And, it is official: Celine Dion returns to Vegas on March 15, 2011. Tickets go sale Friday. In a statement released today, Dion offered:

“I’m coming back home to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace and I’m very excited about it. With the orchestra and the band we’re going to be able to perform our songs like never before. The repertoire is going to be extraordinary…a mix of timeless Hollywood classics, along with all the favorites that my fans like to hear me sing.  It’s going to be a very beautiful show, and I think we’ll be raising the bar higher than we’ve ever done before.  There’ll be some truly wonderful moments……I can’t wait!”

No, I did not edit the statement; the diva apparently speaks in ellipses.  And, of course, she can wait. The first show is more than a year away.

But in a town in dire of need of good news, this counts. There is no chance this show won’t be successful. Celine Dion is almost unique in her ability to handle the rigors of regular Vegas performances at the highest level combined with a near limitless ability to draw audience to her show. (Photo: Sarah Gerke)