Celine Dion: "Taking Chances" ... Sorta

November 13, 2007

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Kathy Griffin wasn’t joking when she talked about the Celine Dion megastore in Las Vegas during one of her stand up shows. Last week, I visited the store that is located right on Caesars Palace's glittery casino floor. I was amazed by all the clutter and stuff that was inspired by the Canadian singer, from earrings to photo frames and from fleece hoodies to play cards. Celine is serious business.

This year, Dion is celebrating the final year of her impressive five-year residency in Las Vegas that formally comes to an end on December 15. Las Vegas has proven to be a fitting home for Dion. Both are over the top, slightly tacky and love to entertain the masses.

Now that her Las Vegas stint is wrapping up, Dion is not planning on taking a vacation any time soon. In fact, she is releasing her brand-new album "Taking Chances" next week and she announced a five-continent world tour for 2008 in a press statement earlier this week.

In an effort to keep up with the pack, Dion chose to take a chance and work with a diverse group of writers and producers on "Taking Chances." She gathered hitwriters like Linda Perry, Ne-Yo, David Stewart (one half of The Eurhythmics) and the very talented Kara DioGuardi who has written hits for Kelly Clarkson, Avril Lavigne and Ashlee Simpson.

Even though Dion tried to step out of her comfort zone, this new record largely follows her time-tested and proven formula of grand, bombastic tunes with trivial lyrics and her larger-than-life vocals. The singer has never been particularly edgy with her music, and the truth is that she doesn't have to be. She has sold over 175 million records worldwide by showcasing her unique voice. That's what people admire and that is exactly what she delivers on "Taking Chances."

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