Las Vegas Weekly

May 28, 2008 · 12:39 AM

Tribute show fosters good will — and a budding new star

By Robin Leach

David Foster and Andre Agassi are teaming again for the Grand Slam for Children.

Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban and Michael Buble were just three of the $20 million-worth of superstar talent who came to sing the praises of their Grammy-winning songwriter and record producer David Foster. It took more than three years to organize the never-to-be-repeated musical tribute at Mandalay Bay with Andre Agassi, Brian McKnight, Kenny G, Katherine McPhee, Boz Scaggs, Blake Shelton, Peter Cetera and Cheryl Lynn.

In the end, it was a 16-year-old Filipino singer who was discovered by talk-show host Oprah Winfrey on MySpace who stole the show. Pint-sized Charice entered the stage through a video screen of Whitney Houston’s blockbuster Bodyguard soundtrack medley. Charice’s extraordinary voice morphed with Whitney’s brilliant perfection -- and to be honest, you couldn’t tell where Whitney ended and Charice began. It brought the audience to tears -- and to their feet for an unbelievable standing ovation!

At the stars’ after-party in Wolfgang Puck’s Lupo Italian restaurant at Mandalay Bay, tiny Charice told me: “This was the biggest day of my life. I can’t believe I was onstage with all those superstars. This is all more excitement than I can think of and I don’t know where it is going to lead to, but I’d like to stay here and have Mr. Foster make me into one of his stars.”

Said David: “I got a call from Oprah about this 16-year-old girl, and when Oprah calls, you pay attention. Oprah has been monitoring this girl and is in love with this girl, as we all are. She is an extraordinary talent and became a MySpace sensation. Listen to her and you understand why immediately. She is a heaven-sent angel who is one day going on to superstardom.”

Even Groban was blown away. “There is nothing like a great musical surprise,” he said. “When you hear or see something that blows your mind for the first time is great. I was waiting to go on after her, which wasn’t a good thing, but I was standing there with my jaw on the floor. She has one of the most beautiful voices I have heard in a long time.”

Over his tremendously successful more than three-decade music career, my longtime pal David is a 14-time Grammy winner from 42 nominations. “In 35 years, this is my proudest moment, my greatest achievement. This was the biggest of the biggest.” David told me at the after-party. “It all came off perfectly. We succeeded better than we ever dreamed possible.” He also executed the soundtracks for Ghostbusters and Footloose movies, in addition to writing and producing hits for Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Natalie Cole, and Madonna.

Backstage, he explained the three-hour tribute concert, which was taped by PBS for an edited 90-minute TV special this December and an eventual DVD and CD release. “ I think we sent out the invitations at the turn of the millennium! It’s like a memorial to me while I’m still alive -- a tribute concert after my death. Three of our previous dates collapsed on our attempt to do this. Originally we were going to do it at Lake Las Vegas with Celine, but now she’s on a world tour unable to be here. Everybody’s schedule is so crazy, so trying to get all them together under one roof was pretty impossible but thanks to the artists and their managers we pulled it off. We are missing Chaka Khan, Kenny Loggins and Natalie Cole. Michael Buble is on vacation after six years of touring and a hundred million in the bank, so I don’t feel too bad for him. Andrea flew from Italy just to be here. Everybody has given and given. There is someone here for everyone. You won’t get a lot of them, but enough, unless your favorite artist is me, then you have me all night. I love PBS. Most of the people up here have done specials for PBS.”

Three days of rehearsals went into the spectacular production and Groban explained why they all wanted to pay tribute. “Everybody here has been affected by David’s genius,” he said. “He’s like the patriarch to us younger ones who look up to him. David found me when I was 17 and he allows singers to let their unique voices show through. He has watched all of us through our specials and concerts and we take the applause for so much of the work that we do with David, so we are honored and thrilled to honor him. “

Buble explained David’s brilliance: “There is always room to grow as an artist, and to give the fans what they like about you too. I am not different than anyone else up here, but I am Canadian. David Foster is an icon to us. I was so nervous. When you are a kid in Canada and you tell your parents you want to be a singer, everyone tells you the same thing, we need to get you to David Foster.”

Tennis champion Agassi, who recruited David as his musical director for his annual Vegas Grand Slam benefit concerts, added: “He made it possible for us to raise $75 million over 12 years and from that we are recapturing public education. I’m just grateful that he and I hit it off so many years ago. How do you not come to honor him? He goes out there to alter the world, has raised millions and millions of dollars, he is an inspiration to me and the work that I am doing.” David chimed in: “I have asked Andre at least five times to sing five bars. He is a music junkie, he cannot sing and will not sing.” Retorted Andre: “I would be a good singer if I wasn’t tone deaf.”

“I don’t know how to work with singers that can’t sing.” David continued. “They are 95 percent there without my help; I can push them that much more. Andre Bocelli to me is Mozart.” That meant I just had to ask Bocelli how David had added that 5 percent to his career. “I learned a lot. David loves music, and especially in pop music I had a lot to learn and he has a huge energy.” Bocelli said. “ I go around the world and I am tired, and when he arrives I feel something in my body changing. He spent time at my house, we work all day, and then we have dinner and do music again. I am here for him and tonight will be a beautiful night of music.”

Kenny G added: “One thing we don’t want to overlook, David helps Andre out here in Vegas, and he does hundreds of things for charity. We are not here because he helped us in our career and we are more famous and made more money. We are looking at a guy who does so much charity work, I am here to help him.”

Among the VIPs at the after-party for the historic once-in-a-lifetime concert were celebrity chef Puck; TV stars Suzanne Somers and her husband, Alan Hamel; MGM head honcho Terry Lanni; Oprah’s producer, Lisa Erspamer, and a host of heavyweight music and TV executives.

David, who is working on a new album for McPhee, summed up: “ I selected some songs for Josh and Andrea that maybe they wouldn’t have selected, but the whole body of work is mine, I broke the rules at least two or three times tonight. My life is flashing before my eyes. Do other recorded producers get to do this? I don’t know why everyone is here, but it’s a great show.”

MADHOUSE STAR JEFF BEACHER FINALLY ADMITS HIS DANGEROUS DRUG DIET ALMOST KILLED HIM:

Madhouse showbiz impresario Jeff Beacher appeared live in New York on The Mike and Juliette Morning Show Tuesday and talked about his recent near-death experience. Jeff admits that he took a daily cocktail of dangerous steroids and other prescription medications for almost a year in order to try to lose weight.

“It nearly killed me!” he said. “Hundreds of thousands of people throughout the country have had similar terrifying experiences dealing with doctors who promise them quick fixes for weight-related problems, but never telling them they are putting their lives and well- being in danger. I am going to go in front of a U.S. Senate committee to testify against doctors prescribing and people using and abusing Human Growth Hormone and other drugs like the ones I was on. My liver stopped functioning and I was nearly dead.”

Jeff has agreed to give Luxe Life a full interview upon his return to Vegas about his frightening experience and emergency hospitalization.

HAS TONI “VANISHED"? THE MYSTERY OF HER MISSING FLAMINGO SHOWS:

We maybe just days away from learning the outcome of “The Missing Toni Braxton.” Since the singer was hospitalized, there have been at least two false starts to her return to the headliner showroom at the Flamingo. Doctors insisted she not tax her heart with too sudden a return to singing and dancing live on stage Her return date was pushed back again to a new June 6 hoped resumption.

Flamingo officials are remaining tight-lipped about Toni’s current status awaiting word from her and her management team. Meantime though, the mystery deepens because Luxe Life readers already know that Donny and Marie Osmond take over for Toni as of September. However, now there’s official word that the all-time greatest party band will reunite for the first time in 18 years for a series of June and July concert dates at the Flamingo, confirming an earlier Luxe Life exclusive.

Morris Day and his original band mates in the Time, drummer Jellybean Johnson, bass player Terry Lewis, valet Jerome Benton, guitarist Jesse Johnson and keyboard duo Jimmy Jam and Monte Moir will all perform their classic hits starting June 24 through July 5 and the Independence Day holiday weekend. They will return again from July 29 through August 2. Those bookings mean that even if Toni returns for her final shows, she’ll be pre-empted by the Minneapolis sound geniuses who began their career with the legendary Prince.

Luxe Life will continue to monitor this ongoing story, and hopefully welcome back Toni to good health and incredible final shows as her near 2-year run at the Flamingo comes to an end.

HEART-STOPPING PARACHUTE JUMPS FROM STRIP ROOFTOPS:

Four self-confessed wildmen stopped the hearts of onlookers when they leapt off the 400-foot-tall Signature condo towers at MGM Grand. They performed four consecutive BASE-jumps in a form of free flying at skydiver speeds of 340 mph! Shane McConkey, Miles Daisher, Charles Bryan and Othar Lawrence, who are members of the Red Bull Air Force, even pushed the limits with gainers and double back flips before pulling their parachutes!

They were in Vegas with dozens of other Red Bull athletes to celebrate the launch of Red Bull Cola, the first new product from Red Bull in 20 years. Vegas is the first city in America to have the new drink go on sale starting this coming Sunday (June 1).

The Red Bull Airforce is a 12-man daredevil team assembled from the most accomplished and experienced skydivers, BASE jumpers and paragliders on the planet. They’ve performed over 130,000 skydives and 5,000 BASE jumps. High winds prevented their last planned jump exhibition at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway NASCAR race, but this time at MGM everything went off smoothly and without a hitch -- thankfully!

WEEKLONG SPORTS STAR INVASION AT PURE & LAX NIGHTCLUBS:

Boxing champ “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather stole the spotlight when he brought an entourage of friends to party at the LAX nightclub in the Luxor. Atlanta Hawks center Zaza Pachulia joined in the fun and posed for photos with fans. Later, Orlando Magic star Rashard Lewis took a banquette on the VIP stage across from Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson, Arizona Cardinals Pro Bowl wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, and mixed martial arts star Sean Sherk –- all enjoying everything from Ace of Spades champagne to vodka Red Bull cocktails. Also at LAX were Indiana Pacers star Jermaine O’Neal, NBA star Antawn Jamison, former NHL player Melvin Johnson, gorgeous reality show star Khloe Kardashian and actor Shemar Moore, celebrating his 6-year stint on The Young and the Restless.

The original Pussycat Dolls from Los Angeles, with choreographer and founder Robin Antin, dined in the swanky Newspaper Room at hot sushi spot Social House in the TI before hitting Pure nightclub in Caesars Palace. They performed an impromptu concert with two of their monster past hits, “Don’t Cha” and ‘ When I grow Up.” Then fans and club-goers went crazy as the sexy, soulful girls teased with a taste of their upcoming album “To Those Who Wait” -- with their soon to be smash single “When I Grow Up.” Reveling in the fun of the night were pro boxer Zab Judah and Larry Johnson, who lives our nightlife. Actor Chazz Palminteri was also at Pure with friends watching all the dance floor energy and excitement.

STRIP SCRIBBLES:

-- Would you believe that cabanas over the holiday weekend were going from $10,000 and up at both the Wet Republic pools in MGM Grand, and even higher with a line that was still waiting for admission at 6 p.m. at Rehab at the Hard Rock Hotel?

-- As part of its 10th anniversary celebration, the upcoming June 12-21 CineVegas Film Festival will honor six actors who have made significant artistic contributions to film and the industry. The Marquee Award will be given to Anjelica Huston for her accomplishments in the film industry. Don Cheadle, Rosario Dawson, Viggo Mortsensen and Sam Rockwell will each be honored with a Half-Life Award for the work they have done thus far in their careers. The honorees will participate in audience Q&A sessions (which are open to the public) on Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21. Additionally, James Caan will be honored with the special Vegas Icon Award for his embodiment of the spirit of Las Vegas and who has delivered memorable performances in films and shows set in the city. The awards will be presented on Friday, June 20 at the CineVegas Honorees Reception, to be held at the Planet Hollywood pool.

-- She was the adorable mega-success pop princess of the 1980s. Singing star Tiffany, now a pop queen, turned the clock back to the disco ’80’s on a special party night at MGM Grand’s Studio 54 nightclub. Club-goers wore ’80’s outfits for the contest for best costume and Tiffany performed her hit singles “I Think We’re Alone Now” and “I Saw Him Standing There.” I was told by one spywitness: “She left the crowd stunned and wanting more. We may not have seen her on the nightlife scene for quite a while, but after this excitement she’s certain to return again soon.”

-- My longtime New York chef-friend Larry Forgione, who goes back with me to before the days of the Food Network and was the first NYC culinary king in working with organic sustainable foods, has finally given in to the pleas to set up a Vegas restaurant. He’ll anchor a branch of his famous American Place eateries at Steve Wynn’s hotel when chef Mark LoRusso moves next door to open “Botero” in Steve’s new Encore hotel. Botero was a Colombian artist who specialized in oversized bronzed sculptures and paintings of a woman’s shapely asset! In other food news, executives at Tao in New York and here at The Venetian have confirmed that No. 1 chef Sam Hazen is moving on to pursue new opportunities. “Sam gave us many years of loyal and dedicated service for which we are extremely grateful.” said partner Noah Teppenburg. “We sincerely wish him all the best.” Ralph Scamardella has been promoted to Corporate Executive Chef. John Villa remains Executive Chef at Tao New York and Mark Andelbradt continues his role as Executive Chef at Tao Las Vegas.

-- At the 3rd annual “Hog Wild for Kids” charity motorcycle run that the downtown Hogs & Heifers bar organized for Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation and the Camp Cartwheel program, organizers raised $20,000, enabling 80 kids to attend this year’s summer camp. More than 100 riders revved their engines through scenic Red Rock back roads led by Jeff Gordon and Hogs & amp; Heifers owner Michelle Dell.

-- One of our intrepid photographers, Tom Donoghue, is celebrating 40 years behind the lens, and he’s captured almost every celebrity and sports hero imaginable. He’s put 4,000 of his best photos that make up the story of his life onto 22 slide shows set to music. Tom, who is always seen shooting the stars at Planet Hollywood and other resort hotels around the valley, has set up his own Web site and invites you to gaze the gallery and win a new Nikon camera.

-- Last week we told you about the new summer-display of horticultural wonders at the Bellagio botanical garden. The photos prove it is an incredible achievement by the gardeners there.

TONIGHTS TIP:

-- I need your help to drive Mayor Oscar Goodman crazy! He and I will be celebrity bartenders in the ultimate cocktail showdown from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. at RA Sushi at Fashion Show mall this evening. He’ll have his feather-plumed showgirls on hand for support, so I got the gorgeous

girls of Fantasy at the Luxor to agree to be my “bar-angels.” Our battle is to see which one of us can sell and serve the most cocktails! You know he’ll want to make his signature gin martinis -– and I hope you order easy-to-pour champagne! All our tips and drink proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital -– so its fun and profit for a very good cause. Each year all 18 RA Sushi restaurants across the country raise funds for the hospital in a weeklong event known as Nicky’s Week – to honor Nicky Mailliard, the nephew of RA Sushi founder Rich Howland, who lost his long battle with brain cancer. Since his death in February 2005, RA has raised more than $250,000 for the national children’s hospital, and we’ve got to do even better this year. Come on down, say hello and support us with your drink orders! Although our Merry Mayor of Mirth and I are only there tonight, the Nicky week fundraiser rolls on ’til Saturday night with 100 percent of select food and drink items going to the charity.

-- Then I’ll hop across the Strip for the ultimate in champagne and caviar with my old friend, Pamela Fiori, editor of Town & Country magazine as she launches and celebrates the debut of the Piaget Limelight Paris-New York watch collection in the new Piaget store at the Palazzo.

TOMORROW’S TEASE: Is pop queen Britney Spears headed to Vegas? A Brit-alert is on as she resumes her recording career. Nelly has ambitious party plans for a Vegas weekend and legendary rockers The Cult are honored at the Hard Rock in our all-star wrap-up of all the holiday celebrity partying.

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