Bette Midler’s residency at Caesars Palace to end Jan. 31

By John Katsilometes

Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009 | 10 a.m.

"The Showgirl Must Go On" won't.

Bette Midler's run as headliner at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace ends Jan. 31, the hotel and AEG Live announced today. Her engagement began Feb. 20, 2008, and she has swapped stints with Cher during that run.

"What a fabulous two years this has been, and I thank AEG and Caesars Palace for the best partnership a showgirl could imagine. Who knows? These legs have had such a great run in the desert -- it may be time to haul them to places with more humidity and fewer slot machines. But first I need to finish recording my album of the sexiest new love songs that only a showgirl could sing," Midler was quoted in the statement issued this morning.

“Bette is one of the most talented, hard-working professionals in the business, and we would have loved for her to stay longer," said John Meglen, co-CEO and president of AEG Live/Concerts West. “All of us at AEG Live thank Bette and the entire cast, crew and staff for a great two-year run at The Colosseum.”

“Like every one of her performances, the approaching finale of Bette’s two-year engagement leaves us applauding for more,” said Gary Selesner, president of Caesars Palace. “Bette always will have a home at Caesars Palace.”

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