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Celine Dion Dedicates Concert, Donates Proceeds to Las Vegas Shooting Victims
In the days following the tragic Las Vegas shooting, Celine Dion decided that her show would go on. The singer took the stage at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Tuesday, Oct. 3, and she gave an emotional speech onstage before announcing that she would be donating all of the proceeds from that night’s concert to the families of the victims of the senseless tragedy.
“The reason that I decided to do this show so soon is more than to just sing. It is to show love and support for those who are affected,” she somberly told the crowd, according to video footage obtained by E! News. “On Sunday, we lost too many beautiful, innocent souls and so many are still suffering. But tonight, we are going to let these families know that we are supporting them and that we will help them through their tragic loss.”
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“They are going to need a lot of love, a ton of emotional support as well as a great deal of financial aid. So I want you to know that the proceeds for tonight’s show are being donated to the victim’s families on your behalf,” she said as the crowd cheered and gave her a standing ovation. She also dedicated the concert to all of the victims, their families, the first responders, doctors, nurses, and the heroes who helped out in a time of need.
On Sunday, Oct. 1, a gunman opened fire into a crowd of 22,000 people attending the Route 91 country music festival on the Las Vegas strip. Fifty-nine people were killed and more than 500 injured during the horrific event, which has now been identified as the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history. Watch the video below for more information on the Las Vegas shooting.
Following the tragedy, Celine took to Instagram to pay tribute to the victims and their loved ones. “Praying for all the innocent victims and their families in Las Vegas,” the 49-year-old star wrote. Though the “My Heart Will Go On” singer will continue her Caesar’s residency, another Vegas performer, Jennifer Lopez, announced on Tuesday, Oct. 2 that she has postponed her upcoming concerts at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in the wake of the shooting.
“Jennifer is heartbroken that such a senseless tragedy occurred,” a rep for the singer said in a statement to People. “Her thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.” J.Lo’s Wednesday, Oct. 3, Friday, Oct. 6, and Saturday, Oct. 7 shows will be rescheduled for a later date, her spokesperson confirmed.
Celine began her Las Vegas residency back in March 2003 with the show A New Day. When that program wrapped in December 2007, the mom-of-three debuted her second (and current) show, Celine. Today, Celine holds the record for longest residency show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace and has performed more than 1,110 concerts in the popular venue to date. Her contract with the resort extends through 2019.
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