Elton to go wild in Las Vegas

Sir Elton John has signed up to perform 75 shows at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, over the next three years in a deal reportedly worth more than $50 million (£30 million).

And he is promising the sequins will fly again when he kicks off the dates in February. "I cannot do this show anywhere else in the world," Sir Elton said. "It's back to costume changes and Velcro." The 56-year-old will perform shows at The Colosseum at Caesars five times a week for five weeks a year.

He and officials for the Las Vegas hotel would not confirm contract details. "Let's just say, I'm very well paid," the entertainer said, as he announced the deal, promising an extravaganza filled with an eclectic mix of songs and costumes.

The show's production designer, photographer David LaChappelle, added: "The wild and wacky days are here again."

Grammy-winner Sir Elton dismissed reports about throat problems. He said he cancelled a recent event because of a minor medical procedure and burst out singing: "My voice is fine."

Tickets for the performances will be priced at $250, $175 and $100.

According to Caesars Palace's president, Mark Juliano, the show is expected to generate $61 million (£36.5 million) in ticket sales. The 4,100-seat Colosseum was built for Celine Dion and her extravaganza, A New Day.

It has also hosted performances by Mariah Carey and Gloria Estefan.

Sir Elton will perform his show, The Red Piano, when Dion is on holiday from her three-year, $100 million (£60 million) contract.