Styles for the Sphere
English pop icon Harry Styles is reportedly in the final stages of inking a 35-show residency deal at the Vegas Sphere over fall and winter.
Reports of the long-mooted Styles residency first emerged late last week from New York, headquarters of James Dolan’s Sphere Entertainment Co.
announcement could be forthcoming this week
The Las Vegas Review-Journal later cited a source “with knowledge of Sphere’s booking plans” that the reports of Styles residency were accurate, and that an announcement could be forthcoming as soon as this week.
Styles, Sphere stars align
Las Vegas Locally stated that having the “As It Was” singer headlining the Sphere marks “a significant shift for the venue.”
The entertainment news source stated the Sphere has “mostly focused on hosting acts that appeal to people born before the moon landing.”
The switch to Styles, 31, from old rockers Eagles, Dead & Company, Phish, and U2 will appeal to a younger audience. Other big Sphere acts include the Backstreet Boys and Kenny Chesney.?
Giving the reports added weight are the connections.
Styles has previously sold out Madison Square Garden, which is also owned by Sphere CEO Dolan. The founding member of One Direction is also represented by Jeffrey Azoff, whose father Irving helped bring the Eagles and company to the Sphere.
Additionally, the Azoffs and Dolan have a solid, long-term business relationship.
Waiting game
Responses on social media to Styles’ reported Sphere residency have ranged from excitement to indignation.
One X user posted a photo wearing a t-shirt displaying: “Harry Styles makes me forget I’m lesbian.”
X user Michael Caruso said his kids “would be thrilled” as they are big One Direction fans. User @mrorange1999, however, said: “Until now, the Vegas Sphere hosted acts with men who DO NOT wear pearl necklaces & dresses.”
While a Sphere representative returned a stock “no comment” answer to an email request for confirmation of Styles’ residency, the announcement seems imminent.