Midler to replace Dion in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS, May 4 (UPI) -- Bette Midler has been named to replace Celine Dion as the headliner at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas in February.

Midler, 61, agreed to work 100 shows a year for two years, performing five nights a week for 20 weeks beginning Feb. 20, Caesars Palace said in a statement.

Midler is to perform at the 4,100-seat Colosseum where Dion performed her "A New Day" show, which has grossed more than $500 million since it began in March 2003, producers said.

Midler said she was excited to be performing in Las Vegas and promised a glittering and dazzling show.

"To all those critics who have accused me of being 'tacky,' 'too much' and 'over the top' I say, you ain't seen nuthin' yet," she said in a statement from her producers.