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MGM Responds To Bruno Mars Debt Accusations

Bruno Mars recently started trending all over social media because of a rumor of debt he owed to MGM. The “Uptown Funk” singer was rumored to owe $50 million dollars…

Bruno Mars wearing a maroon beanie and black sunglasses, while performing on a television show.

Bruno Mars performing on Mark Hoppus’ show “A Different Spin With Mark Hoppus”

Astrid Stawiarz / Stringer via Getty Images

Bruno Mars recently started trending all over social media because of a rumor of debt he owed to MGM. The "Uptown Funk" singer was rumored to owe $50 million dollars in gambling debt to the MGM Resorts International. After days of rumors, the company has finally spoken out.

Bruno Mars Owes How Much?

It's no secret that when you come to Las Vegas, gambling will happen. It doesn't matter who you are, it's just part of the whole "Vegas" experience. This includes celebs and popular music artists. Even music artists who are making millions upon millions to perform residencies on the Las Vegas strip.

Bruno Mars has had an on going residency at the Park MGM for a while now. The show is showing no sign of it ending anytime in the near future. But a recent rumor spread about the singer could have ended it abruptly, if it were true. Social media blew up over the weekend about the singer owing $50 million to MGM Resorts International for gambling debts. One of the rumors stated by NewsNation stated that "MGM basically owns him."

According to the NewsNation article, Mars makes a reported $90 million a year doing his Vegas strip residency. But after some math, it said he makes about $60 million after taxes. Mars makes about $1.5 million a show. If you take the $60 million and subtract the rumored $50 million he owed, he should still be ok, right?

On top of the performances, Mars also recently opened up the Pinky Ring. A cocktail lounge area created by the singer in the Bellagio, another MGM property. So if Bruno was in fact in debt with the company, why would they allow a thing like this to open? The lounge attracts fans from all over, because of the tie to the singer.

A Rumor Was All It Was

After the news broke, the world freaked out. How is Bruno Mars gonna pay off this huge debt? He's gonna owe everything he has to the resort company. Well, that's not the case at all. Yes, the singer is known to indulge heavily in some Vegas gaming, but not to the point of owing millions.

Fox 5 Las Vegas reached out to MGM Resorts International to get the answer straight from the horses mouth and it's the complete opposite than what was rumored.

MGM released the statement, "He has no debt with MGM." They also stated to the news station that they're proud of the relationship between them and the singer. Fox 5 stated, that he's "one of the world's most thrilling and dynamic performers."

So the rumor was finally settled by MGM Resorts International. Straight from the source themselves. I'm sure a lot of Bruno fans were freaking out and in awe of the rumor. Most probably refused to believe it. Well they were right.

Bruno's residency at the Park MGM isn't done. He will continue well into this year and probably through next year if things continue the way they're going.

Las Vegas Residencies Happening In 2024: Killers, Adele, Bruno Mars + More!

Las Vegas is the land of residency. And honestly, most of the residencies I've seen are spectacular.

From the Cirque du Soleil shows to the plethora of other magic and illusionist shows, there is an entertainment option for everyone.

For this article, we will be focusing on musical concert residencies only.

What Was The First Residency In Las Vegas?

According to Casino.com, Liberace is credited as being the first star with a Las Vegas residency. Liberace's first residency night was at the Hotel Last Frontier in November 1944.

His branding, style and amazing talent attracted people from across the globe. Casino.com further reports that he played on The Strip for the rest of his life, engraining his showmanship into the current-day standards for performers.

The Sands Hotel was another iconic building that housed some of the world's most-famous singers. It's truly where the allure of Las Vegas and the glamourous idea associated with the city came from. The Sands' famous Copa Room, "Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. performed in the 1950s and 1960s surrounded by legions of glamorous Copa Girls in beautiful costumes," a report from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas says.

Eventually, singers flocked to Las Vegas for lucrative contracts. Now, we have the famous Barry Manilow, Donny Osmond and so much more.

The Economics Of Las Vegas Residencies

Although the big production of Las Vegas residencies may appear that these casinos are making a big profit, this isn't quite the case. Casino.org reports that many residencies cause casinos to lose money in a way. The casino doesn't make a huge profit from the ticket prices alone. These residencies aim to attract players to the casinos, so that's how many casinos are able to cultivate a profit through that avenue.

According to the Genting Casino Insight, Celina Dion's residencies from 2011-2019 and 2003-2007 were the highest-grossing residencies.

As we enter 2024, Las Vegas will host some of the most-talented and most-coveted artists. Scroll down below to see some of the most exciting upcoming residencies for 2024.

The Killers

This announcement nearly broke the internet. The Killers will finally have a residency in their hometown and celebrate 20 years of "Hot Fuss." This alternative rock band will be performing at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for eight days. For ticket information, click here

"Hot Fuss," is the album that gave us smash hits like "Mr. Brightside," "Somebody Told Me," and more. In an Instagram post, The Killers said, "It’s good to be home."  

Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera will be performing at the Voltaire located inside of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Aguilera will be hosting her shows throughout February and March.

According to The Venetian's website, "What I love about the intimacy at Voltaire at The Venetian Resort is how up-close-and-personal I can be with the audience…a truly modern twist on the performance experience,” Christina shares.

Recently, she performed on New Year's Eve at the Voltaire, and it was a stunning performance. She counted down to 2024 at her recent show on the Las Vegas Strip. The venue is intimate, and you'll hear Christina like you've never heard her before. Tickets for this amazing residency can be found here.

Kylie Minogue: More Than Just a Residency

Kylie Minogue will be performing at this exclusive residency at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas' Voltaire venue. According to the Venetian's website, "Kylie Minogue’s glittering career has seen her amass sales of over 80 million records worldwide, 5 billion streams and 8 UK No 1 albums."

Kylie's most-famous songs include, "Padam Padam," "Can't Get You Out Of My Head," and "Come into My World." Tickets can be found here. 

Wu-Tang Clan The Saga Continues: The Las Vegas Residency

This residency is historic because it's the first hip-hop residency to happen in Las Vegas. Wu-Tang Clan will perform at The Theater inside of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas throughout February and March. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas' website states, "his residency is more than a concert – it serves as a tribute to their prolific careers as individuals and as the most storied group in hip-hop history. A Wu-Tang experience like never before." 

This will be a prolific and amazing experience that any Wu-Tang fan will love. Get your tickets here.

Jodeci: The Show, The After Party, The Vegas Residency

Jodeci will be hosting a residency called, "Jodeci: The Show, The After Party, The Vegas Residency." This iconic R&B group will be the House of Blues in March and July. This will be a night of slow jams and great music that has entertained us for years. Edge, style and voices of gold, Jodeci is a must-see band that will grace the Las Vegas Strip.

Phish

Phish will be bringing their talent to the famous Sphere! Phish has never played the same show twice, so each night at the Sphere will be a different setlist. The visuals will be an experience like no other. The band will be playing on April 18 until April 21, 2024. For more information, click here.

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MortyWriter
Morty is the Executive Producer of “The Mike And Carla Morning Show” on 96.3 KKLZ. He's been a part of the show and station for 5 years. Aside from producing the morning show, he has served as production director for over 20 years. Those commercials you hear between the music, he produced a lot of them for Las Vegas! He loves music, playing guitar, all things Vegas Golden Knights, the Steelers, and his English Bulldog, Squish! He will talk forever with you on any of these things! Morty writes about peculiar news stories and Las Vegas happenings.