Patrick Gray/Kabik Photo Group
Michael Bublé performs at Resorts World Theatre on April 27.
Friday, April 29, 2022 | 2 a.m.
That Michael Bublé is a talented entertainer is without question.
The 46-year-old Canadian crooner, who opened a six-show limited engagement Wednesday at the Resorts World Theatre, has been an international star for the better part of 20 years, has sold more than 75 million records worldwide and has received dozens of awards for his music, including four Grammys.
And throughout the nearly 90 minutes he performed Wednesday, Bublé’s voice — backed up by his stellar 36-member orchestra and a trio of background singers— sparkled on hits old and new, written both by him and others.
The songs ranged from the opening “Smile,” a Nat King Cole standard, to “Home,” a song Bublé wrote but was made a hit by country singer Blake Shelton, to Julie London’s 1955 hit “Cry Me a River,” to “I’ll Never Not Love You,” from his new album, “Higher.”
On two numbers, he was joined onstage by a 20-member choir.
As he did in September during his concert at T-Mobile Arena, Bublé bantered with the audience throughout the evening, at one time chastising everyone but “those 32 people who lit up their cellphones” on the previous song.”
A running gag early in the show involved the orchestra breaking out the music for Elvis Presley’s “Viva Las Vegas” when Bublé was expecting to launch into another tune. The joke finally ended 13 songs into the night when Bublé proclaimed, “OK, it’s time,” and sang the entire tune.
Bublé’s engagement with the audience wasn’t limited to those seated at the VIP tables on both sides of the stage. During his version of Nina Simon’s “Feeling Good,” Bublé pointed his mic in the direction of a young boy in the front row who obliged by completing the lyric with the words, “for me.”
On several occasions, Bublé — dressed smartly in a brown suit with a plum shirt and dark tie — left the stage or “broke the (invisible) security wall,” as he called it.At one point, he strode around the entire center section of the front orchestra, glad- handing patrons while singing Barry White’s“You’re the First, My Last, My Everything.”
When it came time to perform his closing number, “A Song for You,” written by the late, great Leon Russell and recorded by dozens of other artists including the Carpenters, Ray Charles, Amy Winehouse and Elton John, Bublé made his rendition absolutely unforgettable.
The soulful, familiar song starts out with the lyrics:
I’ve been so many places in my life and time
I’ve sung a lot of songs
I’ve made some bad rhymes …
It’s the kind of song Bublé is at ease singing and does so in a way that connects with those hearing him.
About three-fourths of the way into the piece, as the lyrics gave way to a brief trumpet solo, Bublé could be seen removing his in-ear monitors. Then, ditching his microphone, he walked down a set of steps at midstage, stood before the sold-out audience and, with his orchestra silent, sang the song’s final two stanzas a capella.
I love you in a place
Where there’s no space or time
I love you for my life
You’re a friend of mine
And when my life is over
Remember when we were together
We were alone
And I was singing this song to you
We were alone
And I was singing this song to you
We were alone
And I was singing this song,
Singing this song to you
His singular voice filled the hall, sending chills throughout the audience. Strong. Crisp. Unyielding. It was a moment to behold in a night well worth a trip to the Strip.
Michael Bublé’s limited engagement continues at 8 tonight, Saturday, Wednesday, Thursday and May 6 at Resorts World Theatre. Ticket information for the remaining dates is available online at axs.com/michaelbubleinvegas.
