International hotel owner Kirk Kerkorian hired two of the biggest stars in the world to give the resort a grand opening; Barbara Streisand and Elvis Presley. Who was to go on first? The hotel's publicist Bruce Bank recalled that because construction wasn't finished by opening day, Colonel Tom Parker said open with the girl and we'll follow her, Get the kinks out of the showroom.

The opening night performance on July 2, 1969 was presented by Barbara Streisand with Peggy Lee performing in the lounge. Guests that night included Cary Grant, Lucille Ball, Phyllis Diller and Natalie Wood.

The International became home to Elvis Presley when he appeared in the 2,000 seat main showroom for the next 7 and a half years.
Presley had previously bombed at the Frontier Hotel in the 1950's but sold out more than 700 performances at the International between 1969 and1976.

The day after Elvis opened Alex Shoofey, the International's then-vice president and future president, sat in the showroom drinking coffee with Elvis's manager, Colonel Tom Parker.Noting the successful opening night, Shoofey appeared unhappy because Elvis had signed only a two-week-per-year contract at the new resort he then scribbled a new pact on the tablecloth, a common practice in the old casino days of shaking hands and having a cup of coffee. Elvis's contract was extended for five years.

During one 29-day engagement, Elvis entertained 101,509 guests to the tune of $1.5 million in ticket sales. In his 800-plus performances, he sold $43.7 million in tickets, worth $166.7 million in 2007 dollars.

During Elvis's tenure he stayed at the 30th Floor Imperial Suite, which was the retreat for all the Hotels Headliners this suite came to be known as the Elvis Suite and is still intact today.

When Elvis performed in Las Vegas, it was reported that one in every two visitors saw his show.
Although Elvis had been booked for more appearances at the Hilton, his last engagement was Dec. 2-12, 1976. He died on Aug. 16, 1977, at Graceland, his mansion in Memphis.

In 1969 The International showcased the Don Ho Show, Bill Cosby, Pearl Bailey, The Osmond Brothers, Sammy Shore, Nancy Sinatra, the Imperials and of course Barbara Streisand. During this time the Casino Theater had Ike and Tina Turner, the Checkmates, Red Foxx, Frankie Laine and the Platters and Burt Bacharach.

In 1970 Kirk Kerkorian sold the International and the Flamingo to the Hilton Corporation using the money to build his main dream, the first MGM Grand, now Bally's.

April 1970 Tom Jones had a four week engagement. At the time Jones had sold close to 30 million records and after this engagement Jones signed a three year contract with Caesars Palace.

June 22nd,1970 Perry Como marked his first nightclub engagement in 27 years by appearing at the Hotel.

In 1970 headliners at the International included, Tony Bennett, James Brown, Dom De Luise, Bobby Darin, George Hamilton, the Imperials, Ann-Margret, Lola Falana, Aretha Franklin and Glen Campbell.

The Theater Royale ( now Benihana's ) showcased Hair and Art Carney in an evening of Broadway comedy. In 1971 Jesus Christ Superstar with the original Canadian cast was showcased in the same venue.

Julie Andrews turned down a million dollar contract which would have extended over three years, instead Perry Como signed a three year deal.

Ann-Margret signed a two year deal with the Hilton for 16 weeks. This was valued at $1,750,000.

Red Foxx had to renegotiate his 48 week per year contract to include six months off so he could tape his show “Sanford and Son.

In 1972 Liberace was paid between $75,000 and $100,000 a week during his two week tenure, shortly after he signed a new two year contract reportedly for 2 million dollars with an option for additional years.

1978 the showroom showcased Tina Turner, Magician Doug Henning, Helen Reddy, Eydie Gorme among others.

Production show Bal Du Moulin Rouge de Paris starring Suzanne Somers was showcased in 1983 Later that same year Charo replaced Suzanne and in 1984 Juliet Prowse took over.

In the 90's stars such as Ronnie Milsap, Engelbert, Wayne Newton, Smokey Robinson, the Neville Brothers, Danny Gans, the Four Tops all performed.

Wayne Newton was the last performer to play the big room before the closing of the showroom in 1993 to make way the gargantuan set for Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express.

It took two months and cost $12 million to create a 1,600 seat oval room with ramps, raceways, embankments and a balcony. Parts of the audience were surrounded by skaters and for safety, were asked not to leave during the 90 minute performance.

1999 Hilton won the Casino of the Year trophy at the
34th annual Country Music Awards. The Hilton had hosted country stars, Reba McIntyre, LeAnn Rimes, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Jeff Foxworthy, Alan Jackson, Amy Grant and Kenny Rogers.

2000 The Hilton Theater showcased the musical Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story, Tim Conway and Harvey Korman, Jeff Foxworthy, Jamie Foxx, Engelbert, Howie Mandel, Johnny Mathis, Reba McItyre, Bob Newhart, Olivia Newton-John, Sinbad, Trisha Yearwood, Keith Urban, Wynonna and Dwight Yoakum.

The intimate Shimmer Showroom, which to this day is one of the nicest cabaret lounge style rooms showcased the Scintas, a family of entertainers from Buffalo. The Scintas performed for a year at the Hilton and were subsequently signed to a 5 year deal at the Rio Hotel in the Copa Room which was then renamed the Scinta Showroom.

The Shimmer Cabaret added Bob Anderson, Sheena Easton, Trent Carlini, Rita Rudner and Society of Seven to its growing list of entertainers. After a successful run by comedian David Brenner 2006 saw the hit musical Menopause setting up home in the Shimmer room with the Scintas returning to a late night slot with there new LOL show. Currentlly Sin City Heat, an adult revue plays late shows in the Shimmer and Voices, starring Earl Turner & Lani are in the earlier slot.

In 2006 superstar performer Barry Manilow moved in to the main show room with a brand new show "ULTIMATE MANILOW: The Hits." Covering his spectacular career, the show is packed with chart-topping music spanning his spectacular career, and gives fans an opportunity to enjoy decades of Manilow's hits and his amazing showmanship.

If you have any information about the history of entertainment at this property please do contact us, we aim to update this section of the site as frequently as possible so that we can ensure as accurate as possible correct historic information.