Simon Cowell’s AGT Las Vegas LIVE show ‘to team up with Cirque Du Soleil circus act’ for new variety series on the Strip

SIMON Cowell has teamed up with circus giant Cirque Du Soleil to help make his new America’s Got Talent Las Vegas stage show, The Sun can reveal.

Cowell, a long time fan of Cirque, has struck a partnership deal with the entertainment firm behind it to produce the show starting this autumn. 

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Simon Cowell has partnered with Cirque Du Soleil for America’s Got Talent’s new variety showCredit: Getty
The live show will launch this fall

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The live show will launch this fallCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Cirque, famous for its spectacular gravity defying aerial acts and body bending acrobats, is seen as the best in Sin City with hits like Zumanity and MJ One.

Cowell wants to replicate their success with a hit variety show on the famous Las Vegas Strip.

AGT TAKES VEGAS

The AGT Las Vegas LIVE show was announced publicly last week, though Cirque’s involvement has been kept tightly under wraps.

Cowell will be working closely with Cirque creative producer Simon Painter on the production.

Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, confirmed to The Sun that “key creative and show producer” Painter has joined the project.

Lamarre, speaking exclusively at the return of Michael Jackson hit show MJ One at the Mandalay Bay Hotel, said: “We are supporting that project immensely because we think it has huge potential.”

He added of Cowell: “I have to say from the get go I am a huge admirer of what he has produced. He is one of the most important entrepreneurs and entertainers in our industry. I cannot wait to meet him.

Lamarre feels confident the show can be a success after a “tough 12 months” during the coronavirus pandemic, and says Vegas is poised to roar back.

Cowell has spent four years mapping out his dream of a Las Vegas show.

The American Idol alum’s firm Syco Entertainment has struck a deal with MGM Resorts International and TV giant Fremantle to plow several million dollars into rebuilding the Luxor Theater to allow for performers of all types for the family show.

HIGH STAKES

The stakes are high for Cowell, who’s invested millions of dollars into the project.

The AGT boss plans to present two shows nightly over five days, after a gala opening in late November.

Cowell’s plans include bringing in winners and top performers from AGT and sister show Britain’s Got Talent once the international travel restrictions are lifted.

THE LINEUP

The opening shows in Vegas will feature singer Kodi Lee, knife-throwing duo Deadly Games, aerial artists Duo Transcend, mentalists the Clairvoyants, shadow performance group the Silhouettes and high-tech dance group Light BalanceIn a press release last week, Cowell said: “I’m thrilled America’s Got Talent Las Vegas LIVE will be making Luxor its home.

“Audiences will be able to enjoy some of the most incredible – and memorable – talents we have seen on AGT in the past 16 years. 

“And, of course, they’ll also get to see this year’s winner. To be able to put on an AGT residency in the world capital of live entertainment is a dream come true.”

BIG EARNINGS

Showbiz insiders say that revenues from the box office and merchandise could net Cowell a cool $10million in its first year with that figure likely to double with a long run. 

A Las Vegas industry source told The Sun: “This partnership with Cirque has made it clear to everyone in town that Simon means business, and sees this show as a long running venture.

“One key selling point is ticket prices will start at $49, because Simon is adamant that audiences should come as families and experience the same thrills that they had watching the TV show.
“Many in town see how that strategy is a sure fire way of landing him with much success in the first few months. 

“As demand grows prices can be increased, but Simon is all about establishing this as the biggest family variety show on the Strip.”

America’s Got Talent Las Vegas LIVE will perform Wednesday to Sunday at 7pm and 9:30 p.m.

Sources says the show has 'huge potential'

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Sources says the show has ‘huge potential’Credit: Getty
Cowell is a longtime fan of the circus show

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Cowell is a longtime fan of the circus showCredit: Getty – Contributor
The show will be performed Wednesday to Sunday at 7pm and 9:30 p.m

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The show will be performed Wednesday to Sunday at 7pm and 9:30 p.mCredit: Handout

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