The Xperience

The Xperience (a play on the singer's nickname, Xtina) was a concert residency by American singer-songwriter Christina Aguilera at Zappos Theater in Las Vegas. It began on May 31, 2019, and concluded on March 7, 2020. The residency was to continue until November 21, but the remainder of the shows were cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The concert is produced by Live Nation Entertainment.

The Xperience
Residency by Christina Aguilera
LocationLas Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
VenueZappos Theater
Start dateMay 31, 2019 (2019-05-31)
End dateMarch 7, 2020 (2020-03-07)
Legs4
No. of shows24
Attendance75,675
Box office$10.2 million
Christina Aguilera concert chronology

Divided into six acts plus an encore, the show features songs of Aguilera's music catalog. Each act is marked by its own colors, textures, and scents pumped throughout the venue. The central theme of the show was outer space featuring galactic visuals and imagery. Inspirations of the X-shaped stage setup and costume design came from retrofuturism.

Background and development

Aguilera announced the residency during her interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, stating, "I’ve been actually accumulating for years these ideas and concepts and, taking people on this amazing ride and trip and using the imagination […] mind-blowing theatrical experience, song, dance, visuals, and uninterrupted high energy. I cannot wait to bring you into the 'Xperience'".[1] Later in a tweet, Aguilera described it further as "a multisensory escape to a world of magic & total freedom."[2] "It represents the fact that no matter who we are or where we come from, we all have to wear a mask on some level, This is a place where, for one night, take your mask off, put a different one on, be whoever you want to be." she added.[3]

Alluding that it is inspired by shows like Cirque du Soleil, Aguilera called the show a 'five-sensory experience', "There are certain things you can touch throughout the show and things that come from the ceiling. [...] not just a concert, but an opportunity for people to take off their masks." she said. Branding the show "dramatic and fun," Aguilera said she's going to use Vegas as her 'playground' to also tap into her own artistry. She also stated, "I'm inviting people on this gigantic carousel with me and giving people a safe space, providing a sense of freedom and a sense of themselves."[4]

The concert has been described as an 'extravaganza and spectacle' included songs from her career. Each act was marked by its own visual imagery and scents pumped throughout the venue. The central theme of the show was outer space featuring galaxy-related illustrations. The show featured an elevated stage with an X-shaped runway and retrofuturistic-inspired costume design.[5][6][7] "We're doing some interesting things with glowing and lights and lots of silvertones and angular shapes—it'll be quite a spectacle [...] interesting moments where each song reflects a monochromatic stylized color scheme." Aguilera said. She revealed the name of the designers working on the costumes for the show to Galore magazine; they include Gareth Pugh and Bobby Abley.[8]

Although not being a part of the show's promo, on the ticket outlet information it was referred that $1 from each ticket sold will benefit The Shade Tree, a non-profit shelter in Southern Nevada for women and children.[9][10]

Concert synopsis

The show began with a video showing outer space and galaxy-related visuals. Then Aguilera opened the show coming out of a crystal lotus flower dressed in a white bodysuit with structured fabric around her hips and shoulders to sing "Your Body". The show continued with "Not Myself Tonight" and "Genie in a Bottle". It was followed by an acoustic version of "Reflection". Aguilera then donned a gold bodysuit with chaps to perform "Dirrty". Later the singer was seen in a plain black one-piece and a long, matching leather jacket as she continued the show with a performance of "Can't Hold Us Down". For "Maria" Aguilera was seen on top of the stairs of the stage in a demure royal blue hooded gown; snowflakes fell from the ceiling during "Twice". A pink and black bodysuit with light-up hearts across her chest and crotch was chosen for the performance of "Woohoo", "Elastic Love" and "Bionic". She later sang "Beautiful", Fighter her dancers wear Boxing trunks which showed Thai language letters มวยไทย, Aguilera in a red dress with chain detailing.

Critical response

John Katsilometes of Las Vegas Review-Journal reacted positively saying, "This isn’t a concert as much as it is a Disney blockbuster playing out in real time. Aguilera kicks out a series of acts seemingly unrelated, but all delivering a forceful message of individuality and empowerment."[11] Melinda Sheckells of Billboard called the show, "A celebration of range, power and pride."[6] Evan Real of The Hollywood Reporter wrote, "Aguilera's show served as a prism reflecting just a sample of her varying identities: sex-positive seductress, fierce feminist, soulful chanteuse and committed ally of the LGBTQ community. The pop superstar served up impressive vocals, visuals and couture costumes."[7] Logo TV's Lamar Dawson provided a positive review, praising the "empowering" set and the way Aguilera tributed other pop divas: Cher, Whitney Houston, and Donna Summer. He went on to declare that the singer's "gay icon status is still in excellent standing".[12]

Accolades
Year Award Category Result
2020 Best of Las Vegas Awards Best Resident Performer/Headliner Nominated[13][14]
Best Production Nominated[15][14]
Bachelorette Party Nominated[16][14]

Set list

This set list is representative of the October 10, 2019, show.[17][18] It may not represent all dates of the residency.

  1. Video Introduction (contains elements of "I Feel Love")
  2. "Your Body" / "Not Myself Tonight"
  3. "Genie in a Bottle"
  4. "Reflection"
  5. Golden Queen (interlude)
  6. "Dirrty"
  7. "Vanity" / "Express" / "Lady Marmalade"
  8. Fall in Line (interlude)
  9. "Boys Wanna Be Her"
  10. "Can't Hold Us Down"
  11. "Sick of Sittin'"
  12. "Maria"
  13. "Twice"
  14. "I Love the Lord"
  15. "What a Girl Wants" / "Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You)"
  16. "Ain't No Other Man"
  17. You Are What You Are (Beautiful) (video interlude)
  18. "Say Something"
  19. Glam (interlude)
  20. "Candyman" / "I Want Candy"
  21. "Woohoo" / "Elastic Love" / "Bionic"
  22. "Telepathy" (video interlude)
  23. "Accelerate"
  24. "Feel This Moment" / "Desnudate"
  25. "Beautiful"
  26. "Fighter"

Encore

  1. "Let There Be Love"

Shows
Date Attendance Gross
Leg 1[19][20]
May 31, 2019 24,988 / 32,042 (78%) $3,978,466
June 1, 2019
June 5, 2019
June 7, 2019
June 8, 2019
June 13, 2019
June 15, 2019
June 16, 2019
Leg 2[21][22][23]
September 20, 2019 27,756 / 32,308 (86%) $3,702,768
September 21, 2019
September 24, 2019
September 27, 2019
September 28, 2019
October 2, 2019
October 4, 2019
October 5, 2019
Leg 3[24][25]
December 28, 2019 8,720 / 10,894 (80%) $1,050,939
December 30, 2019
December 31, 2019
Leg 4[26][27][28]
February 26, 2020 14,211 / 16,683 (85%) $1,511,851
February 29, 2020
March 4, 2020
March 6, 2020
March 7, 2020
Total 75,675 / 91,927 (82%) $10,244,024

Cancelled shows
Date Reason
December 27, 2019 Health reasons[29]
February 28, 2020 Technical difficulties[30]
November 11, 2020 COVID-19 pandemic
November 13, 2020
November 14, 2020
November 18, 2020
November 20, 2020
November 21, 2020

References
  1. Legaspi, Althea (January 29, 2019). "Christina Aguilera Announces Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Residency". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  2. Romano, Nick (January 29, 2019). "Christina Aguilera confirms 'The Xperience' Las Vegas residency". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  3. Thorbecke, Catherine (June 3, 2019). "Christina Aguilera says her new Las Vegas show is a 'piece of my heart'". ABC News. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  4. Chiu, Melody (May 28, 2019). "Christina Aguilera's New Vegas Residency Is a 'Safe Space' for Fans to Discover Their True Selves". People. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  5. Radke, Brock (June 3, 2019). "Christina Aguilera on her new Las Vegas residency show". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  6. Sheckells, Melinda (June 2, 2019). "Christina Aguilera's Las Vegas Xperience is a Celebration of Range, Power and Pride". Billboard. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  7. Real, Evan (June 3, 2019). "Christina Aguilera Lights Up Las Vegas With Meaningful 'Xperience' Residency". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  8. "Christina Aguilera is Getting Back to Her Roots". Galore. May 29, 2019. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  9. "'Christina Aguilera: The Xperience' gives back to The Shade Tree". KTNV. 10 May 2019.
  10. "Christina Aguilera's Las Vegas residency to raise money for domestic violence victims". ABC News. May 13, 2019. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  11. Katsilometes, John (June 2, 2019). "Christina Aguilera's powerful 'Xperience' has something to say". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  12. Dawson, Lamar (June 3, 2019). "7 Best Moments From Christina Aguilera's Las Vegas Residency". Logo TV. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  13. "Best of Las Vegas: Entertainment – Resident Performer / Headliner". Best of Las Vegas. NERUS Strategies LLC. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  14. "2020 Best of Las Vegas". Best of Las Vegas. NERUS Strategies LLC. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  15. "Best of Las Vegas: Entertainment – Production Show". Best of Las Vegas. NERUS Strategies LLC. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  16. "Best of Las Vegas: Entertainment – Bachelorette Party". Best of Las Vegas. NERUS Strategies LLC. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  17. "Christina Aguilera, video e scaletta di "The Xperience"" [Christina Aguilera, video and lineup of "The Xperience"]. Trendit (in Italian). Italy. June 1, 2019. Retrieved June 1, 2019.
  18. Music Mayhem (June 1, 2019). "Christina Aguilera Kicks Off 'The Xperience' Las Vegas Residency: PHOTOS/VIDEOS & SETLIST, Demi Lovato Attends". Music Mayhem Magazine. United States. Retrieved June 2, 2019.
  19. Cohen, Jess (January 29, 2019). "Christina Aguilera Launches Las Vegas Residency: All the Dates and Details". E! News. NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Group. Archived from the original on July 11, 2019. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  20. Frankenberg, Eric (July 12, 2019). "Christina Aguilera Launches Vegas Residency 'The Xperience' with $4 Million Earned". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on July 13, 2019. Retrieved July 12, 2019.
  21. Jones, Jay (January 30, 2019). "Christina Aguilera to bring 16-show run of 'Xperience' to Vegas". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on July 11, 2019. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  22. "Christina Aguilera - Past Dates". Pollstar. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
  23. Boxscore (Sep. 24-28): Boxscore (Oct. 02-05):
  24. "New Year's Eve celebrations, events in Las Vegas". KTNV-TV. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
  25. "Current Boxscore". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on January 13, 2020. Retrieved January 13, 2020.
  26. "Christina Aguilera, Lionel Richie, Billy Idol announce Las Vegas dates for 2020". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
  27. "Current Boxscore". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on March 12, 2020. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
  28. "Current Boxscore". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on April 1, 2020. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
  29. "Christina Aguilera cancels tonight's show". KTNV-TV. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
  30. "Christina Aguilera's show in Las Vegas canceled due to tech issues". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
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