Las Vegas: Music Legends & Sphere Residencies 2026

The vibrant entertainment landscape of Las Vegas continues to evolve, yet the allure of established music legends remains a cornerstone of its appeal. As the city embraces technological marvels like the Sphere, it simultaneously cherishes the timeless performances of artists who have cemented their legacies on the Strip. This dynamic interplay ensures that Las Vegas remains a premier destination for unparalleled live entertainment, blending nostalgic charm with avant-garde spectacle.

The Enduring Legacy of Las Vegas Residencies

For decades, Las Vegas has perfected the art of the musical residency, offering artists a unique platform to engage with their fan bases over extended periods. This model provides both stability for performers and a consistent draw for tourists. Artists such as Barry Manilow, Donny Osmond, and Carlos Santana exemplify this enduring appeal, consistently drawing sold-out crowds despite their most recent chart-topping hits being decades in the past. Their work ethic and commitment to their craft highlight a crucial aspect of the Vegas entertainment economy: sustained engagement.

Barry Manilow: A Westgate Institution

Barry Manilow, the iconic "I Write the Songs" singer, has become synonymous with the Westgate Las Vegas, having performed in its International Theater since February 2005. His remarkable tenure reached a significant milestone on September 23, 2023, when he surpassed Elvis Presley's record for sold-out shows in the venue, marking his 637th consecutive sold-out performance. This achievement underscores his unwavering popularity and his vital role in the Westgate's entertainment strategy. Recognizing his invaluable contribution, Westgate formalized Manilow's presence in December 2024 by signing him to a lifetime residency. Building on this commitment, Manilow has scheduled 54 new dates across 18 weekends in 2026, ensuring that his timeless hits will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.

Carlos Santana: Rocking Mandalay Bay

Another titan of the Las Vegas residency scene is legendary rock guitarist Carlos Santana. Since 2012, his “An Intimate Evening with Santana: Greatest Hits Live” residency has graced the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, accumulating over 300 sold-out shows. Santana's ability to consistently fill a venue for over a decade speaks volumes about his artistic enduring power and the loyalty of his global fan base. While his 2025 residency concludes on November 16, fans will be delighted to know that Santana is slated for a return in 2026, with 15 new shows scheduled between January 21-February 1 and May 13-24. His continued presence reinforces the notion that quality artistry transcends generational shifts in music trends.

Donny Osmond: Pop Icon at Harrah's

The multifaceted entertainer Donny Osmond, who first launched his "Donny" residency at Harrah's Showroom at Harrah's Las Vegas in August 2021, has also reaffirmed his commitment to the Strip. In September, Osmond announced an additional 70 shows for his engagement, extending his run from January 27 through May 30, 2026. Osmond's residency highlights the broad appeal of artists who have cultivated a diverse career across music, television, and stage. His ability to continuously captivate audiences demonstrates the robust market for family-friendly, high-energy performances in Las Vegas.

The Dawn of a New Era: Sphere Las Vegas

While established artists continue their successful runs in traditional venues, the entertainment landscape of Sin City has witnessed a groundbreaking transformation with the advent of Sphere Las Vegas. Opened on September 29, 2023, the Sphere represents a paradigm shift in immersive live performance, combining cutting-edge technology with unparalleled visual and auditory experiences. This futuristic venue has quickly become a coveted stage for superstar acts, signaling a new chapter for high-profile residencies.

U2 and Dead & Company's Pioneering Stints

The Sphere's inaugural residency was headlined by the iconic rock band U2, with their "U2/UV Achtung Baby Live at the Sphere" production, which ran for 40 shows and concluded on March 2, 2024. This initial run set a high bar for the venue's capabilities, showcasing its revolutionary visual environment. Following U2, Dead & Company took to the Sphere's stage with their "Dead Forever Live at Sphere" residency. This engagement set a record for the most performed shows at the venue, with 48 performances from May 16, 2024, to May 17, 2025. These pioneering residencies demonstrated the Sphere's potential to redefine the concert experience, attracting both artists and audiences seeking something truly extraordinary.

Eagles Soar at Sphere: Breaking Records

The record set by Dead & Company is now poised to be surpassed by another legendary rock band, the Eagles. The Eagles launched their sold-out residency at Sphere Las Vegas on September 20, 2024, and are rapidly cementing their place in the venue's history. On February 20, 2026, the band is projected to break the record for most shows performed at Sphere, reaching 49 performances. With three additional shows scheduled for February 21, 27, and 28, their total will rise to 52. Driven by immense popular demand, Sphere Las Vegas has further extended the Eagles' engagement, adding four final shows for 2026 on March 20, 21, 27, and 28, bringing their total residency performances to an impressive 56. This extended run underscores the band's phenomenal draw and the Sphere's capacity to host long-term, high-demand productions.

A recent statement from Sphere on November 10 highlighted the residency's success, noting that it has "attracted more than 700k fans across 44 sold-out shows since September 20, 2024, offering fans the ultimate connection to the band’s legendary catalog in an immersive experience that only Sphere can provide." With 12 residency shows already slated for 2026, the Eagles are set to continue their record-breaking streak, offering fans multiple opportunities to witness their iconic performances within this cutting-edge venue.

For those looking to secure tickets for the newly announced 2026 dates, presale sign-ups are currently underway at Eagles.com. The Artist presale commences on November 19 at 10 a.m. Pacific time, followed by Sphere, Live Nation, and Ticketmaster presales on November 20 at 10 a.m. Pacific. General public tickets will be available for purchase on November 21 at 10 a.m. Pacific. This structured release ensures equitable access for fans eager to experience the Eagles at the Sphere.

The Business of Entertainment: Why Residencies Thrive

From an economic perspective, long-term residencies offer substantial benefits to both artists and venues. For artists, they provide a consistent income stream, reduce touring fatigue, and allow for the development of more elaborate, fixed stage productions. For venues, residencies guarantee consistent foot traffic, boost ancillary revenues from dining and gaming, and strengthen their brand as entertainment destinations. The success of artists like Manilow, Osmond, and Santana, alongside the rapid sell-outs at the Sphere, highlights a robust market for curated live experiences. The investment in innovative venues like the Sphere also signifies a strategic move to future-proof the entertainment industry, attracting a new generation of concert-goers with unparalleled sensory experiences.

In conclusion, the Las Vegas entertainment scene is a dynamic ecosystem where tradition meets innovation. The sustained popularity of legendary performers like Barry Manilow, Carlos Santana, and Donny Osmond attests to the timeless appeal of great music and dedicated showmanship. Simultaneously, the groundbreaking success of the Sphere, hosting record-breaking residencies by bands like U2, Dead & Company, and especially the Eagles, heralds a new era of immersive entertainment. As these legendary acts extend their runs into 2026, Las Vegas reinforces its position as the global capital of live performance, continuously offering diverse and captivating experiences for every visitor.