Celine Dion delays new Las Vegas residency due to 'unforeseen' medical reasons

Celine Dion's brand new Las Vegas residency at Resorts World Theatre has been delayed for medical reasons -- but it has nothing to do with COVID-19.

The show was due to open Nov. 5 and run through Nov. 20, and then again from Jan. 19 to Feb. 5, but all those performances have now been canceled. The Canadian singer is suffering from what's described as "severe and persistent muscle spasms," which have left her unable to perform or participate in rehearsals.

"I'm heartbroken by this," Dion said in a statement. "My team and I have been working on our new show for the past eight months, and to not be able to open this November saddens me beyond words."

"My partners at Resorts World Las Vegas and AEG have been working around the clock to get this brand-new state-of-the-art theatre ready, and it's absolutely beautiful," she continued. "I feel so bad that I'm letting them down, and I'm especially sorry for disappointing all the fans who've been making their plans to come to Las Vegas. Now, I have to focus on getting better … I want to get through this as soon as I can.”

Scott Sibella, the president of Resorts World, said in a statement, "If there's anything these trying times have taught us, it's that nothing is more important than your wellbeing. [W]e wish [Celine] a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming her to her new home when she feels ready and able to perform again.”

Fans who bought tickets to Dion's residency via a credit card through authorized ticketing outlets will get refunds automatically, while those who got them from non-authorized sellers should reach out to the original point of purchase for more info.

Those affected by the canceled performances will get first access to pre-sale tickets for the rescheduled show dates when they are announced. Meanwhile, Dion still plans to resume her Courage World Tour beginning March 9, 2022.