GARTH BROOKS' COMEBACK

Country superstar Garth Brooks is coming out of his virtual retirement after nine years to perform in Las Vegas.
Brooks, 49, whose hits include Friends in Low Places, If Tomorrow Never Comes and Beaches of Cheyenne, will become a resident performer at the 2,000 seat Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas.
The announcement ends months of speculation about his comeback after he was spotted having dinner with hotel and casino magnate Steve Wynn earlier this year.
Brooks, who two years ago topped Elvis Presley to become the biggest-selling solo artist in the world, has made only rare appearances since dropping out to concentrate on bringing up his three daughters with first wife Sandi Mahl, Taylor, now 17, August, 15, and 13-year-old Allie.
He and Mahl divorced in 2001 and he has been married to fellow country star Trisha Yearwood for four years.
Brooks told E! News: “Steve Wynn has done what I thought was impossible. He has given me a chance to sing again for the people, while never missing a day with my children.
“I am naturally nervous but it feels good to be out from under the low ceiling of 'retirement' I put on myself.
“It's a proud day for me and my family to announce. We're going to take the retirement roof off over our head, and I already feel taller.”
But he ruled out touring or a new album for the time being.
“What people are going to expect from us is 110 miles an hour tomorrow,” he went on. “And the truth is, if we ever do tour again, if we ever do make new music again, it's still going to be another five years.”
Garth, whose shows start in December, joins a number of performers signing on to long-term deals in Sin City.
He is replacing singer and comedian Danny Gans, who died in May and follows long-terms runs by Celine Dion, Elton John, Bette Midler and Cher.