilera's sixth studio album, Bionic (2010). "Woohoo" was serviced to rhythmic contemporary crossover airplay as the album's second radio single on May 25, 2010. The song, which samples the 1972 song "Add már uram az esőt" by Hungarian singer Kati Kovács, is about oral sex.
"Express" is a song recorded by American singer Christina Aguilera for the accompanying soundtrack album to her film Burlesque (2010). Written by Aguilera, C. "Tricky" Stewart and Claude Kelly and was produced by Stewart, "Express" is an uptempo electropop number. The track premiered on November 3, 2010 on On Air with Ryan Seacrest to promote the soundtrack. It was also released to Italian radio as a single on November 12, 2010, and to Australian radio on December 6.
"Elastic Love" is a song recorded by American recording artist Christina Aguilera, taken from her sixth studio album, Bionic (2010). The song was written by Aguilera, M.I.A., John Hill and Switch, while production was handled by the latter two. Originally, "Elastic Love" was recorded by M.I.A., but later it was given to Aguilera. However, M.I.A. was disappointed when Aguilera didn't want to do her "trademark warbling" in the studio. "Elastic Love" is an electro and electropop song with strong elements from 1980s new wave music. Lyrically, Aguilera compares her love to office supplies, from paperclips to rubber-bands.
"Your Body" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera from her seventh studio album, Lotus (2012). It was written by Savan Kotecha, Max Martin, Shellback and Tiffany Amber, while its production was done by Martin and Shellback. RCA Records premiered the song on September 14, 2012, on On Air with Ryan Seacrest, and later sent it to US contemporary hit and rhythmic radio stations two days later as the lead single from Lotus. "Your Body" is an R&B, electro, EDM and pop number with elements from dubstep and Eurodance. Its lyrics express Aguilera's desire to have sex with an anonymous partner.
Lady Gaga Enigma + Jazz & Piano is a concert residency by American singer-songwriter Lady Gaga held at Dolby Live in the Las Vegas Valley, Nevada. The residency consists of two types of shows: Enigma, which focuses on theatricality and includes the singer's biggest hits, and Jazz & Piano, which involves songs from the Great American Songbook and stripped-down versions of Gaga's songs. The Enigma show was built around a loose storyline about "healing and finding yourself", and saw Gaga wearing various sci-fi inspired outfits. For Jazz & Piano, Gaga aimed for "glamour and elegance", with her wardrobe harkening back to the Jazz Age and vintage Vegas. The Enigma shows opened on December 28, 2018, and the Jazz & Piano shows opened on January 20, 2019. After a 21-month long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the residency returned to the theater on October 14, 2021.
Gwen Stefani – Just a Girl was a concert residency held at the Zappos Theater in Las Vegas by American singer Gwen Stefani. Named after the song of the same name, the residency opened on June 27, 2018, and concluded on November 6, 2021. Comprising fifty-seven dates, Just a Girl grossed over $27.3 million and was attended by 201,341.
"Accelerate" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera and was released as the lead single from her eighth studio album Liberation (2018). It features guest vocals from singer Ty Dolla Sign and rapper 2 Chainz. The song was produced by Kanye West alongside Che Pope, Mike Dean and Eric Danchick, with co-production from Honorable C.N.O.T.E. and Charlie Heat. In the lyrics, which celebrate living in the moment, Aguilera "accelerates" her sexual partner, wanting him to "show passion" towards her.
"Twice" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera from her eighth studio album, Liberation (2018). It was released for digital download and streaming on May 11, 2018 by RCA Records as the album's first promotional single. Kirby Lauryen wrote the track and co-produced it with Sandy Chila. Upon its release of, music critics were positive towards the track, praising Aguilera's voice and the lyrics. Commercially, "Twice" reached top-forty positions on the digital charts of Australia and Spain. The song was later included in the setlist for The Liberation Tour, Christina Aguilera: The Xperience, and The X Tour.
The Liberation Tour was the fifth concert tour by American singer Christina Aguilera. The tour was launched in support of her eighth studio album, Liberation (2018), beginning on September 25, 2018 at the Hard Rock Event Center in Hollywood, Florida and concluding on November 13 of the same year at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg. The tour visited cities across the United States throughout 21 concerts. A series of scheduled shows in October including one in Orillia, Canada, were cancelled due to Aguilera's illness and safety concerns. After finishing her Back to Basics Tour in November 2008, Aguilera took a break from touring to focus on her family. The Liberation Tour was her first concert tour in 10 years. It was the first tour in support of Liberation. After its conclusion, Aguilera announced The X Tour in early 2019, which ran concurrently with her first concert residency Christina Aguilera: The Xperience in Las Vegas. The X Tour promoted the album through 18 concerts held in Europe and Mexico.
The X Tour was the sixth concert tour by American singer Christina Aguilera, in support of her eighth studio album, Liberation (2018). Led by LiveNation, it was surprise announced on the same day as the ticket sale by Aguilera herself on March 4, 2019, and serves as the European counterpart to The Liberation Tour the year before. The tour was scheduled to run concurrent with Aguilera's own Las Vegas concert residency, Christina Aguilera: The Xperience, with the tour running during the breaks of the residency. The tour was split into two legs, with the first leg consisting of 15 shows taking place across Europe, and an additional three in the second leg taking place in Mexico.
EU / UK Summer Series, also called Summer Series, was the first promotional tour by American singer Christina Aguilera, in support of her three-part Spanish-language ninth studio album, Aguilera (2022). The tour was announced following the release of the EP La Fuerza, the album's first part, with the first three UK shows going on sale on February 4, 2022. It began on June 25, 2022 in Mallorca, Spain, and concluded on August 6, 2022 in Brighton, England, lasting eight shows across Europe. Union J served as the opening act for the UK shows.
Christina Aguilera at Voltaire was the second concert residency by American singer-songwriter Christina Aguilera. It was produced by Live Nation, and ran at Voltaire at The Venetian Las Vegas from December 30, 2023, to August 31, 2024.