Skip to main content Skip to footer site map

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas

Last night's Vegas Strong Benefit Concert at T-Mobile Arena united the Las Vegas entertainment industry and close-knit community for an evening of live performances and heartfelt video tributes honoring victims and survivors of the October 1 tragedy. More than a dozen A-list entertainers and homegrown talent convened to benefit the Las Vegas Victims Fund in the largest fundraising concert in Nevada's history. The full lineup included Jason Aldean, Blue Man Group, Kurt Busch, Boyz II Men, Carrot Top, Cirque du Soleil, David Copperfield, Celine Dion, Bryce Harper, Imagine Dragons, Elton John, The Killers, Las Vegas Golden Knights, Jay Leno, Wayne Newton, Penn & Teller and George Strait.

The evening commenced as Carrot Top welcomed an arena of thousands of supporters. He introduced messages from Vegas Golden Knights players who shared their pride for being part of the Las Vegas community.

The program continued with Las Vegas native and Washington Nationals 2015 National League MVP Bryce Harper, who thanked the first responders as well as the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and hospital staff.

International songstress and Billboard Icon Award-winning artist Celine Dion delivered a gracious video message, saying, "We are going to let these families know we are supporting them and we will help them through this tragic loss."

Las Vegas native and 29-time NASCAR Cup Series winner, Kurt Busch, introduced Las Vegas headliners Boyz II Men. The multiple GRAMMY® Award-winning group delivered smooth vocal ballads including a soulful acapella version of "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday," then brought the energy with "Motownphilly." The group shared their love for the city and joy for the evening by saying, "This show is a testament to how strong Las Vegas really is."

Jay Leno followed on stage and had the crowd laughing hysterically with a series of jokes in his signature style.

Las Vegas-based rock band Imagine Dragons took the stage in force, as front man Dan Reynolds said, "Today, more than ever, I am proud to be from this city. Music shows that there is nothing that should divide us. Tonight, we are one. We are Vegas Strong." Recently nominated for two GRAMMY® Awards, Imagine Dragons played an impassioned set of songs including "Whatever It Takes" and "Believer" before initiating a moment of silence out of respect for those affected by the tragedy. At the end of the band's set, the crowd all stood to sing along with "On Top of the World" and "Radioactive."

Survivor and Route 91 Festival headliner Jason Aldean next shared a special video tribute, giving good wishes to the audience and sharing positive thoughts.

Following intermission, David Copperfield re-opened the stage bringing his own unique performance with an incredible illusion that left the audience in awe. Copperfield, a legendary Las Vegas illusionist, said, "This is for the selfless people who are the real heroes of 1 October. I'm so proud of this city."

Applause spread through the crowd as country superstar and T-Mobile Arena resident George Strait appeared via video, saying, "Las Vegas is a second home to me. This is a community built on strength, community and resiliency. Thank you for coming out tonight to show your support."

The memorable moments continued as Blue Man Group put on a tubular performance, entertaining the audience with its speechless wit and rhythmic talent. Artists from Cirque du Soleil's Mystère followed with parallel energy, awing the crowd with a performance of acrobatic strength and precision timing.

Las Vegas illusionists Penn & Teller integrated the crowd into the show, allowing each audience member perform their own card-based magic trick. The elated cheer of surprise rippled through the arena as everyone applauded the charismatic duo.

Mr. Las Vegas himself, Wayne Newton, took the stage for an impassioned tribute, saying, "It is best to use our talent to lift people's spirits and put a smile on their face." He then introduced Elton John, who addressed the audience via video to send his love and support. His performance motivated everyone to join him in singing "Your Song" and "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me."

Las Vegas hometown heroes, The Killers, closed with an energetic set of hits including "When You Were Young" and "Somebody Told Me." Lead vocalist Brandon Flowers expressed his pride for his city by saying, "There's enough love in this room tonight to light up Las Vegas." The band delivered a reflective performance of "Be Still" while the names of those lost in the tragedy were displayed on the screen. The band ended by sharing a little soul with "All These Things" and "Mr. Brightside."

The cheerful conclusion brought all performers to the stage for a chorus of the late, great Elvis Presley's "Viva Las Vegas," with Dan Reynolds and Brandon Flowers exchanging lead vocals. The crowd swelled with emotion and pride for the Las Vegas community that has proven unbreakable.

high res photos

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
Wayne Newton

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
Wayne Newton

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
Vegas Strong Benefit Concert

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
Vegas Strong Benefit Concert

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
The Killers

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
Vegas Strong Benefit Concert

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
Scheana Marie

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
Cirque du Soleil performers

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
Penn Jillette, Wayne Newton, Brandon Flowers and Dan Reynolds

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
Penn & Teller

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
Penn & Teller

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
Kurt Busch

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
Jay Leno

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
Imagine Dragons

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
Cirque du Soleil

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
Chum Lee and Rick Harrison

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
Celine Dion Video Tribute

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
Vegas Strong Benefit Concert

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
Bryce Harper

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
Bryce Harper

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
BoyzIIMen

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
BoyzIIMen

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
BoyzIIMen

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
Blue Man Group

Photo Flash: Star-Studded Vegas Strong Benefit Concert Unites Las Vegas
Blue Man Group



Photos: POTTED POTTER Celebrates 1000th Show at The Magic Attic Photo
Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Potter Experience - A Parody by Dan and Jeff continues to cast a spell on Las Vegas!  The hit, family-friendly show celebrated its 1000th performance at The Magic Attic showroom inside Horseshoe Las Vegas on Thursday, March 16, 2023. Check out photos here!

Comedian Don Barnhart Brings More Laughter To Las Vegas With Nightly Residency Photo
From entertaining the troops around the world to headlining the top comedy clubs and cruise ships, comedian Don Barnhart sets the watermark high with his own residency in Las Vegas.

Feature: THE 19TH ANNUAL COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS HALL GALA TO HONOR BRAD GARRETT Photo
The 19th Annual College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame will honor those who have significantly impacted performing art, visual arts, and architecture in Southern Nevada. Iconic comedy club owner, Emmy, and SAG Award-winning actor, comedian, and writer, Brad Garrett, is known for his role as Robert Barone on the television series Everybody Loves Raymond. The gala celebration will be held in the Ballroom in the UNLV Student Union at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, on March 21.

GRAMMY-Award Winner And Internationally Acclaimed Pianist Emanuel Ax Performs April 20 At  Photo
The UNLV Performing Arts Center welcomes sought-after GRAMMY-Award winning pianist Emanuel Ax to Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall on Friday, April 20, at 7:30 p.m.


More Hot Stories For You


Photos: POTTED POTTER Celebrates 1000th Show at The Magic AtticPhotos: POTTED POTTER Celebrates 1000th Show at The Magic Attic
March 18, 2023

Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Potter Experience - A Parody by Dan and Jeff continues to cast a spell on Las Vegas!  The hit, family-friendly show celebrated its 1000th performance at The Magic Attic showroom inside Horseshoe Las Vegas on Thursday, March 16, 2023. Check out photos here!

Comedian Don Barnhart Brings More Laughter To Las Vegas With Nightly ResidencyComedian Don Barnhart Brings More Laughter To Las Vegas With Nightly Residency
March 18, 2023

From entertaining the troops around the world to headlining the top comedy clubs and cruise ships, comedian Don Barnhart sets the watermark high with his own residency in Las Vegas.

Freestyle Explosion Throwback Jam Returns to Orleans Arena in JuneFreestyle Explosion Throwback Jam Returns to Orleans Arena in June
March 9, 2023

Back by popular demand, Pacific Concert Group’s Freestyle Explosion Throwback Jam returns to Orleans Arena on Saturday, June 10, featuring top ‘80s and ‘90s pop and rock artists.

Comedian Chris Tucker Announces Return To Encore Theater At Wynn Las Vegas, July 14-15Comedian Chris Tucker Announces Return To Encore Theater At Wynn Las Vegas, July 14-15
March 6, 2023

Following multiple sold-out performances at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas, award-winning actor and comedian, Chris Tucker, will return to the stage for his latest headlining engagement, July 14-15, 2023. The Rush Hour star is a longtime crowd favorite and one of the must-see Las Vegas performances of the summer. Tickets for both performances will go on sale to the public on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 10 a.m. PST.

Open-Door Playhouse to Present FLESH AND BLOOD in MarchOpen-Door Playhouse to Present FLESH AND BLOOD in March
March 4, 2023

The one act comedy Flesh and Blood is set in a Jewish cemetery in Queens, N.Y. It is pre-dawn. Three headstones have been marked with swastikas. Shelia Krickstein appears and crosses to the desecrated grave of her mother. She's looking for the caretaker who called her with the news, but instead, encounters an older grieving woman in 50s attire and, later, a judgmental Rabbi.