Date: October 7, 2024, Time: 07:47h. 

Last updated on: October 7, 2024, Time: 07:47h.

It was the grand opening of the world’s largest hotel, the International, and to mark the occasion, the greatest entertainer of the time was hired for the event. However, the headliner, despite weeks of preparation, didn’t feel confident enough to perform.

The headliner was not Elvis Presley.

It was actually Barbra Streisand who kicked off the festivities at the International on July 2, 1969, contrary to popular belief.

Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis’ manager, often cited that the reason Elvis didn’t open the International was due to technical issues with the venue, but this was just a cover-up. Parker was known for fabricating stories to protect his own interests.

It is important to note that Parker’s credibility was often questionable.

Elvis was not invited to open the International simply because Streisand was a bigger star at the time. Streisand, coming off a successful concert in Central Park and an Oscar win, was riding high on her career success.

Discovering the Truth

Streisand was paid $1 million for her four-week engagement, while Elvis received half that amount for his first four weeks at the venue.

Despite the pay gap, Streisand and Elvis maintained a cordial relationship. They attended each other’s shows in Las Vegas and exchanged gestures of admiration.

After Streisand’s successful opening at the International, she approached Elvis to co-star in the film “A Star is Born.” However, Parker’s unreasonable demands led to Elvis losing the opportunity, ultimately benefiting another actor.

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