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Carrie Underwood’s ‘Reflection’ is a fittingly grand performance for Resorts World’s new theater

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Carrie Underwood made her Las Vegas residency debut in “Reflection” at Resorts World Theatre on December 1, 2021.
Denise Truscello

Although country superstar Carrie Underwood already has a successful 16-year career under her cowgirl belt, she is still at the top in the genre. Just this year she released her first gospel collection My Savior, which received a Grammy nomination, as well as a special edition of her Christmas album My Gift. She has also recently won favorite female country artist at the American Music Awards and is set to headline the popular country festival Stagecoach in April.

So, it’s no surprise that Underwood has now etched her name in Las Vegas entertainment history as the opening act at the brand-new, state-of-the-art Resorts World Theatre. Her first Las Vegas Strip residency show Reflection made its debut on December 1.

Carrie Underwood Debuts Resorts World Residency

The venue gives off a modern and sleek vibe as soon as you walk in, from the impressive chandelier in its four-story lobby to the stage walls covered in bronze tiles. The multi-level theater can seat 5,000, with the farthest seat from the stage being only 150 feet away. It is described as Las Vegas’ largest and tallest stage, and there are more than 265 L-Acoustics speakers creating an immersive sound system that lives up to expectations. Every note is crystal clear.

Resorts World Theatre allows Underwood to bring her greatest hits and fan favorites to life. During “Blown Away,” a song about a girl taking shelter from a tornado in her cellar, the stage screens take on a stormy aesthetic and, in very Vegas fashion, aerialists take over the stage while Underwood sings on an elevated platform.

As the music begins for what is arguably the country singer’s best-known song, “Before He Cheats,” a Jeep is lowered onto the stage and her dancers take baseball bats to it before Underwood lights it on fire.

While performing her first-ever single and chart topper, “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” Underwood appears in a pink ballgown and black bedazzled cowboy boots, no theatrics necessary. The audience releases an audible “aww,” and the nostalgia is palpable.

Reflection features a talented band, dancers, acrobatic performers, an array of fabulous costumes and even a remarkable water wall feature, but it was the star’s voice that stole the show. Underwood has won seven Grammys and several other prestigious awards for her vocal prowess, and her Vegas show is an excellent showcase for her unique talents.

Following a successful opening night, Resorts World and AEG Presents announced that Underwood has added six new show dates in May 2022. Tickets for those concerts will go on sale to the public on December 6 at 10 a.m. After four more performances this month, she’ll return to the Strip in March.

More big artists are lined up to take over Resorts World Theatre, starting with Katy Perry for New Year’s Eve, another country star Luke Bryan in February, and eventually, the return of Strip legend Celine Dion. Anticipation is running high. But you can only make a first impression once and this venue and headlining artist nailed the challenge.

Carrie Underwood: Reflection December 4, 8, 10-11, Resorts World Theatre, 702-676-7000.

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