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As early as January 5, 1999 New York Post gossip columnist Neal Travis reported “I can today exclusively reveal that the great diva [Barbra Streisand] will be singing in the New Year next Dec. 31 at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. She'll be doing it for a fee far greater than has ever been paid to any artist, anywhere, for a performance. My sources will only confirm that Streisand is getting 'an eight-figure amount,' which means at least $10 million.” Reporting on April 7, 1999 in USA Today, Jeannie Williams related her conversation with Barbra Streisand's manager, Marty Erlichman, regarding incessant Las Vegas concert rumors enumerating big bucks for Barbra. Erlichman told her, “All the numbers I have read are inaccurate. There's no contract yet. The negotiations are not finalized. I don't know why people won't understand and accept that. I have no history of lying, but I never give out numbers. If we make a deal [for two New Year's 2000 concerts at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Hotel], and I believe we will...then you marshal your forces (with advertising and publicity) to let the public know everything at the same time. This piecemeal stuff is inaccurate, and it's disturbing.” When asked about the probability of Barbra touring next year, Erlichman replies, “It would be like last time. If she performs in Las Vegas, she'll wait to see how she feels after that performance. There are no tour plans now.” Finally, on April 28, 1999, the Marty Erlichman and the MGM Grand put out a press release announcing Barbra’s Millennium Concert to be performed on December 31, 1999 at the at the 13,000 seat MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas. Marvin Hamlisch would return to conduct for her, just as he had when Barbra performed at the MGM Grand on New Year’s Eve 1993 and New Year’s Day 1994. Tickets for the show went on sale May 2, 1999 and ticket prices were $500, $750, $1500, and $2500 for “Golden Circle” seats. The world of ticket sales had changed since Barbra’s first concert in 1993; now you could call TicketMaster to order your seats, or you could log onto their website to order! “My priorities have shifted,” a newly-wed Streisand said, “I want to work less these days, travel and enjoy my life. If this engagement goes well, I may decide later to appear in a few cities around the world that my husband and I would like to visit.” The MGM Grand issued a press release on May 3, 1999: “Within hours of going on sale Sunday (May 2) morning, the Barbra Streisand New Year's Eve concert at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas set a one-day, single performance sales record” according to Ticketmaster President and CEO Terry Barnes. “The MGM Grand congratulates Ms. Streisand on this historic confirmation of her unique appeal,” stated Richard Sturm, Senior Vice President-Worldwide Entertainment for MGM Grand Hotel, Inc. “We truly believe we are presenting the signature event that will celebrate the welcome of the new millennium.” On November 18th, MGM announced a second Streisand concert to be held on January 1, 2000 – six months after the first concert was announced. MGM Grand President of Entertainment and Sports Richard Sturm stated, “The demand was further enhanced by the success of her current Sony album, A Love Like Ours, which has become her 42nd Gold Album and 24th Platinum Album. We are delighted that Ms. Streisand has agreed.