Miranda Lambert’s Velvet Rodeo rode into town September 23 for the first of 24 dates at Zappos Theater inside Planet Hollywood.
Opening night appeared sold out upon entering the theater. The crowd, dressed to the nines in cowgirl hats and boots, fringe jackets and flannel shirts, was massive. They packed the lines at the merch stands and bar.
Many drinks at the bar were served in white opaque souvenir cups, including specialty cocktails like "Actin’ Up," a Tito’s Vodka and citrus flavored drink. The other specialty drinks included "Pretty Bitchin'," a Jack Daniels and lemonade mix, and "Miranda’s Classic Margarita" served with Jimadaor Silver Tequila.
Lambert appeared in a blue-and-gold two piece with sparkly boots and a cowgirl hat. She kicked the night off with “Actin’ Up,” the first track from her 2022 studio album, Palomino. But like many residencies, Velvet Rodeo showed off this country star’s vast career with performances of hits across her eight studio albums, including “Kerosene” from her 2005 debut. The graphics on the stage screen changed throughout the night to match the lyrics to her songs, depicting starry nights, neon signs, cowboy montages and the singer herself.
For the most part, Lambert opted to roll through her 90-minute set in traditional Las Vegas residency fashion, serving up the hits. However, she skipped the visual spectacle that Strip residencies have recently come to be known for, with the exception of the pink fringe jacket she donned for revenge anthem “Gunpowder & Lead.” As the song built up, the jacket showered the stage with pyrotechnics and Lambert spun across the stage. Unfortunately, this moment was also the closest the singer got to a costume change—another aspect we have come to expect from residencies—throughout the entire night. She also took few opportunities to connect with the audience, but when she did, the audience relished it.
“We thank you so much for spending your hard-earned money on some country music tonight,” she said in introducing “All Kinds of Kind.” “This is a reminder to be yourself always no matter what, because you just might wind up in Vegas on a stage with bright lights, you never know.”
Instead, Lambert made the choice to rely on her cosmic, award-winning catalogue, her raw talent and the connection the audience has with her songs. Her vocal grit and range won the night. As someone that was not familiar with Lambert prior to attending Velvet Rodeo, it quickly become clear why she has won the ACM Award for Female Vocalist of the Year for nine consecutive years.
This, in addition to her dedicated fanbase, should keep Lambert’s house packed for the remaining dates.
Miranda Lambert: Velvet Rodeo September 30 & October 1, 5, 7, 8, Zappos Theater, 855-234-7469
