John Legend begins Las Vegas residency; a calls show 'a dream come true'

"If you hear me play and sing today, you hear my grandmother through me," said the 12-time Grammy winner. "I've always wanted him to be here to see everything that has inspired him."

The 12-time Grammy winner opened his Las Vegas residency, Love in Las Vegas, and he took his whole soul with him on Friday night.

On the first night of the residency, Legend promised the show would be a spectacle, and it was, as it included a whole group and live set. During the concert, the 43-year-old Legend sang hits from across his catalog, including "Used to Love U," "Ordinary People," and his new song "Dope," which has yet to be released.

The two-hour show gradually changes the setting and gives the portion a different feel - the atmosphere in the church feels spiritual and passionate. In contrast, the atmosphere at the block party is more boisterous.

The show at the Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino incorporates elements from his 2021 Greater Love Tour, including intimate moments focused on piano but with a Vegas-specific shine. In addition, an 18-member choir and group supported Legend as he submitted his dissertation on music for his long career.

As he reflects on the difficult times in his quest to land a record deal, he realizes how far his journey has taken him. "You are my dream come true, Las Vegas," he said.

The extensive tracklist is undoubtedly the accumulation of his career. He touches on the records he wrote and the songs he collaborated on - a particular section of the show dedicated to the artists he worked with in his early days, including Lorin Hill, Jay-Z, and Alicia. Keys, Kanye West, and the Poor Village.

Perhaps the most sentimental moment of the show is his thrilling cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water," which he performs on piano, based on a story about his late grandmother.

"If you hear me play and sing today, you hear my grandmother through me," he said. "I've always wanted him to be here to see everything that has inspired him.