Las Vegas Weekly

02.9.10 · 11:37 AM

Photo Gallery: Brooklyn Decker leads Sports Illustrated charge to L.V.

Brooklyn Decker.

Photo: Sports Illustrated/SI.com

As predicted by Vegas DeLuxe last week, supermodel Brooklyn Decker, who is married to tennis champion Andy Roddick, was announced last night by David Letterman as the new 2010 Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition cover girl. Now the gorgeous models will party tonight at Provocateur nightclub in New York as the best-selling magazine goes on sale today and photos appears on SI.com/Swimsuit.

Also featured among the pages of body-painted and bikini-clad beauties is a Chuck Liddell pictorial. Our UFC champion, who is set to do battle for the third time against Tito Ortiz this summer, was photographed and recorded for the layout in Los Angeles with his Dancing With the Stars Season 9 partner Anna Trebunskaya.

Brooklyn and more than a dozen of the swimsuit supermodels arrive in Las Vegas early tomorrow on a chartered Air Trans jet for three days of celebration festivities. Mayor Oscar Goodman will welcome the supermodels at The Mirage volcano at 10 a.m. tomorrow. You can get the first look at Julie Ordon, Cintia Dicker and Sonia Dara as they sign autographs and pose for photos at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville at the Flamingo starting at 11 a.m.

Simultaneously in the Poker Room of host hotel The Mirage, another group of select models will play in a poker tournament. Then at 2 p.m. for two hours, there will be -- weather permitting -- a sexy photo shoot at the new Garden of the Gods pool at Caesars Palace.

Tomorrow night is the first of three nightclub parties. Jet in The Mirage will be transformed into the exotic tropical destinations around the globe that were used for the shooting locales. We’ll be covering all their activities from start to finish with our contributing photographers and videographer Richard Corey, and tomorrow and again on Thursday, we’ll post each day’s Royal Robin Rundown of their activities, times and locations.

The 2010 Sports Illustrated swimwear magazine glamour girls headed to Las Vegas are Anne V, Bar Refaeli (last year’s cover girl), Brooklyn, Christine Teigen, Cintia, Damaris Lewis, Dominique Piek, Esti Ginsburg, Genevieve Morton, Hilary Rhoda, Irina Shayk, Jessica Gomes, Jessica White, Julie Henderson, Julie Ordon, Sonia and Zoe Duchesne, along with The Sports Illustrated Group Editor Mark Ford and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Editor Diane Smith.

It’s not yet known if Brooklyn’s husband Andy or Christine Teigen’s beau singer John Legend will be with their love mates here in Las Vegas. It is known that on Friday, they will all jet back to New York for Valentine’s Day.

Meantime, enjoy the sensational Brooklyn photo gallery and video.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

Permalink Share This

02.9.10 · 12:44 PM

Teen star Charice takes Italy by storm — and meets her match

Every time teen singing sensation Charice has performed in Las Vegas, the reaction has been sensational. Record producer David Foster, who has led entertainment for Andre Agassi’s foundation fundraisers and his own concert charity here, has always included Charice in the events and predicted that she’ll achieve stardom.

Talk show hosts Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres have featured Charice on their programs, but as of yet, she has no major breakout hit or record release, although she has been recording tracks for her debut. The songs include “I Will Always Love You” and her first international single “Note to God.”

Charice recently was invited to perform in a singing-only version of an America’s Got Talent-type contest and took Italy by storm! She was promptly hailed as an international superstar and was even invited to sing a duet of “The Prayer” with Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.

But the real excitement came when she was teamed up with another teen sensation, 13-year-old Cristian Imparato. Now I’m too old in the tooth to really understand all of this, but I was moved, so much so that you have to watch these two remarkable and extraordinary kids appearing on Io Canto (I Sing). The program was broadcast on Italy’s national RAI TV network.

At their young ages, they both showed that they’ve got what it takes for stardom and that their names will become recognized worldwide in the years to come. A friend of mine from Tuscany who knew that I’d met Charice many times here in Las Vegas emailed me, “She simply took Italy by storm. The audiences were chanting for her, and she’s captured the hearts of the entire nation.”

Vegas DeLuxe will keep you posted on Charice’s next visit with David to Las Vegas and the release of her debut CD this year.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

Permalink Share This

02.8.10 · 10:52 AM

Photo Galleries: 7 parties w/Holly, Randy, Tito, Naya, Jayde, Vanessa, Rachelle

It wasn’t just a party to end all parties on Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter last night after the New Orleans Saints’ Super Bowl XLIV victory over the Indianapolis Colts, as Las Vegas held its own with no less than seven smash celebrations on the Strip, and we have coverage of all of them.

Vanessa Rousso @Tao

Poker player Vanessa Rousso, who ranks among the Top 5 women in poker history in all-time winnings, celebrated her 27th birthday at Tao in The Venetian. Go Daddy and All-In Magazine co-hosted the festivities, which began with dinner and ended at a VIP table in the nightclub. Vanessa was surprised with a special poker-themed birthday cake and spent the night partying and dancing to the sounds of DJ Crooked.

UFC 109 after-party @Tao

One night later, Tao hosted the official after-fight party for UFC 109: Relentless presented by Aliens vs. Predator. Rashad Evans arrived with wife LaToya, followed shortly by his co-host for the evening, Rachelle Leah, host of UFC: All-Access and a former Octagon girl. Melvin Guillard, who won a UFC 109 preliminary fight, current WEC champ Urijah Faber and Mark Munoz, who is set to fight in UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi, attended the party.

Rapper Flavor Flav arrived just after midnight and made his way around the club taking photos with fans, and our contributing photographer Al Powers was there to capture all the fun.

Holly Madison @Lavo

Next door in the Palazzo at sister restaurant and nightclub Lavo, platinum blonde beauty Holly Madison hosted her Holly Bowl, as we posted yesterday. The star of Peepshow and E!’s new Holly’s World arrived sporting a No. 18 Peyton Manning jersey, Colts hat and striped knee socks.

Once again, our contributing photographer Al Powers was there for the excitement. Holly stayed up after the party to pack and fly off for a week’s vacation in Cozumel, Mexico, before returning here to resume rehearsals on Feb. 15 for the new-look Peepshow reopening at Planet Hollywood on March 1.

Jayde Nicole @Eve

Gorgeous Jayde Nicole, Playboy’s 2008 Playmate of the Year, star of MTV’s The Hills and girlfriend of Brody Jenner, celebrated her 24th birthday and kicked off Super Bowl Sunday at Eva Longoria Parker’s nightclub Eve in the retail palace Crystals at MGM’s CityCenter, as we reported on Saturday. Jayde and her Playmate friends, including A.J. Alexander and Kelly Carrington, enjoyed dinner first at Eva’s steakhouse, Beso, where Jayde ordered a plate of grilled vegetables and sipped champagne. Upstairs in the club, they indulged their sweet cravings with Sugar Factory Couture Pops and Dom Perignon in the VIP section.

Jean-Philippe Patisserie presented Jayde with a custom birthday cake, and the group danced the night away with DJ R.O.B. spinning the party beats. Photographer Denise Truscello was on hand to record all the fun festivities. Jayde returns here as a pro poker player in this year’s World Series of Poker at The Rio from May 27 through July 17. She also will play in the WSOP starting July 5 to reach a table of nine by July 17, and then it’s Nov. 6-9 for the Final Table’s outcome.

Randy Couture @Eve

You’d never have known that 45-year-old UFC fighter Randy Couture had even furiously fought inside The Octagon when he turned up to celebrate his win over Mark Coleman at Beso and Eve. Randy had 20 people in his victorious entourage as he fueled up on shrimp, steak and salads after his second-round, neck-hold stoppage.

Randy also had his eye on the Sugar Factory Couture Pops when he headed upstairs to Eve afterwards, and contributing photographer Isaac Brekken caught the sweet moment of savoring sugar -- and success!

Naya Rivera @Jet

Actress Naya Rivera of Fox’s recent Golden Globe- and Screen Actors Guild-winning hit show Glee celebrated her 23rd birthday Saturday at Jet in The Mirage with her fellow cast members Mark Salling, Heather Morris, Kevin McHale and Jenna Ushkowitz. The cast toasted another “happy, healthy” year for the beautiful birthday girl, and the pre-midnight celebration kept going until pre-dawn.

Tito Ortiz @Lavo

It was a playful Tito Ortiz with gal pal Jenna Jameson when he celebrated his 35th birthday last night at Lavo. Our contributing photographer Scott Harrison and loyal Vegas DeLuxe reader and videographer Richard Corey were on red carpet duty for Tito and Jenna’s arrival. Just hours earlier, Tito was embroiled in yet another UFC controversy when he interrupted an interview with Mark Coleman, who lost his battle against Randy Couture in UFC 109 on Saturday. Tito said that he let Mark know exactly what he thought of his disparaging remarks against Jenna, a former adult film star who is the mother of their twin boys.

Tito first spent his birthday at Lavo watching the Saints defeat the Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. After the game, Jenna and friends joined him for dinner at Tao, where he revealed that he’s begun taping a new UFC reality TV show. Afterwards, they drove the Tao/Lavo Escalade golf cart back to Lavo, where Tito was feted in the nightclub and celebrated with vodka and 7-Up cocktails, while Jenna stuck with water. Once again, contributing photographer Al Powers was there for the birthday blast.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

Permalink Share This

02.8.10 · 3:49 PM

Strip Scribbles: Despite recent split, Zowie Bowie go on double date

Chris Phillips, second from left, with his date Tiffany, and Marley Taylor with her date David at Vince Neil's 49th birthday celebration at Feelgood's Rock Bar & Grill on Feb. 6, 2010.

Photo: TVT

When we first reported the news of their split, there was shock and surprise. Nobody guessed that Zowie Bowie singers Chris Phillips and Marley Taylor were ending their relationship after nine-plus years. At first, the stunning revelation was painful for them, but now not only have they patched up their differences, they’ve also managed to remain friends outside work.

In fact, the friendship is so strong that they went out on a double date over the weekend before their show in The Pub at the Monte Carlo, and I was there for their first outing since the break-up. Marley was with saxophonist boyfriend David, and Chris was with new gal pal Tiffany, and they even posed for this exclusive photo in the dark and smoky Dr. Feelgood’s Rock Bar & Grill, where our pal Vince Neil was celebrating his 49th birthday with a mini-concert onstage.

An hour later, they were together onstage as normal with their own show, with Tiffany and David watching in the crowd and cheering on their song stylings. I even joked with them about Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, and they laughed at how their double date would make a good item for today’s Vegas DeLuxe. Sure enough, it’s my Strip Scribbles lead item!

*As we eagerly await tonight’s reveal of the new Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition cover girl on The Late Show With David Letterman, here’s an advance look from the photo shoots on YouTube:

As the countdown begins for the bikini beauties’ three-day visit starting Wednesday to celebrate in Las Vegas, S.I. heats up anticipation by posting its own video of the cover contenders. Shortly after tonight’s reveal, we’ll tweet her identity, which is heavily rumored to be Brooklyn Decker, tennis superstar Andy Roddick’s wife.

*Following up on my tweet nine days ago, now that their identities I tried to keep quiet have been revealed elsewhere, I also can tell you that proud parents-to-be Stephanie Wilson, head of Wicked Creative, and former Clark County Commissioner Dario Herrera are looking for a home in Summerlin before the baby’s arrival in about six months.

*Is it really possible that Tiger Woods paid $40,000-plus for his near six-week stint in a Mississippi sex addict clinic? Word is that the head of our Las Vegas-based Tiger Woods Foundation will play for the first time next month after a public apology and reconciliation with wife Elin Nordegren before March. The tournament near his Florida home is a March 22-23 non-PGA Tour event, but the Tavinstock Cup for two private clubs’ pro golfers still has a $3.5 million purse. Reports say he’ll then make his first public appearance at the Masters in Augusta, Ga. Meantime, there’s still no date posted on any of Tiger’s personal or foundation Web sites for his 13th Annual Tiger Jam fundraiser held every April at Mandalay Bay.

*Congratulations to our Mirage headliner Terry Fator, who has just achieved international status even though he’s unknown in my homeland of Britain. The BBC has filmed an interview with Terry describing him as the most successful TV talent show star in the world! Terry celebrates his first anniversary at The Mirage next month when he will introduce a new puppet. The U.K. coverage has insiders whispering Terry is set for a British visit later this year, perhaps a Royal Command Performance?

*I’m recording the opening today for my pal in-your-face miracle magician Steve Dacri’s new show in the Las Vegas Hilton’s Shimmer Theater that kicks off Wednesday next week. He’ll do a major part of his act right in the audience inches from their faces. Another friend, actress and comedienne Lily Tomlin, is returning to the MGM Grand on the heels of her successful Las Vegas premiere a few months ago. Her new run is March 11-17.

Star surveillance

*Actor, comedian and The Daily Show host Jon Stewart polished off orange chicken, crispy shrimp and drunken lobster pad Thai when he dined at Tao in The Venetian.

*Actor Channing Tatum, whose new film Dear John knocked Avatar from the top of the box office this past weekend, and actress wife Jenna Dewan dined at Strip House in Planet Hollywood, and photographer Denise Truscello snapped the couple during their romantic night out. Actor Donald Gibb also dined at Strip House.

*UFC President Dana White hung out with UFC fighter Chuck Liddell, who is set to battle Tito Ortiz in an upcoming bout, and surprised the crowd at Carey Hart’s Wasted Space in the Hard Rock Hotel by giving away 60 tickets to UFC 109: Relentless. Dana also joined DJ/drummer duo 51/Fifty onstage during their performance, and Hard Rock photographer Cody Boor had his camera at the ready. Dana and Chuck dined separately after the big fight at George Maloof’s N9NE Steakhouse in the Palms, with Chuck in a party of 10.

*Imperial illusionist David Copperfield dined at Lavo in the Palazzo with an unidentified female friend, and, yes, he, ahem, made the plate of taste treats disappear.

*Boxing royal Don King enjoyed lunch with a party of six at Wolfgang Puck’s Postrio in The Venetian, while next door in the Palazzo, San Diego Chargers cornerback Quentin Jammer enjoyed a Kobe filet dinner at CUT.

*Los Angeles Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti dined with three guests at N9NE Steakhouse. Gary Matthews of the New York Mets was at an adjoining table with five friends, and after dinner, Gary’s group went up to a VIP table in Moon. Former NFL star Jim Plunkett dined with owner George Maloof and four others, and afterwards, they all went up to The Playboy Club. … Upstairs at Nove Italiano, actor and comedian Jon Lovitz had dinner with a friend that included two dishes executive chef Geno Bernardo created especially for them.

Tonight’s tips

If you’re tuned into The Late Show With David Letterman on CBS, he’ll reveal the identity of the aforementioned 2010 Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition cover model (the magazine will be unveiled here in Las Vegas tomorrow). Tomorrow night, Dave will have the glamour girl on his show before she leads a dozen more of the bikini beauties here for three days and nights of celebrations. … Whoever would have guessed that Las Vegas is the capital for International Flirting Week, and Victor Drai’s recently top-ranked U.S. mega club XS in Steve Wynn’s Encore celebrates it with a party masterminded by DJ Create, while over at Jet in The Mirage, flirting as dress-up Cops and Robbers will win the hottest couple $5,000. … Rock and roll designer Giuliano Mayo hosts a flirt with fashion fest at Prive in Planet Hollywood and gives away Junker design gift bags. … Former Saturday Night Live weekend update anchor Hugh Fink is a Carnegie Hall-playing classical violinist turned comedian who has opened for Jon Stewart. Tonight, he headlines at the Riviera Comedy Club through Sunday with Ed Driscoll and T.K. Matteson.

Tomorrow’s teases

Holly Madison tweeted that she’s looking for Benji Madden on the beaches of Mexico, but in fact, he heads into Las Vegas as she flies south of the border. Talk about bad timing for the ill-fated duo! Plus, we’ll have all the other photos of Vince Neil’s 49th weekend birthday bash and the amazing story of a young Las Vegas performer who went to Italy, met her match, conquered the country and is hailed a superstar.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

Permalink Share This

02.8.10 · 4:58 PM

Miss America’s hectic first week includes Super Bowl XLIV, stars

2010 Miss America Caressa Cameron attends Super Bowl XLIV festivities in Miami, and our photographer Tom Donoghue is with her in Florida. Caressa is pictured here with legendary NFL coach Mike Ditka.

Photo: Tom Donoghue/www.donoghuephotography.com

“My feet are still off the ground,” laughed new Miss America Caressa Cameron from Super Bowl XLIV activities in Miami when I spoke to her over the weekend. “It’s not a blur because I’m jotting down notes every spare moment for a diary, but it sure is flying by.”

The 22-year-old beauty said she still couldn’t believe that it’s only been one week since she was in Las Vegas and crowned 2010 Miss America at Planet Hollywood. Caressa told me: “One week down. Just 51 more weeks to go. Talk about a whirlwind.”

When she left Las Vegas, she had two jam-packed days of TV show interviews, including with former Miss America Gretchen Carlson on Fox News and a drop-in surprise on The Wendy Williams Show. “It’s an awesome schedule. It really is from very early morning to very late at night. To say I’m very busy would still be an understatement. I’m taking multivitamins to keep going,” she laughed.

Then Caressa flew to Miami for the Super Bowl events, including the annual Taste of the NFL charity fundraiser, where she met stars including Carrie Underwood, Jamie Foxx , Floyd Mayweather Jr. and legendary NFL heroes.

We’ll have the full photo gallery tomorrow right here at Vegas DeLuxe when contributing photographer Tom Donoghue lands safely back in Las Vegas this evening. His son, Marine Sgt. Edward Donoghue, volunteered his at-home leave from Iraq to escort Caressa to her Super Bowl events.

The highlight for both of them was being invited yesterday to watch The Big Game from Rush Limbaugh’s VIP box. He was a judge at this year’s pageant in the Theater for the Performing Arts.

“It’s an incredible experience” Caressa told me. “I am so excited being at the Super Bowl. I did pick the Saints quietly to win. People here have been wonderful to me. We had 2,200 show up for the Taste of NFL charity with chefs from all over the country. For some of the time, I wasn’t wearing my crown, just the sash occasionally, and people who’d watched the pageant on TLC still recognized me and came to say congratulations. That’s when I kind of realized I am now Miss America and no longer Miss Virginia.”

I asked with one week under her crown if she’d forgotten to pack anything in the one suitcase for her year of travels that she had to bring to Las Vegas. “Oh, yes” she confessed. “I had to text my mother to send out a care package overnight. I’d forgotten tweezers, a special shampoo and a couple of other things. I’ve been text messaging home every day so far, so thanks to modern technology, I’m in contact with my parents daily, although we haven’t actually spoken since we left each other in Las Vegas.”

Caressa expects to return to her hometown of Fredericksburg, Va., in five weeks for the first family reunion. Our full photo galleries of Caressa with the Hollywood and sports stars at Super Bowl XLIV will be posted tomorrow here at Vegas DeLuxe.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

Permalink Share This

02.8.10 · 2:03 PM

Photo Gallery: Vince Neil celebrates 49th birthday at Simon, Feelgood’s

Hometown rock superstar Vince Neil made it through seven nights of bone-chilling temperatures on his Canadian tour with Motley Crue and then hopped a jet from Montreal to return home to Las Vegas on Saturday night for his 49th birthday weekend celebration.

“It was 31 degrees below when we played Regina, Saskatchewan,” Vince told me at celebrity chef Kerry Simon’s restaurant over the weekend. “The arena was still a total sell-out with standing room only. I don’t know how they can take that cold. When we got out of the tour bus, my cheeks almost froze it was so icy.”

No wonder Motley Crue’s tour is titled Dead of Winter! Vince and his gorgeous wife Lia were congratulated by rock photographer Robert Knight in one booth alongside him and Palms owner George Maloof and a CNN anchor in the other adjoining booth.

We all then went to Vince’s Dr. Feelgood’s Rock Bar & Grill, where he’d agreed to perform a birthday mini-concert with his own Vince Neil Band. He joked that it was his 28th birthday being celebrated for the fourth time! He added: “Next year, I’m going to hire the band and watch them instead of playing on my birthday.”

Despite his fatigue, Vince said he got a second wind and performed an explosive show for fans who had packed his nightspot to overflowing out on the patio and into the parking lot. Among those near the stage were Zowie Bowie singers Chris Phillips and Marley Taylor with their new dates following their split, hair king pal Michael Boychuck and Vince’s Rio tattoo and Feelgood’s partner Danny Koker.

Vince’s show included his drummer using his stool to smash the cymbals, and then it was time for a Feelgood-themed birthday cake. My friend Sally Steele from Vegas Rocks Magazine shot this great photo gallery for Vegas DeLuxe.

Vince told me that his new solo CD Tattoos and Tequila, which sums up his life off stage, will be released May 5 and has nothing to do with Motley Crue. He says his voice is in great shape as he approaches the halfway mark of his life, and although the Crue is not touring again until early summer, he will be on the road with his solo band until then.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

Permalink Share This

02.8.10 · 1:01 PM

Paul McCartney to lead stars at Feb. 19 premiere of Viva Elvis

Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.

Photo: Scott Doctor/www.greatscottstudios.com

Plans are well underway for the star-studded VIP celebration for Viva Elvis’ premiere in 11 days -- Friday, Feb. 19 -- and I’m reliably told that Cirque du Soleil is expecting Paul McCartney and members of The Beatles Love family at The Mirage to attend.

Cirque officials also are hoping for Ringo Starr with Barbara Bach, Yoko Ono with Sean Lennon and George Harrison’s widow Olivia. All of them are fans of Elvis’ music, and both John Lennon and George have admitted that the King of Rock and Roll inspired the two Brits.

Additionally, Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley are scheduled to attend next week’s premiere at the Elvis Theater in Aria at MGM’s CityCenter. Other musicians and Hollywood stars have already accepted invitations, and we’ll reveal those identities as we get closer to Feb. 19. It will not be a red carpet gala, per se, but in fact a blue carpet celebration paying tribute to Elvis and those blue suede shoes.

As the spectacular $100 million production nears its official unveiling, I’ve learned that Viva Elvis is still undergoing creative fixation by Cirque’s top producers. This past week, the production suspended four nights of previews, including Saturday night’s late show, for continuing rehearsals as segments were deleted and numbers added.

I am told that this is all normal and part of Cirque’s creation process, as the colorful, action-packed musical nears its premiere. Priscilla herself has shuttled back and forth from her Malibu, Calif., home watching over and approving the changes as the Elvis show takes its final shape.

“Nothing is wrong, and it’s all going to be absolutely incredible when it’s really seen for the first time. The exciting audience responses through previews have been phenomenal and wonderfully enthusiastic with supportive suggestions,” my theater source said. My observation that the Elvis character on stilts had been dropped from the show also was confirmed.

For those who want to witness the star turnout, the blue carpet starts at 6 p.m. A post-premiere gala is planned for the night, and plans also are in place for that to continue past the midnight hour.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

Permalink Share This

02.8.10 · 8:26 AM

Is Neil Diamond joining Cher and Celine Dion at Caesars Palace?

Neil Diamond.

Photo: Courtesy

Superstar singer Celine Dion finally confirmed over the weekend what we have reported here for several weeks -- months, really -- that she’s returning to Caesars Palace. And now we also have news of another superstar likely joining The Colosseum lineup!

Reliable sources also told me over the weekend that there are solid rumors growing that one of America’s most successful singer-songwriters -- Neil Diamond! -- is joining Cher and Celine to complete the Roman Empire’s resort-casino hat trick.

The rumored move for the giant conglomerate AEG to sign Neil ties in with tomorrow’s release of his new, massive two-CD set Hot August Night with all 32 of his career hits from his sold-out run at New York’s Madison Square Garden as the highlight of his record-breaking last tour.

It’s two hours of music also featuring six live performances, none of which were available in the United States until this week. Four Neil Diamond tracks are wholly exclusive to this new album, and his monster classic hits “America,” “Cracklin’ Rosie," “Cherry, Cherry” and “Sweet Caroline” also are included.

A former Brooklyn musician, Neil now lives in Malibu coincidentally near where Cher has a home in her regular commute to Caesars Palace. Just a few weeks ago during Christmas, Neil for the first time opened his home to fans who won a contest to be his guests for dinner at his estate.

If the rumors prove true, it’s believed that AEG and Caesars wooed Neil to Las Vegas because of his extraordinary number of hits through four decades of music and the merchandising opportunities for the Cher-Celine boutique at The Colosseum.

The 69-year-old singer-songwriter was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984 and in 2000 received the Lifetime Achievement Award. In his last interview with my old friends at Entertainment Tonight, Neil talked about his long career in the music industry.

“It’s been quite a journey. It’s been over 40 years, and I’ve been everywhere you could imagine, and I’ve played for all kinds of people. There’s nothing quite like coming home and playing to your neighbors.”

Meantime, Ticketmaster began promoting an on-sale ticket date for this Friday for Celine’s new run of Colosseum shows to start March 25 next year. It’s expected that Caesars Palace and AEG officials will this week announce Celine’s return home to Las Vegas and confirm our Vegas DeLuxe reports after her appearance on Wednesday’s The Oprah Winfrey Show, where she also reveals that she’s creating a new Caesars Palace show.

I have yet to confirm the dates Neil would start at The Colosseum or any other details about his residency run, but Vegas DeLuxe will have them for you as soon as I learn them despite any immediate denials you might hear!

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

Permalink Share This

02.7.10 · 12:01 AM

Photo Gallery: 2010 Miss America Caressa Cameron at Super Bowl XLIV

2010 Miss America Caressa Cameron attends Super Bowl XLIV festivities in Miami, and our photographer Tom Donoghue is with her in Florida. Caressa is pictured here with Marine Sgt. Edward Donoghue, Tom's son who is on a brief leave from service in Iraq, and NFL legend Joe Montana.

Photo: Tom Donoghue/www.donoghuephotography.com

One week ago, she was crowned 2010 Miss America at our Theater for the Performing Arts in Planet Hollywood. On her one-week anniversary of winning the title and crown, Caressa Cameron of Fredericksburg, Va., will celebrate with appearances at Super Bowl XLIV in Miami.

Our contributing photographer Tom Donoghue, whose son Marine Sgt. Edward Donoghue is on a brief leave from serving in Iraq to escort Miss America, is alongside the 22-year-old as she meets and charms the likes of, among others, Jamie Foxx, Carrie Underwood, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and NFL legends Joe Montana, Don Shula and Mike Ditka.

We’ll have my interview with Caressa about her first week as Miss America on Monday, along with photos from the annual fundraiser Taste of the NFL with celebrity chefs and sports heroes.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

Permalink Share This

02.7.10 · 9:28 AM

Photo Gallery: Andre Agassi’s drum line students perform with Santana

The Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy drum line performs with Carlos Santana in The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel on Feb. 6, 2010.

Photo: Denise Truscello/WireImage

Legendary guitarist Carlos Santana was greeted on Thursday by the student drum line during his visit to Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy here, and his tour was conducted by the tennis superstar and our hometown hero himself with wife tennis legend Steffi Graf accompanying them.

Carlos was so moved by their rousing performance three days ago that last night, he invited them to star with him onstage at his resident headliner concert in The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel. A proud Andre and Steffi Graf were on hand to watch their special performance.

When Carlos posed for a backstage photo with the philanthropic couple, he said: “I’m standing between greatness.” Our Senior Editor John Katsilometes attended the concert last night and tweeted from the Hard Rock venue. He also wrote about Carlos’ tour at the prep academy this past week.

Photographer Denise Truscello was there to record the night, as was contributing photographer Erik Kabik, who said about the exciting night:

“The drum line entered The Joint while playing through the audience and went up onto the stage, where they performed the opening number with Carlos. Andre Agassi and Steffi Graff were in attendance, and Carlos stopped at one point during the show to introduce them to the audience. Carlos reflected on his experience, as he has become more and more acquainted with Las Vegas. He spoke of the generosity of the people he has met in Las Vegas and noted his associations with Three Square food bank and most recently his partnership with the Andre Agassi Foundation.

“Having the unique opportunity to see Supernatural Santana six times since the beginning of its run, this was one of the most energetic, powerful nights of his residency run to date. It was a packed house tonight at The Joint, and Carlos was shredding solos on his Paul Reed Smith custom guitars.

“It feels like Santana is more comfortable than ever in The Joint, and it is reflected in the music. It’s not just a venue where he is playing a show; it’s his room, and he commands it. The show evolves over time, and the sets change, making it a great show to go back and revisit during its various runs.”

Santana’s upcoming shows at The Joint are scheduled for Feb. 10, 12, 13, 14 and 17.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

Permalink Share This