Miranda Lambert has a list of shows she wants to see in Las Vegas — Sonic Silk and Carrie Underwood — and starting this fall, she'll have plenty of opportunities to explore the city.
The reigning Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year is bringing the musical of its 15-plus-year-career to its residency at the Zappos Theater at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino for 24 shows through September 23.
"It's a completely different leap for me," she tells USA Today of "Miranda Lambert: Velvet Rodeo," which includes dates scattered throughout October, November, December, and March and April 2023.
Tickets for Lambert's extravaganza go on sale at 1 p.m. ET/10 p.m. PT April 7 via ticketmaster.com/mirandavegas.
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The Spitfire artist, 38, is currently preparing for a tour with Little Big Town, which will begin on May 6, a week after the release of her eighth studio album, "Palomino." Pandemic with Nashville songwriters Luke Dick and Natalie Hemby on their Nashville farm, and crafted the songs like a map with characters set across the country.
Calling in from tour rehearsals in Nashville, the charming Lambert shares her hopes for her Las Vegas show.
Q: Have you spent much time in Vegas?
Miranda Lambert: If I do, it's like three days, max, and I have to go. I don't gamble much. I guess I work too hard for my money. But if I do, it will be money slots so that I can play all night and drink for free!
Q: Even if you don't start until fall, what are your thoughts on the making of your show so far?
Lambert: You get to do a lot in one place. I am a hunky-tonk girl. I was in Texas until I moved to Nashville, so I want to have an element of that. I've never done a huge production on the street and I don't want to go too far from that, but then again, this is Vegas. Being from Texas is it high hair and more like sequins? Don't threaten me with a good time! But I've never even changed clothes on stage before. I can hardly choose an outfit for the day, so I have to learn how to do it.
Question: Why is this the right time to reside?
Lambert: I've been touring since "Kerosene" in 2005, and it looks like it's time to do something different. There's a lot of (upcoming) actors out there, so we'll get out of the way and go to Vegas. It's almost like passing a torch. And I hope I get some new eyes from people who have never seen me.
Q: What is the significance of the name of the show "Velvet Rodeo"?
Lambert: I have a song on my new record, one of my favorites, called "Actin' Up", and there is (a line in the chorus) Velvet Rodeo. It felt right for this show and this musical season.
Q: Some artists love the idea of being in one place for a while, and others are real street dogs. Do you think you'll like the static aspect of the Vegas show?
Lambert: I think I will. I have been touring for 20 years and am tired of the movement. I think 2020 showed me that a little bit, like, oh my body doesn't hurt all the time. I am apprehensive in some ways. I talked about it with Kicks (Brooks) and Ronnie (Dunn) and Reba (McEntire) as they were doing [a residence at Caesars Palace]. They all love it. You get one life. You don't live on the bus. And there's something to be said for waking up and making eggs and going on a hike instead of being in the parking lot.
Q: You're nominated for two Grammys this Sunday—your duet with Elle King, "Drunk (And I Don't Want to Go Home)" (for Best Country Duo/Group Performance) and "The Marfa Tapes" (Best Country album) ) - and they are very different projects.
Lambert: I know! It's like a pop anthem and the rawest songwriting that could happen. I was amazed and very grateful that "The Marfa Tapes" got that recognition. As a songwriter, I'm grateful that I'm being embraced, whether it's a pop or rock anthem or something like "The Marfa Tapes." This is all you could ever ask for and I am humbled by it.