Lionel Richie is a global music icon
Dubai-based luxury resort, Atlantis, the Palm has announced that global music icon Lionel Richie will take centrestage at the entertainment destination’s famed New Year’s Eve Under the Stars Gala.
In a press statement, Atlantis the Palm says that customers can look forward to the ultimate set list of much-loved hits and fan favourites as Richie captivates with his artistry on the grand piano to deliver an unmissable performance in the lead-up to Atlantis, the Palm’s 2025 countdown. With this year’s theme titled Broadway, the 2024 New Year’s Eve Gala dinner promises to deliver an extraordinary experience with non-stop, first-class entertainment, adds the statement.
Richie boasts a discography of albums and singles that is second to none
The hotel goes on to say that as an international superstar, Richie boasts a discography of albums and singles that is second to none. With more than 125 million albums sold worldwide, an Oscar, Golden Globe, and four Grammy Awards, Richie has been honoured with distinctions including 2016 MusicCares Person of the Year, and the 2017 Kennedy Center Honors.
In March 2018, Richie cemented his iconic legacy as he imprinted his hand and footprints at Hollywood’s storied TCL Chinese Theatre. In 2022, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, received the 2022 American Music Awards Icon Award and also received the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song by the Library of Congress.
The statement adds that in September 2023, Richie concluded the first run of his acclaimed sold out 20-city Sing a Song All Night Long arena tour featuring special guests, one of the best-selling bands of all time, Earth, Wind & Fire.
The tour continued in 2024 with 13 more dates across the United States. Also in 2024, Richie continues his longtime residency, now at the Wynn Encore Theater, in Lionel Richie: King of Hearts. The statement adds that Richie has served as a judge on ABC’s American Idol, for the past seven seasons, and has recently been renewed for its 8th season.
Most recently, Richie debuted and served as co-producer on the documentary The Greatest Night in Pop, which premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim. It also debuted at the top of the English Films List on Netflix in its first week of release with 11.9 million views and has recently been nominated for three Primetime Emmys.
Richie has served as a judge on ABC’s American Idol, for the past seven seasons, and has recently been renewed for its 8th season
The statement adds that celebrated for his soulful voice and magnetic stage presence, Richie will perform timeless classics including Hello, All Night Long (All Night), Easy, and Brick House. The hotel says that this exclusive show, coupled with Dubai’s most stunning fireworks display, spanning from Atlantis, the Palm to the world’s most ultra-luxury experiential resort, Atlantis the Royal, promises a night to remember.
Kym Barter
“A true world-class entertainer, we are incredibly excited to welcome Lionel Richie as our headline act. As the leading entertainment destination in the region, our New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner guests have high expectations, and we aim to ensure that every experience is nothing but extraordinary. To meet growing demand, we’ve expanded our seating this year to include brand-new VIP Sky Suites, featuring enhanced amenities and award-winning dining options. We have no doubt that the countdown to 2025 will be another memorable experience for everyone,” says Kym Barter, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Atlantis, the Palm.
The statement adds that renowned for being Dubai’s most glamourous celebration and black-tie affair, guests can expect a night infused with the magic of Broadway, complete with theatrical performances, dazzling costumes, and vibrant decor inspired by some of the world’s greatest shows.
Set on a custom-built deck under the stars, overlooking Palm Island and the sparkling skyline, the event will begin at 18:00 on December 31 with a selection of canapés, welcome drinks, and roaming entertainment. As guests move into the beautiful outdoor space, they will be greeted by a 30-piece live band along with free-flowing Champagne and unlimited premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, sure to keep the celebratory spirits high.
The event will be set on a custom-built deck under the stars, overlooking Palm Island and a sparkling skyline
Throughout the evening, guests will be able to savour a delicious buffet with something for everyone, ranging from lobster and caviar to sushi, complemented by live cooking stations and a magnificent selection of handcrafted desserts, cakes and petit fours.
The statement adds that this year, Atlantis, the Palm will also introduce 20 VIP Sky Suites at an elevated section of the venue, offering the ultimate experience with spectacular views. Guests will have access to a private butler, dining experiences from Nobu, La Mar by Gastón Acurio, estiatorio Milos and the one Michelin star Hakkasan, receive full access to the luxurious Gala buffet and enjoy a selection of premium beverages such as Dom Pérignon Rosé, Krug Brut and Ruinart Blanc de Blanc.
The statement adds that children attending the celebration will be invited to a party of their own in the Asateer Tent. The celebration will feature an enormous slide, a bouncy castle, an outdoor cinema, games stalls, arts and crafts.
The hotel says that it has numerous packages for the Gala, starting from AED 6500 (USD 1770) for 14 years and above and goes up to AED 200,000 for 10 persons in the VIP Suites.