Bruno Mars kicks off tour, receives key to Vegas Strip

Bruno Mars has kicked off The Romantic Tour with a sold-out show in front of more than 60,000 fans in Las Vegas.

The pop superstar ran through his list of smash hits, which included five songs with Anderson .Paak, who joined him midway through the show.

Mars started the tour in style with a ride down the Strip in a vintage convertible for a parade honouring his contributions to the Las Vegas entertainment scene.

The Grammy-winning artist was given the key to the Las Vegas Strip. He joins a decorated group to receive the honour, which includes Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr and Dean Martin.

"Bruno Mars isn't just a global superstar; he's one of the most electrifying performers of our time, and over the past decade, he's become an integral part of Las Vegas," said Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and president of MGM Resorts International.

"From his early performances at Bellagio and MGM Grand to his record-setting residency at Dolby Live, Bruno has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors and has created the kind of unforgettable, 'only in Vegas' moments that define this city. It's only fitting that we help launch his world tour here today as we honour his extraordinary impact on Las Vegas and the energy he brings to our community."

The singer-songwriter pledged a $1 million (£740,000) donation to the future Intermountain Health Nevada Children's Hospital.

The Romantic Tour is Mars's first trek in nearly a decade