Adele surprises fans in Las Vegas with video call after postponing concerts
After postponing the start of her Las Vegas residency, Adele surprised a group of disappointed fans with a video call at Caesars Palace.
James Mason Fox told CNN said someone from the singer's team held up a phone on Friday so Adele and fans in a pop-up merchandise shop could see each other. He said only a few people were allowed in the shop at a time because of Covid-19 protocols.
Fox shot video of the encounter and you can see Adele smiling and waving and trying to talk the group, who were cheering and chanting "It's okay, It's okay."
"I had no clue what she was saying because we were just losing our minds," Fox said. "I could tell she was crying and you could tell on her face kind of what she was saying. You didn't even have to hear it."
Fox said he remembers her saying something like, "this is not how I wanted it to be."
Friday was supposed to be the first of Adele's series of concerts at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace that were scheduled to run through April 16.
Adele announced the delay in a tearful Instagram video on Thursday, saying "we've been absolutely destroyed by delivery delays and Covid." She said half of her team was "down with Covid."
Fox, who flew from Nashville to Las Vegas just for the concert, found out the show wouldn't be happening just as the jet's door closed. He said he asked if he could get off, but it was too late.
Fox complained about the short notice and the lack of information in a video he posted Friday on TikTok.
He said he understands there's a pandemic going on, but he was still upset, disappointed and realizing how much money he'd spent on the flight, a room at Caesars Palace and other expenses.
"I'm still feeling the burn financially," he said. "Because it's Adele, I wanted to go all out."
Later, Fox got a message from Adele's verified Instagram account, apologizing and telling him when to go to the gift shop. He asked if it was really her and she sent a voice message saying, "yes it is, it's me." He shared the message in another TikTok video.
Fox said he was the first person in line at the gift shop.
Ticket holders were given gift bags with a T-shirt, magnets representing her albums, a keychain and other goodies.
The bag said "Hello" at the very bottom, referencing her 2015 hit song.
The experience changed what would have been the worst trip ever into "literally being like the coolest story ever," he said.
"It just shows how you're supposed to treat your fans," said Fox, who said he's a songwriter himself. "There are so many artists who would not do what she's done."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING | 'Too many children did not make it home': Anniversary of discovery at Canada's largest residential school
A daylong memorial is underway Monday in Kamloops, B.C., at the site of what was once Canada's largest residential school on the one-year anniversary of the announcement of the detection of unmarked graves.

Death toll from Saturday's storm hits 10 across Ontario and Quebec
The death toll related to the powerful storm that swept Ontario and Quebec on Saturday has reached 10.
Is my home or car covered from storm damage? In most cases yes, insurance bureau says
As residents in Ontario and Quebec work to repair the damage caused by a severe storm over the weekend, many may be wondering whether their homes and cars are covered from any damages. The Insurance Bureau of Canada says wind damage is usually covered, but to confirm with their provider what losses may be included.
Russian sentenced to life in Ukraine's 1st war crimes trial
A captured Russian soldier who pleaded guilty to killing a civilian was sentenced by a Ukrainian court Monday to life in prison -- the maximum -- amid signs the Kremlin may, in turn, put on trial some of the fighters who surrendered at Mariupol's steelworks.
Monkeypox fears could stigmatize LGBTQ2S+ community, expert says
A theory that the recent outbreak of monkeypox may be tied to sexual activity has put the gay community in an unfortunate position, having fought back against previous and continued stigma around HIV and AIDS, an LGBTQ2+ centre director says.
Walk out at trade meeting when Russia spoke 'not one-off,' says trade minister
The United States and four other nations that walked out of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group meeting in Bangkok over the weekend underlined their support Monday for host nation Thailand, saying their protest was aimed solely at Russia because of its invasion of Ukraine.
First of three flights bringing Ukrainians to Canada to land in Winnipeg
The first of three charter flights bringing Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russia's invasion to Canada is to land in Manitoba this afternoon.
OPINION | Richard Berthelsen: What kind of King will Prince Charles be? Royal tour offers hints
The Canadian royal visit took place at a time when many are starting to view Prince Charles differently, given that his destiny to be King seems to loom closer, Richard Berthelsen writes in his exclusive column for CTVNews.ca.
Military members urged to contact Habitat for Humanity amid housing crisis
An email encouraging members of the Canadian Armed Forces to consider contacting Habitat for Humanity if they can't find affordable housing is casting a spotlight on a growing challenge facing many military personnel and their families.