Adele kicks off delayed Las Vegas shows at Caesars Palace

Singer says she's 'never been more nervous' in Instagram post before launch

Adele appears at the Brit Awards 2022 in London in February. AP

(FILES) In this file photo taken on February 8, 2022, British singer Adele poses on the red carpet upon her arrival for the BRIT Awards 2022 in London. - Beyonce leads this year's pack of Grammy nominees with nine chances at gold, ahead of rapper Kendrick Lamar coming in at eight, and balladeers Adele and Brandi Carlile scoring seven each. This year's field, announced on November 15, 2022, sets the stage for a rematch between Beyonce and Adele, after the British artist shut out the competition in major categories in 2017. (Photo by Niklas HALLE'N / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – NO POSTERS – NO MERCHANDISE– NO USE IN PUBLICATIONS DEVOTED TO ARTISTS

Adele performs on stage in Hyde Park, London, in July. Getty Images

Adele sings on stage in Hyde Park. Getty Images

Adele stands on stage as confetti falls in Hyde Park. Getty Images

Adele takes a bow during the performance. Getty Images

Adele looks out into the audience during the performance. Getty Images

Adele performs on stage in Hyde Park. Getty Images

Adele sings next to a pianist on stage during the performance. Getty Images

Adele poses for an Elle magazine photo shoot in August. Photo: Elle UK

Adele gives a rare glimpse into her private life during an Elle photo shoot. Photo: Elle UK

Singer Adele said she has “never been more nervous before a show”, as she kicked off her delayed Las Vegas concerts on Friday, 10 months after she postponed them at the last minute.

The Hello and Easy On Me chart-topper faced online backlash in January, when in a tearful video she apologised to fans, saying she could not perform her “Weekends with Adele” residency at Caesars Palace, as half her crew was sick with Covid-19 and the pandemic has caused delivery delays.

She said her team had “tried absolutely everything” but it had “been impossible to finish the show”.

The concerts were due to begin the next day and some fans were making their way to Nevada when they got the news.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday night, the singer-songwriter shared a picture of herself in rehearsal against a backdrop of childhood photos.

“I’m highly emotional, incredibly nervous but can’t sit still because I’m so excited … I always get scared before shows, and I take it as a good sign because it means I care and means I just want to do a good job,” she wrote.

“Maybe it’s because I didn’t start when I was supposed to. Maybe it’s because it’s opening night, maybe it’s because Hyde Park went so great, maybe it's because I love the show, I don’t know.

“But it’s safe to say I’ve never been more nervous before a show in my career, but at the same time I wish today was tomorrow! I can’t wait to see you out there.”

The 34-year-old Briton played two concerts at London's Hyde Park last summer. Her Las Vegas shows run until March.

In a radio interview in July, Adele addressed the January postponement, saying she had “definitely felt everyone's disappointment” and “was devastated”.

“I thought I could pull it together and make it work and I couldn't and I stand by that decision,” she said.

Adele, known for ballads about heartbreak and nostalgia, made her musical comeback last year with her fourth studio album 30, which soared to No 1 around the world.

It is nominated for the coveted album of the year award at the 2023 Grammys.

Reuters contributed to this report