Glitz and glamour at Marina Bay Sands opening

Glitz and glamour at Marina Bay Sands opening

It was a day of glitz and glamour at the opening of the Marina Bay Sands (MBS).

Grammy award-winning star Kelly Rowland - the headline act of the outdoor concert - wowed the crowd.

She was among the artistes who put on a power-packed performance on Wednesday.

The slight drizzle did not dampen the mood, and it was a real musical fiesta there with the likes of singers JJ Lin and Kelly Rowland performing.

But the main highlight has to be the legendary Diana Ross who performed on Wednesday night to 2,500 selected VIPs at the Sands Grand Ballroom.

Guests to the grand opening were also treated to a dazzling display in the sky, parachute jumps, as well as a Tower Climb competition at the Marina Bay Sands.

21 professional climbers scaled one of the three 55-storey hotel tower of Marina Bay Sands. The race is part of MBS' opening festivities.

"I am definitely excited. This is such a milestone for Singapore and it puts us on the world map when it comes to entertainment and tourist industry," said Singapore celebrity Andrea De Cruz.

"I am very excited to be here to perform. Looking at the crowd, it really is such a huge deal, so I am amazed by everything," said Sylvia Ratonel, a finalist of the Singapore Idol 2010.

But some VIPs found themselves stuck in a queue which snaked out to the road.

"I'm surprised to be standing at the side of the road, queuing. But such is the nature of the event. I suppose it's packed and everyone wants to be here. We have to go through security and this is the process," said Michael Palmer, MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC.

However, guests were impressed with the grandeur of the integrated resort. And there's no doubt that it's already a Singapore icon.

-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-