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Robin Leach: Luxe Life
What's your story? If you are a celebrity in Vegas, Robin Leach wants to know.
02.28.09 · 9:04 PM
The Kats Report: Big bucks, celebs and body paint inside ‘Power of Love’ gala
By John Katsilometes OK, kids, this is the first transmission from the Keep Memory Alive “Power of Love” gala at the Bellagio. From what I am hearing, we can expect three segments of a performance from Siegfried & Roy lasting a total of eight minutes. Roy has been fighting a condition today that has caused some bleeding in his lungs but is expected to perform. And, yes, the big cats will be incorporated into the show, and the duo will ... Read more...
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Facebook02.28.09 · 12:21 PM
Ben Affleck fulfills a dying young man’s three-year-old wish
Actor Ben Affleck has arrived in Las Vegas to fulfill a wish for a terminally ill young man. Ben checked into a celebrity suite at the Fantasy Tower of George Maloof’s Palms. He arrived in time last night to host a dinner party for 15 people in the N9NE Steakhouse there. Other guests dining in the hot celebrity restaurant learned that Ben was in Sin City to fulfill a heart-wrenching celebrity request. Medical experts had told a young man that ... Read more...
02.28.09 · 9 AM
Photo Gallery: Kyle and Kurt Busch shine on NASCAR’s Pole Day
Kurt Busch’s prediction of victory to me 72 hours before tomorrow’s NASCAR race has gotten off to a good start with the qualifying rounds yesterday, where he wound up taking the second-place pole. However, the on-track rivalry with brother Kyle got an added spark when Kyle grabbed the first position pole! (Click HERE for our coverage yesterday of Kurt’s prediction and his win at the Pole Position Raceway charity event his Kurt Busch Foundation organized and hosted.) But track officials ... Read more...
02.28.09 · 7:30 AM
Morning Call: Jersey Boys stars rehearse National Anthem at NASCAR
To prepare for tomorrow’s big NASCAR race, the four lead stars of Jersey Boys and their backups had a rehearsal run-through and sound check for the National Anthem, which they will perform just before the starter flag is raised. Cast members Erich Bergen, Charl Brown, Travis Cloer, Jeff Leibow, Rick Faugno, Jason Martinez, Deven May and Kristofer McNeeley all left their theater at the Palazzo to travel out to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the rehearsal. It’s been home ... Read more...
02.27.09 · 12:48 PM
Native son Kurt Busch predicts Sunday’s NASCAR winner: himself!
“It’s a tough 400 miles, but it’s the best chance I’ve had in years for victory. I think we will do it, ” a relaxed yet very confident Kurt Busch told me last night. Kurt also said that it would be a “very good omen” if he won his inaugural charity drive: “If I win tonight, it will be a win on Sunday,” he predicted. Our hometown hero did win, so the stage is now set for Sunday out at ... Read more...
02.27.09 · 11:59 AM
Siegfried & Roy to make magic again for one final time
It’s now just hours to the final and reunion performance for Siegfried & Roy. Tomorrow night, they will cap their more than 40-year career with one last performance so they can officially say goodbye. They penned a special note for the 1,000 guests attending the Keep Memory Alive gala at the Bellagio: “Our friends: It is what we know, so let us talk about magic. For more than 40 years, we have urged everyone to seek out the magic that ... Read more...
02.27.09 · 11:26 AM
Vegas’ newest resort casino, M, makes its first mark Sunday night
When the newest resort casino M opens Sunday night, the floor-to-ceiling windows will show unprecedented views of all of its rivals on the Strip! But head honcho Anthony Marnell III believes he will be offering a lot better than them! “We’re raising the bar,” Anthony, 35, said confidently. “First, our nine restaurants and five destination bars feature a next-generation dining experience. We believe food is one of the most, if not the most, important reasons why guests visit a property. ... Read more...
02.27.09 · 10:28 AM
Start your engines: It’s NASCAR weekend in Sin City
For local fans, it’s the most exciting weekend of motor racing this year: three days of 60th anniversary NASCAR madness, mayhem and maximum-speed mileage. An incredible invasion of auto fanatics from across America — estimated to be as many as 150,000 — are in town with 2,000 journalists for the penultimate pit party with race greats including Jeff Gordon, Kurt and Kyle Busch and Matt Kenseth, who claimed victory last weekend in Fontana, Calif. The falling economy has probably ended ... Read more...
02.27.09 · 8:53 AM
Strip Scribbles: Zac Efron is ShoWest’s Breakthrough Performer of the Year
Young actor Zac Efron, who hit major stardom in the trio of Emmy Award-winning High School Musical TV and big screen films, has become a teen-fan favorite with his incredible talents and handsome looks. Now he’s headed to Las Vegas at the end of next month to receive ShoWest 2009’s Breakthrough Performer of the Year award. It will be presented at the movie convention’s closing night banquet in Bally’s and Paris. “When Zac Efron made his debut, with the cast ... Read more...
02.27.09 · 7:56 AM
Photo Gallery: Kurt Busch’s ‘Sprint for the Kids’ at Pole Position Raceway
2004 NASCAR champion Kurt Busch and other NASCAR superstars including Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, Sam Hornish Jr., David Stremme, Kelly Bires and Justin Algaier competed side-by-side in a one-hour, team-endurance electric-kart race to benefit the Kurt Busch Foundation’s “Sprint for the Kids.” The event, which started off with yours truly calling out the most famous four words in motor racing, “Gentlemen, start your engines!” raised more than $30,000. Now as promised, here is contributing photographer Tom Donoghue’s extraordinary and exclusive ... Read more...
02.27.09 · 6:48 AM
The Mirage is the party palace for T-Pain, Dolla and LMFAO
Our contributing photographers were busy this week with a near collision course of concerts in The Mirage. It started with hip-hop artist and producer T-Pain at Jet. His show brought out retired New York Knicks great and my old pal Charles Oakley, Jason Terry of the Dallas Mavericks, Patrick O’Bryant, Kendrick Perkins and Ronjon Rondo of the Boston Celtics, poker pro Phil Ivey and Dwight Freeney of the Indianapolis Colts. For years, rapper Dolla planned to party it up in ... Read more...
02.27.09 · 5:55 AM
Photo Gallery: Celebrity chefs soar to new heights — over Las Vegas
Twenty star chefs gathered with Food Network star Cat Cora of Bon Appetit magazine and our merry Mayor of Mirth Oscar Goodman to celebrate — with champagne, of course — the upcoming culinary extravaganza Vegas Uncork’d. The Bon Appetit food festival is here May 7-10 and celebrates Las Vegas’ fine dining scene that now rivals that of any major metropolitan city in the world. At the Dinner in the Sky table high above the Strip were Paul Bartolotta and Alex ... Read more...
02.27.09 · 5:30 AM
Morning Call Photo Gallery: NASCAR vehicles arrive in million-dollar parade
Millions of dollars of beautiful and valuable racecars began their arrival in Las Vegas yesterday afternoon for this weekend of NASCAR racing at the Las Vegas Speedway. How do you drive these high-speed machines? Carefully, very carefully, folks! All told, there were 80 haulers that hit the Strip, bringing both pedestrians and motorists to a stop in amazement as they watched The NASCAR Parade. Our contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was at the ready with his cameras for this extraordinary collection ... Read more...
02.26.09 · 10:12 AM
Unmasked! Real name of The Masked Magician, ‘the people’s magician,’ is …
The magicians’ sacred code of silence to never reveal the secrets of tricks was finally broken by one of their own. The wizards, conjurers, illusionists and princes of prestidigitation were furious when The Masked Magician starred in four of the highest-rated Fox specials ever: Magic’s Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed. Finally, we learned that The Masked Magician was none other than Las Vegas-based illusionist Val Valentino, who had appeared in the Strip shows Viva Las Vegas and Splash. Now he’s about ... Read more...
02.26.09 · 8:51 AM
Taye Diggs chooses Ka for his night out on the town
It was guys night out for Private Practice star Taye Diggs when he hit Las Vegas with a pal. They spent the first part of last night at the early show of Cirque du Soleil’s Ka at the MGM Grand. Spywitnesses said Taye “looked dashing” in a pink shirt, a black vest, a Kangol cap and retro horned-rimmed glasses. The guys sipped vodka sodas and waters while enjoying the spectacular. It was Taye’s second visit to Ka since it opened ... Read more...
02.26.09 · 8:06 AM
Strip Scribbles: Cher loves The Colosseum theater at Caesars Palace
Now that superstar entertainer Cher has started her new monthlong run at Caesars Palace, she’s been doing a little talking with the media. Some of you know I do a weekly wrap-up of Vegas DeLuxe highlights for ABC News Radio, and my producer colleague Andrea Dresdale won some precious sound bites from Cher, which I was asked to include in one of my audio reports. The award-winning singer-actress really loves The Colosseum theater here and said: “If you can imagine ... Read more...
02.26.09 · 6:32 AM
Good news for Fanilows: Barry Manilow’s back at the Hilton for fifth year
Congratulations to singer Barry Manilow, who has made the Las Vegas Hilton his home since Feb. 23, 2005. He returns tonight to kick off his fifth year in the legendary theater there that once hosted Elvis Presley. The long-term engagement with the Hilton began four years ago with his production Manilow: Music and Passion. His new show Ultimate Manilow: The Hits debuted last July. Barry has performed for more than three decades and in that time has produced more than ... Read more...
02.26.09 · 6 AM
Morning Call: Siegfried & Roy ‘totally ready’ for fundraiser, farewell surprise
It’s the return to magic that some said would never happen! Even the surgeons and medical specialists said that illusionist Roy Horn had died, not once but three times, on the operating table. When part of his swelling brain was removed and inserted into the wall of his stomach for safe keeping for several months during his recovery, experts said he would never walk again. “He has the will and the strength of a thousand men,” Bernie Yuman, Siegfried & ... Read more...
02.25.09 · 1:54 PM
Criss & Holly’s romance flames out after four months
Updated @11:15 p.m. It’s officially over! The intense, romantic, four-month relationship between The Girls Next Door beauty Holly Madison and Mindfreak magician Criss Angel has come to an end. It all boiled down to a curt 20-word statement that ended one of the most publicized romances of last year! This evening, Steve Flynn, the public relations executive who represents both Criss and Holly, confirmed our report from this afternoon (read below): “Criss and Holly are no longer a couple. They ... Read more...
02.25.09 · 10:09 AM
Crazy Horse Paris welcomes first American dancer
Since its debut on the Strip in 2001, the world-renowned topless cabaret Crazy Horse Paris at the MGM Grand has never had an American cast member. The dance troupe, since its inception in 1951 in Paris, has featured only beautiful and talented performers trained in France. However, after winning the first-ever Crazy Horse audition last March, Las Vegas dancer Kristal D’Arc has joined the troupe as the first American dancer. Don’t confuse Crazy Horse Paris with other flash and glitz ... Read more...
02.25.09 · 8:34 AM
Strip Scribbles: Donny & Marie honored for helping to raise $4 billion for CMN
More than 170 hospitals throughout North America and affiliates in Ireland and Australia benefit from the amazing work of the Children’s Miracle Network, and in celebrating its 25th anniversary, co-founder Marie Osmond, along with brother Donny, were honored for helping to raise nearly $4 billion in that time! CMN began as the Osmond Family Foundation, and at the Mardi Gras ball in the Bellagio, the brother and sister stars invited several of the children onstage to sing a final song ... Read more...
02.25.09 · 7:31 AM
Photo Gallery: Ludacris livens up legion at LAX in the Luxor
“Shake Your Money Maker” is one of Ludacris’ biggest hits, and he did exactly that for free when he sent fans wild with a show at LAX in the Luxor. He also added “One More Drink,” “Area Codes,” “Stand Up,” “Throw Dem Bows,” “ What’s Your Fantasy” and “Move B*tch” to the performance lineup. DJ Grand Master Flash watched Ludacris with rap artist E-40 and then went back to twist the turntables. Luda relaxed in a VIP loft after his ... Read more...
02.25.09 · 6:47 AM
Photo Gallery: Vanessa and Angela Simmons unveil Pastry at Fashion Show
There was a full teen-fan turnout for young Vanessa and Angela Simmons’ Pastry fashion show presented by Seventeen magazine at our Fashion Show Mall. The youngsters, who have their own reality show after appearing in the reality series of their father the Rev. Joseph Simmons’ (aka Run in Run-DMC), have become teen fashion designers — and kids love them and their creations. Our contributing photographer Scott Harrison was at the runway to capture the action for our exclusive Vegas DeLuxe ... Read more...
02.25.09 · 6 AM
Morning Call: A sneak peek at DWTS Season 8 rehearsals
Jackass prankster Steve-O is all cleaned up and ready for the new challenge of dance disciple to partner Lacey Schwimmer, and Vegas DeLuxe has the first rehearsal photos of the Season 8 Dancing With the Stars combatants! Steve-O says he’s keeping his dance costumes on, but he does plan to add a few mild Jackass escapades to his dance movements! Lacey says Steve-O’s cleaned up his act after rehab and is drawing on his early days as a circus clown ... Read more...
02.24.09 · 8:57 AM
Exclusive: Toby Keith explains rebel label and vows to stay ‘captain of his ship’
Country superstar Toby Keith wears many hats: singer, songwriter, producer, actor and restaurateur — and now he’s launched his own fashion line! Toby was in Las Vegas last week for the biannual MAGIC Marketplace, and before unveiling the TK Steelman clothes at a concert fashion show, I sat down and talked with him one-on-one. Toby was nursing a bad cold with whiskey and water, and he didn’t want to go onstage to sing for the crowd who’d come to see ... Read more...
02.24.09 · 7:26 AM
Strip Scribbles: Take part in May 2 bout between Manny Pacquiao, Ricky Hatton
Two of the world’s best boxers, Manny Pacquiao and Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton, are set to meet May 2 at the MGM Grand in the eagerly awaited 12-round battle, and you could call the weigh-in with announcer Michael Buffer. The “Get Ready to Rumble” event is a prize donated by Top Rank’s head honcho Bob Arum at this Saturday’s “Keep Memory Alive” benefit featuring Siegfried & Roy’s final performance at the Bellagio. We’ll auction off the package, which includes entering ... Read more...
02.24.09 · 6:46 AM
Tony Sacca and Charo team up for PBS special about Las Vegas
For years, hometown hero Tony Sacca has interviewed and filmed the Strip stars for his local TV show Entertainment Las Vegas Style. He guarded all the valuable footage and has now turned it into an amazing one-hour PBS special. Tony turned to longtime friend Charo to co-host with him on a variety tour of our city’s top spots. In the special, Tony features interviews and performances with Tony Orlando, Bill Medley, Billy Ray Cyrus, Donna Summer, the Smothers Brothers, Mary ... Read more...
02.24.09 · 6:18 AM
Photo Gallery: Rehearsals begin for the Strip’s newest Peep Show
Official rehearsals began yesterday for the team of 16 dancers who have signed on for the modern burlesque Peep Show at Planet Hollywood. Co-stars Melanie Brown, aka Scary Spice, and General Hospital vixen Kelly Monaco join the rehearsals as of next Monday. The previews will begin March 30, and the gala premiere is set for April 18. Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell threw a welcome to Las Vegas party for the dancers in Strip House at Planet Hollywood. ... Read more...
02.24.09 · 5:38 AM
Kendra to choose Miss February Playboy Club winner tonight at the Palms
Sexy Playboy magazine cover girl Kendra Wilkinson will name the new Miss February Playboy Club winner tonight at the Palms. The star of The Girls Next Door will present the flowers and prizes alongside Miss January winner and Las Vegas resident Destiny Moniz. E! Entertainment cameras will record the coronation for an episode of the hit show co-starring Holly Madison and Bridget Marquardt. It’s expected that Holly will join the festivities with boyfriend Criss Angel shortly after midnight. Kendra is ... Read more...
02.24.09 · 5 AM
Morning Call Photo Gallery: Legends in Concert moves to Harrah’s
It was less than a 100-yard move, but it marked the end of more than 25 years as a fixture at the Imperial Palace: The third-longest-running show on the Strip called it quits in one spot and opened with a new lease on life nearly next door! Hotel honcho Don Marrandino led the parade of more than 30 of the cast and crew from Legends in Concert to its new home at Harrah’s. There were more than two dozen in-costume ... Read more...
02.23.09 · 10:51 AM
Strip Scribbles: Twilight stars sink their teeth into Vegas birthday blitz
It was a three-day Las Vegas whirl for Twilight actress Ashley Greene when she arrived with 12 friends to celebrate her 22nd birthday at Planet Hollywood. For several of the cast, it was the second consecutive weekend romp in Sin City! The onscreen vampires — Ashley and co-star Kellan Lutz — turned up at Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity at New York-New York with Hairspray cutie Brittany Snow in newly darkened hair. Kellan ordered a vodka cocktail, while Ashley and Nip/Tuck’s ... Read more...
02.23.09 · 9:43 AM
DWTS contestants, including real-life couples, prepare for Season 8 debut
Will the hot-and-heavy romance between former Las Vegas Academy dancer Julianne Hough and her country singer boyfriend Chuck Wicks help or hinder them in the upcoming eighth season of Dancing With the Stars? Vegas DeLuxe has the first rehearsal photos of the pairings in advance of the March 9 two-hour premiere. Julianne and Chuck recently came to town for a dinner at Lavo in the Palazzo for each other’s families to meet! Now friends are wondering if the romance can ... Read more...
02.23.09 · 9:09 AM
All-star turnout anticipated for Siegfried & Roy’s farewell benefit at Bellagio
The Sopranos stars Lorraine Bracco and Steve Schirripa will be joined by showbiz pals Danny DeVito, Hilary Duff and Teri Hatcher at this Saturday’s Keep Memory Alive fundraising event at the Bellagio. It will be the final performance of Siegfried & Roy’s illusions — and the first and only time they have been on stage since 2003 when Roy was injured in a tiger incident. Each day this week, we’ll run down some of the amazing auction items up for ... Read more...
02.23.09 · 8:31 AM
Elvises lead the charge in Legends in Concert move to Harrah’s
It will be the oddest gathering of celebrities ever assembled to walk the Strip this afternoon. At first glance, it will look as if the 50-strong group includes everybody from Britney Spears to Barbra Streisand and Frank Sinatra to Elvis Presley. They will be lined up ready to be moved — along with their luggage — from one hotel to another. At a second, closer glance, when you discover more than 20 other in-costume superstars, you’ll realize that they are ... Read more...
02.23.09 · 8:04 AM
Michael Jackson comeback reports are regurgitated rubbish
Writers went into overdrive this past weekend around the world about Michael Jackson in a tug-of-war battle between Las Vegas and London venues. They alleged he would be making his official comeback this summer at either the 02 Arena in London or at the Las Vegas Hilton. Trouble is the rumored story is more than a year old, and I carried the official denials from inside Michael’s camp back then. I assure you that the weekend rumblings can be ignored, ... Read more...
02.23.09 · 7:28 AM
Photo Gallery: Haylie Duff celebrates birthday, and new TV series, at the Bank
It was a double celebration for actress-singer Haylie Duff when she made the party scene at the Bank in the Bellagio. First, she was in 7th Heaven again over landing a recurring role on the new Fox sitcom Barely Legal. Then Haylie, who also starred in Material Girls and Napoleon Dynamite, blew out the candles for her 24th birthday! Boyfriend Nick Zano and hot couple Channing Tatum, who stars as Duke in this summer’s highly anticipated G.I Joe, and Jenna ... Read more...
02.23.09 · 5 AM
Morning Call: Drew Barrymore marks 34th birthday with girlfriends at Lavo
There was no sign of rumored British boyfriends Hugh Grant and Clive Owen or actor Keanu Reeves. In fact, it was just the girls who turned out for Drew Barrymore’s 34th birthday that wrapped yesterday at the Palazzo. Drew has been linked with all three actors after back-to-back parties on both coasts in recent days. Here, though, it was a double-birthday blast with Drew’s actress-girlfriend Ellen Page (Juno), and both wound up with cakes and candles in Lavo at the ... Read more...
02.20.09 · 11:19 AM
Strip Scribbles: Vegas cover girl Amanda Righetti is new Scream Queen
Congratulations to Vegas beauty Amanda Righetti for her cover photo on the new issue of our sister Vegas Magazine. Amanda’s won the nickname of Scream Queen because of her escape from the clutches of Jason Voorhees in the new No. 1 installment of Friday the 13th. Amanda, 25, has been recognized for her passion, intensity and sex appeal on the TV and silver screens. TV viewers know her most recently as Grace Van Pelt on The Mentalist. Click HERE for ... Read more...
02.20.09 · 9:22 AM
Photo Gallery: Local David Rockwell is secret weapon for Oscar’s new look
When you tune into Sunday’s Academy Awards, producers are hoping you will be knocked out with the new stage and sets for the 81st Oscars telecast. It’s not all about those fabulous red carpet gowns and Australian Hugh Jackman’s first-ever opening monologue or the glittering gold statues. The showbiz ceremony, which gets underway on ABC live at 5 p.m. PT, will have a whole new look thanks to veteran designer David Rockwell. David’s been juggling the Oscar assignment with the ... Read more...
02.20.09 · 8:22 AM
Local magician Franz Harary escapes nearly fatal car crash
When paramedics responded to the upside-down, soft-top crushed convertible on I-15, they feared the worst — but, miraculously, Las Vegas magician Franz Harary lived to tell the story of the freak and nearly fatal accident. Thanks to my friend Stan Allan, publisher of Vegas-based Magic Magazine, I learned that Franz had finished filming the third season of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew and was driving home to Las Vegas from Los Angeles when the crash occurred. Said Stan: “While swerving ... Read more...
02.20.09 · 7:38 AM
Cher says desert dryness keeps her ‘living like a nun’
Superstar entertainer Cher returns to her Caesars Palace home for another monthlong run as part of her three-year contract tomorrow, but according to her, we’re not likely to see very much of her around town! She’s been telling friends that she remains an at-home recluse here. The 62-year-old award-winning singer and actress says that her lifestyle in Las Vegas is exactly the opposite of what Sin City represents. She says she doesn’t smoke and stays away from casinos, nightclubs and ... Read more...
02.20.09 · 6 AM
Morning Call Photo Gallery: NBA All-Star Game players at play in Phoenix
Las Vegas photographer Tom Donoghue, who is one of our own contributing expert lens lords, was invited to cover the 2009 NBA All-Star Game and events in Phoenix last weekend. Now that our camera king is back home, Tom’s chosen some of his favorite shots for a Vegas DeLuxe photo gallery. The all-stars of the West in white jerseys outshot, outsizzled and outscored the blue jersey East 146-119 — and that gave cause for some offbeat celebrations, as one-time antagonists ... Read more...
02.19.09 · 5:55 PM
Video Exclusive: Toby Keith debuts his clothing line TK Steelman
Country superstar Toby Keith launches his clothing line TK Steelman with the help of The Men of X serving as models at his I Love This Bar & Grill in Harrah’s and sits down with me for a one-on-one chat. Toby even reveals just how rebellious he can get! Read more...
02.19.09 · 9:48 AM
On the town with superstars Brad Pitt, Toby Keith and Ludacris
It was a boys’ night out — in more ways than one — for three showbiz superstars who hit Las Vegas last night. Actor Brad Pitt checked into the Hard Rock Hotel with two of his sons; country singer Toby Keith was at Harrah’s and, despite a cold, performed a mini-concert at his I Love This Bar & Grill; and this morning, hip-hop mogul Ludacris was still entertaining and partying at LAX in the Luxor. Just a normal star-studded night ... Read more...
02.19.09 · 8:34 AM
Strip Scribbles: How long does it take to climb Strat’s 108 floors of 1,455 steps?
“Scale the Strat” event organizers are betting that fitness runners will do it in less than 30 minutes tomorrow and Saturday! The American Lung Association’s Nevada branch has teamed with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to host the vertical ascent inside the Stratosphere. It’s all to promote lung health and to combat lung disease. Tomorrow, the races will be a qualifying round, with the top 50 climbers with the fastest times advancing to Saturday’s final climb off. That’s right: ... Read more...
02.19.09 · 7:38 AM
Photo Gallery: Pit-bull comic Bobby Slayton nears end of run at Hooters
Pit-bull comedian Bobby Slayton will wrap up his run at Hooters Resort Casino on March 8, and he will have celebrated his 500th show milestone. Bobby, who played the role of Joey Bishop in The Rat Pack, also was featured in Dreamgirls. Fellow comics Robin Williams, Don Rickles, Jay Leno, Bill Maher, Jon Lovitz, Dana Carvey, Ray Romano and Brad Garrett joined with Luxor headliner Carrot Top to create a roast montage of video zingers to mark the milestone. Our ... Read more...
02.19.09 · 7:18 AM
Photo Gallery: The nutty nuptials aka Tony ’n’ Tina’s Wedding
It’s a marriage of mayhem. It’s the nuttiest nuptials in the world. It’s a randy, ribald reception with relatives you wouldn’t even want your enemy to ’fess up to having! Welcome to the violent vows of Valentina Lynn and Anthony Angelo Nunzio Jr., better known as Tony ’n’ Tina’s Wedding! The show opened more than 20 years ago and is now the second-longest-running production in off -Broadway history. It has played for the past seven years in Las Vegas with ... Read more...
02.19.09 · 6:58 AM
Photo Gallery: Soulja Boy Tell ’Em can kiss you thru the phone
Grammy-nominated artist and record producer Soulja Boy Tell ’Em has turned a hit into a major advertising and promotional campaign. With the song “Kiss Me Thru the Phone” racing up the charts, you just knew an enterprising phone company would jump on it to seize a tie-in. That’s exactly what Las Vegas-based Cricket did, and Soulja Boy is now front and center with its multi-faceted campaign. He’s helped launch the new Mobile Music service, which lets Cricket customers download songs ... Read more...
02.19.09 · 6:21 AM
Boob tube: Get ready for The Real Housewives of Las Vegas
Television producers are salivating with the go-ahead of a new Real Housewives reality series because the cameras are coming to Sin City! Following the ratings successes of the Real Housewives in Orange County, New York and Atlanta, get ready for The Real Housewives of Las Vegas! Casting agents and talent scouts from Bravo have arrived here and have started the task of hiring eight of our wildest women. One Hollywood casting agent told me last night: “They’ll make no bones ... Read more...
02.19.09 · 6 AM
Danny Gans showcases his genius in amazing show at new Encore home
It is absolutely amazing to listen to Danny Gans with your eyes closed: What he does is pure genius. When the extraordinary entertainer performs the Al Pacino monologue from Scent of a Woman, you’ll swear it’s the Oscar-winning actor himself in finest form. The same is true for all 65-plus-celebrity voices that Danny duplicated the night I saw his new show in Steve Wynn’s the Encore. His performance is perfection from start to finish. It doesn’t matter if he’s singing ... Read more...
02.18.09 · 10:46 AM
Photo Gallery: Randy Couture coaches son to second MMA victory at Orleans
There’s another famous name coming up the ranks of mixed martial arts. So far, 26-year-old Ryan Couture is 2-0 in his amateur career and being watched over carefully by his famous father, UFC star Randy Couture. In fact, stepmother Kim Couture also is part of the management and training family firm. I sat ringside at The Orleans ballroom with Good Charlotte rocker Benji Madden and motorcross champion Carey Hart for the latest Tuff-N-Uff Fighting Championships. This is where the path ... Read more...
02.18.09 · 8:34 AM
Strip Scribbles: The Men of X to strip at Hooters; X girls mark 2nd anniversary
The eXotic, eXciting and eXuberant X Burlesque dancers celebrated the second anniversary of their topless temptress show with a red carpet gala at the Flamingo. Their anniversary preceded news that will make history — and probably world headlines: Here come the boys! The Men of X are invading the bastion of female fortitude at Hooters Hotel Casino opposite MGM Grand. Vegas DeLuxe can officially confirm that the girls in the orange hot shorts and tight, figure-hugging white tank tops will ... Read more...
02.18.09 · 7:06 AM
Tiger Woods fundraiser at Mandalay Bay to include start of No Doubt tour
It will be the 12th annual Tiger Jam for golf superstar Tiger Woods, and he’s landed Gwen Stefani and her band No Doubt, who kick off their first tour in five years at the star-studded fundraising gala. AT&T will present the charity event at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on May 16, and Tiger also has booked Paramore and The Sounds as special guests with No Doubt. Said Tiger: “I’m thrilled No Doubt is kicking off their tour at Tiger ... Read more...
02.18.09 · 6:22 AM
Country star Toby Keith launches TK Steelman clothing line during MAGIC
Add a new baseball cap to Toby Keith’s incredible success as a singer, songwriter and record producer! Today, Toby sets a style of his own as a new fashion mogul with his very own clothing line. He will launch TK Steelman at his I Love This Bar & Grill in Harrah’s on the Strip. In advance of my 6 p.m. video interview with him and the 8 p.m. unveiling of the line with a two-hour fashion show and concert, he ... Read more...
02.18.09 · 6 AM
Morning Call Photo Gallery: Cirque spectacular Ka reaches 2,000 milestone
The first time you watch Cirque du Soleil’s $200 million spectacular Ka at MGM Grand, you marvel in stunned silence at the gravity-defying production and simply think, “That’s unbelievable!” The truth, though, is that the impossible has become possible, and the 80 cast members have performed the miraculous for the past four years. In fact, at tonight’s second show, they celebrate their milestone 2,000th performance. We’re going to join them for celebration champagne and cake after the finale of the ... Read more...
02.17.09 · 12:28 PM
It’s an invasion of fashion designers, models and rock stars — it’s MAGIC
For the next three days, Las Vegas happily suffers a giant invasion of fashion moguls, models, buyers, designers and distributors for the MAGIC Marketplace convention, and you can add a number of rock stars to the mix this time around. The unique, biannual marketplace is the top trade event in the global fashion industry, and new trends surface and develop into what we’ll be wearing in six months! It was back in 1933 that an association of Los Angeles-based menswear ... Read more...
02.17.09 · 11:11 AM
Strip Scribbles: Zowie Bowie photo is too sexy for this site — so sexy, it hurts
We have a first exclusive look at the hot sexy photo shoot of Zowie Bowie as they prepare for their debut at the Palms. Vegas DeLuxe can now confirm that the dynamic duo’s last show at Red Rock Station Casino will be Feb. 28, and their first show at the Palms is March 6. They have already ended their run of Vintage Vegas shows at Green Valley Ranch. Chris Phillips and Marley Taylor worked with Vegas photographer Francis George for ... Read more...
02.17.09 · 9:25 AM
Photo Gallery: The off-kilter world of the Puscifer circus of quirk
It’s a really strange name — and the show is even stranger! Perhaps we aren’t even supposed to understand Puscifer. In advance interviews, rocker Maynard James Keenan said the best explanation is that the show is a visual interpretation of “voices in my head.” If so, there’s a whole cacophony of crowds all chattering away nonstop up there. The world premiere weekend of Puscifer at the Palms kicked off with three nights of sellout crowds, and what could have been ... Read more...
02.17.09 · 7:45 AM
Photo Gallery: Aubrey O’Day celebrates birthday, and Playboy, with parents
You don’t really expect a pop star to ask her parents to select the naked shot they like best in her Playboy magazine layout! But that’s exactly what former Danity Kane member Aubrey O’Day did when she celebrated her 25th birthday, and the release of her March Playboy cover, at Jet in The Mirage. For her birthday, Aubrey showed photographers, including our lens men Erik Kabik and Scott Harrison, her birthday suit pose and then told them it also was ... Read more...
02.16.09 · 2:13 PM
Photo Gallery: V-Day with Bridget Marquardt, Speidi, Jessica Hart and others
The lip-locked stars were passionate about spending Valentine’s Day in Sin City! They kissed cheek-to-cheek, they cuddled cozily and they nuzzled nicely as Cupid’s arrow found its mark on the day of love. Along with our contributing photographers, we just about managed to keep up with all the affairs of the heart! *It was a true Valentine’s Day affair at Pure in Caesars Palace with The Hills couple Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt. They hosted a posh soiree at the ... Read more...
02.16.09 · 12:46 PM
Strip Scribbles: California Governator is surprise guest at Robert Earl’s lunch
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger showed his loyalty to an old friend when our Planet Hollywood boss Robert Earl and his 15-year-old son Robbie stopped in Sacramento. They were there as part of an all-restaurant tour of his newly acquired Buca di Beppo chain of 21 restaurants in California. Nationwide, there are 87 of them! The Earls were determined to drop by every one of them on a nonstop, three-day trip! The governor, who was one of the original investors in ... Read more...
02.16.09 · 11:12 AM
Photo Gallery: What recession? XS sells its first $10,000 Ono cocktail
It’s been dubbed “the most expensive drink in the world!” Six weeks after opening, history was made at XS nightclub in the Encore: The first $10,000 Ono cocktail was sold and served! Louis XIII Black Pearl cognac and the rare Charles Heidsieck 1981 Champagne Charlie highlight the luxurious libation. Served in jewel-encrusted champagne glasses on a specially designed tray, the Ono also is presented with an 18-karat gold necklace with a Tahitian black pearl hanging from a diamond resting beneath ... Read more...
02.16.09 · 10:27 AM
$100 million man Terry Fator begins his five-year run at The Mirage
It was an America’s Got Talent reunion for the opening night of Terry Fator’s monthlong run of previews for his new $100 million, five-year contract at The Mirage. Teenager Julienne Irwin, who placed fourth behind Terry in Season 2, and tenor Donald Braswell, who finished fourth this past Season 3, showed up to wish Terry well. Also there was actress Dee Wallace, and backstage The Tonight Show host Jay Leno, who was appearing in a comedy show in the same ... Read more...
02.16.09 · 9:43 AM
Photo Gallery: Katy Perry is hot, not cold, at the Hard Rock and Lavo
Multi-platinum pop princess Katy Perry was honored with a special case dedication displaying her outfit from the video of her hit single “Hot N Cold” before her Valentine’s Day concert at Carey Hart’s Wasted Space in the Hard Rock Hotel. Entertainment VP Paul Davis made the dedication presentation. Katy told the crowd of fans watching the ceremony: “I’m overwhelmed by this tribute. This is awesome! When I was a young girl, I came to the Hard Rock to look and ... Read more...
02.16.09 · 8:58 AM
Morning Call Photo Gallery: Khloe Kardashian’s Anti-Valentine’s Day drama
When your ex follows you to town as you throw an “Anti-Valentine’s Day Party,” that’s going to put a damper on the fun! When Khloe Kardashian ran into NBA ex-boyfriend Rashad McCants, who she’d dumped recently at her table inside Tao at The Venetian, there was a chill in the air! The 24-year-old shooting guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves was headed to Phoenix for the mid-season break but stopped in Vegas when he heard Khloe, also 24, was throwing the ... Read more...
02.15.09 · 12:33 PM
Did Benji Madden kiss a girl on Valentine’s Day?
Katy Perry and Benji Madden arrived in Las Vegas as hot Valentine’s Day singles but wound up a cozy, kissing and new hot Hollywood celebrity couple! Here’s the first photo of them together early this morning at Lavo in the Palazzo after their separate performances at the Hard Rock Hotel. It was exactly a year ago that Benji’s 10-month relationship with Paris Hilton began on a Valentine’s Day date — and then crashed right after Thanksgiving. Katy broke up with ... Read more...
02.15.09 · 8:30 AM
Morning Call Photo Gallery: Billy Joel still loves you just the way you are
Love was in the air and everywhere you looked for The Piano Man’s Valentine’s Day concert at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Handholding, cheek-to-cheek, kissing couples were in abundance as Billy Joel opened his show last night with “Angry Young Man,” followed by “My Life.” Our contributing photographer Erik Kabik was on the scene of Cupid’s bow and arrows for this great collection of love-struck photos. “It was a great show,” Erik told me. “He sounded as fresh and as ... Read more...
02.14.09 · 6 AM
Photo Gallery: Marie Osmond and Richie Sambora are opposites attract
Singing star Marie Osmond had a surprise visit from Bon Jovi rocker Richie Sambora at her collectible dolls signing in the Flamingo yesterday afternoon. Marie hosted a Valentine’s Day-themed event with her Bridal, Valentine and Sweet Tots collections. Hundreds of fans lined up in the Flamingo to meet the star and buy dolls for her to sign. Meanwhile, record producer John Titta was getting married quietly at the hotel’s wedding chapel, and Richie was his best man. John and new ... Read more...
02.13.09 · 4:05 PM
Video Exclusive: Chats with Eva Longoria, Mario Lopez and Ken Paves
Desperate Housewives siren Eva Longoria, charming Extra host Mario Lopez and celebrity stylist and Eleven Spa co-owner Ken Paves take a break from the Town Square palace of pampering’s opening-night festivities and champagne for one-on-one chats with Vegas DeLuxe. Read more...
02.13.09 · 1:13 PM
Strip Scribbles: The Lion King premiere is pushed back by construction delays
Rehearsals will still start as planned March 9 for the cast of Disney’s The Lion King, but preview performances and the gala opening night are being pushed back because of construction delays in transforming the former Mamma Mia! theater. It’s only a two-week delay, but you have to make note of the new dates for the highly anticipated debut. Tickets will still go on sale as planned March 14, but instead of the April 22 start of previews, those will ... Read more...
02.13.09 · 12:04 PM
Young or old, Valentine’s Day is for everyone — even on the Strip
Although Hollywood stars with romance on their mind have launched a full-blown invasion of the Strip for this happy hearts weekend, all eyes will be on a couple of unique weddings! Gene Adler, 80, and Mickie Hollander, 72, will exchange vows following tomorrow afternoon’s performance of Defending the Caveman at the Excalibur. Actor Kevin Burke, who stars in the one-man play, is an ordained minister and will perform the ceremony! It was last summer that the couple met and fell ... Read more...
02.13.09 · 10:05 AM
Celebrity chefs take dining to new heights with mayor
Twenty of our all-star chefs will go to new heights today with our merry Mayor of Mirth Oscar Goodman with a champagne toast 180 feet above the Strip. The group will gather at Dinner in the Sky to celebrate their success and the fine dining status bestowed on Las Vegas. The titans of the toque include Francois Payard of Caesars Palace, one of the world’s top pastry chefs — his chocolates have been featured on Sex and the City; Hubert ... Read more...
02.13.09 · 8:34 AM
Happy Valentine’s Day weekend from the X girls
Love is in the air! Love is everywhere! It’s that kind of a rhinestone and roses weekend when Cupid is busy with his bow and arrow taking aim at the heart! Who better than the torrid temptresses of the topless burlesque show X at the Flamingo to pose for our cameras and wish everybody a Happy Valentine’s Day! And click HERE for yesterday’s X girls story and photos! Read more...
02.13.09 · 6 AM
Morning Call Photo Gallery Exclusive: S.I. swimsuit models are in town
The 19 gorgeous glamour girls of the new Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition really made a splash last night, and they were still rolling along early this morning at LAX in the Luxor. Our contributing photographers Erik Kabik and Scott Harrison tried to race along as the bathing beauties appeared at the Luxor (cover girl Bar Refaeli), The Mirage, the Flamingo and The Rio (Tori Paver). Here are their photographs of all the stops throughout Las Vegas. Early this morning, I ... Read more...
02.12.09 · 1:21 PM
Interactive theatrical production and nightclub ignites at The Rio tonight
It’s no ordinary nightclub and no regular nightlife experience. Theatrical producer Nicole Durr, who goes by her initials N.D., launches her fiery Evolution of Nightlife with Fuego at The Rio tonight. It’s probably the first time anywhere in the world that segments of an interactive production with live performances have been woven into a club scene, with the stars joining partygoers to dance and play. She has lined up a cast of talented dancers and singers as surreal characters in ... Read more...
02.12.09 · 12:29 PM
Strip Scribbles: Magic Johnson subs for Phelps with motivational message
Earlier this week, Vegas DeLuxe reported on the last-minute decision by marketing managers of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps to keep him out of our city. Michael, now on a three-month suspension by U.S. Swimming, had been booked for a speech and meet and greet with IBM executives at the MGM Grand. NBA legend Magic Johnson stepped in as the substitute, and when he arrived from Los Angeles for the Pulse 2009 conference, he had a motivational message at the ready. ... Read more...
02.12.09 · 11:30 AM
Photo Gallery: Eva Longoria, Mario Lopez add star power to Eleven Spa debut
It was a case of old and new Hollywood glamour on a collision course to perfection at last night’s gala grand opening of the lavish and luxurious Eleven Spa. That’s one better than a perfect 10, folks! The new super spa — click HERE for yesterday’s advance coverage — is one platinum palace of pleasures and pampering. Sexy Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria and handsome Extra host Mario Lopez flew in on a private jet from Hollywood to support their ... Read more...
02.12.09 · 9:37 AM
X girls celebrate second anniversary with Valentine’s photo shoot
Congratulations to the six sexy topless dancers of the X burlesque show as they celebrate their second anniversary tonight at the Flamingo. After this evening’s gala pink carpet celebration at Flamingo’s Voga restaurant, the tantalizing temptresses will unveil hot new costumes and dance routines and a remodeled stage. “We always like to reinvent the show and make it sexier, edgier and better than ever,” said producer Angela Stabile. “We’ve added two new curtains and brand new ‘barely there’ costumes. The ... Read more...
02.12.09 · 8:08 AM
Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit models arrive in Sin City today
The provocative pages of this year’s Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition come to life in Las Vegas today, and those magnificent models will make a splash all over the city. Before noon, a direct Southwest flight — S.I. One — from New York’s LaGuardia Airport will land at McCarran, and nearly 20 of the world’s best and most famous swimsuit beauties will kick off the excitement. Keep your eyes on the friendly skies after 11 a.m. because the Southwest Boeing 737 ... Read more...
02.12.09 · 6:47 AM
Photo Gallery: The best of ‘Taste of the NFL’ with Miss America
Since 1992, top chefs from NFL cities have joined star players and volunteers to help in “Feeding America.” Until last year, the fundraiser was known as “America’s Second Harvest.” For 17 years, our contributing photographer Tom Donoghue has joined forces with “Taste of the NFL” founder and executive director Wayne Kostroski for the Super Bowl party with a purpose! In between NFL duties and this weekend’s NBA mid-season celebrations in Phoenix, Tom compiled his favorite photos from this year’s “Taste ... Read more...
02.12.09 · 6 AM
Morning Call: Denzel joins Madame Tussauds for Black History Month
In honor of Black History Month, 12 outstanding wax figures will be unveiled at our Madame Tussauds wax museum in The Venetian. Included is the recently debuted President Obama figure along with Whoopi Goldberg and Martin Luther King Jr. The themed exhibit is the attraction’s largest ever within its everyday displays and represents figures of historical importance from several decades. Two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington (for Glory and Training Day) is among the new wax figures making its debut. Denzel, ... Read more...
02.11.09 · 1:54 PM
Exclusive: Terry Fator preps for debut and reveals Feb. 14 secret from 1973
He won $1 million as the first winner of America’s Got Talent, and it landed him a whopping five-year, $100 million contract at The Mirage. It was a dream come true for Terry Fator who, for more than 20 years, wanted nothing more than to become a Strip headliner with his singing ventriloquist impersonation act. Now this Saturday — on Valentine’s Day — he begins preview performances in advance of the March 14 star-studded gala opening. In an exclusive Vegas ... Read more...
02.11.09 · 11:58 AM
Strip Scribbles: Siegfried & Roy’s new leopard cub Java makes his debut
Although the adorable little leopard Java was born Nov. 18, it’s only this morning that the world gets its first look at the new male cub. He is the offspring of Asahi and Mu-gamba, who live at Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage. Java is the pair’s second litter; the previous litter also resides at the Secret Garden. Siegfried & Roy’s garden is now home to six leopards, one snow leopard and one black panther ... Read more...
02.11.09 · 10:36 AM
Alive and kicking Crazy Girls resume their topless revue tonight
After a one-month holiday break, the eight sexy Crazy Girls topless dancers are back in action tonight with their new show at the Riviera. Reports of their death have been greatly exaggerated — and I was to blame! On Monday, I misunderstood and confused the pink slip cancellation at the resort casino. First I killed off the beauties in error and then had to eat humble pie when I learned that it was Frank Marino and his cast of female ... Read more...
02.11.09 · 9:44 AM
Eleven Spa at Town Square is rolling out the red carpet for opening tonight
It’s a spa unlike anything we’ve ever seen before in Las Vegas complete with tuxedo-clad, gray-gloved butlers and classic black-and-white Hollywood movies projected in the lounge. Even the Australian crystal chandeliers look as if they’re draping right into the fantasy water pools. I’m not going to comment about the “Bungalow 60 private treatment room for two”! There’s even an Eleven Mink Massage where clients lay out naked on faux mink-lined sheets for the ultimate sensory experience! Welcome to Nicole Oden’s ... Read more...
02.11.09 · 7:26 AM
Morning Call Photo Gallery: Cisco and Shwayze lead the Storm at Blush
If you’re booked to perform a mini-concert in a Las Vegas nightclub and it doesn’t have a stage area, no need to panic. Just do what Cisco and Shwayze did last night at Blush inside the Wynn and jump atop the bar! Verizon Wireless executives were promoting the new Blackberry Storm phone, and there’s nothing like a Vegas shindig to generate buzz! I joined our contributing photographer Erik Kabik at the hip and hot nightspot as he shot this great ... Read more...
02.10.09 · 4:02 PM
Photo Gallery: Zowie Bowie confirm move to the Palms; the pizza challenge
The gossip game is a brutal, take-no-prisoners battle between us friendly but warring scribes seeking those exciting exclusives. More often than not, a snappy PR person will put up a roadblock to prevent the news getting out anyway! I competed in a charity pizza cooking challenge against dynamic song-and-dance duo Zowie Bowie, heavyweight comedian George Wallace and cast members of Jersey Boys, among others, at the opening of a Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza last week. That morning when I penned this ... Read more...
02.10.09 · 3:28 PM
Exclusive: Vince Neil plans second tattoo parlor and sets date for Dr. Feelgood
Motley Crue rocker Vince Neil confirmed exclusively to Vegas DeLuxe that he’s set an April 11 grand opening for his rock club restaurant Dr. Feelgood. It’s the first Las Vegas location and third overall, with plans for more across the country. The off-Strip West Sahara location will get its soft opening underway in March but will wait for Vince’s return so he can perform at the opening night festivities. Vince is busy expanding his Dr. Feelgood empire: His South Beach ... Read more...
02.10.09 · 2:14 PM
Michael Phelps backs out of appearance at MGM Grand
Fourteen-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps pulled out of at the last moment this morning a planned meet and greet speaking engagement with IBM computer executives at the MGM Grand. Basketball legend Magic Johnson was the last-minute replacement and flew in mid-morning on a commuter flight from Los Angeles to fulfill the commitment in the swimming champion’s place. Click HERE for our story this morning. I’m reliably told that the decision to cancel Michael’s lucrative and highly paid commercial appearance ... Read more...
02.10.09 · 12:44 PM
Strip Scribbles: Hometown Idol Mikalah Gordon celebrates her 21st birthday
Until now our hometown American Idol favorite Mikalah Gordon hasn’t been able to celebrate her showbiz achievements at a Las Vegas casino. That all changed when Tabu Ultra Lounge in the MGM Grand rolled out the red carpet to celebrate Mikalah’s 21st birthday. Our local beauty is no longer under age, and the Gone Country star was welcomed by a packed club, where she stood atop a table to greet everybody. Then she surprised fans with an impromptu performance of ... Read more...
02.10.09 · 11:29 AM
Photo Gallery: Kat Von D launches book and aims for ‘body suit’ of tattoos
There’s not much room left on Kat Von D’s body, but the gorgeous and gregarious L.A. Ink star promises one day it will be completely covered in a body art suit! The celebrated tattoo artist hit Las Vegas with rocker boyfriend Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue to launch her book High Voltage Tattoo. While he was closing The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel, she attended book signings. Our contributing photographer Scott Harrison caught up with her at Borders in ... Read more...
02.10.09 · 10:58 AM
Viva Las Juicy! Juicy Couture celebrates local success with a new store
Back in December 2004, creative designers Gela Nash-Taylor and Pamela Skaist-Levy were scared stiff about opening their very first Juicy Couture store. They fretted that they would never do big business from the modest 1,500-square-foot shop in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. They shouldn’t have worried one iota because it grew into one of the biggest and most successful fashion business stories to ever come out of Las Vegas! Viva Las Juicy! Now they have 61 stores across America, ... Read more...
02.10.09 · 10:31 AM
Bar Refaeli lands cover of 2009 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue
Nineteen sexy bikini-clad models battled it out for the prestigious cover of the annual Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, and this morning the honor went to 23-year-old Israeli supermodel Bar Refaeli. Now Vegas DeLuxe can officially and exclusively confirm that all the swimsuit beauties will jump onboard a specially decorated Southwest debut flight from La Guardia Airport in New York on Thursday and hours later attend a VIP celebration party here at LAX in the Luxor. Bar has been romantically linked ... Read more...
02.10.09 · 9:33 AM
Photo Gallery: Michael Bolton belts ’em out at the House of Blues
Michael Bolton is the heartthrob who has stolen a thousand ladies’ love. The longhaired singer stole even more when he performed for two consecutive nights of shows at the House of Blues in Mandalay Bay! Our contributing photographer Erik Kabik was up close and upfront for this gallery of the Grammy-winning crooner singing for his supper. Read more...
02.10.09 · 9:22 AM
Michael Phelps jumps back into endorsement work
Olympic gold medal swimmer Michael Phelps arrives in Las Vegas today hard on the heels of his three-month suspension by the United States Olympic Committee. I’m told that he’ll fly well under the radar and hardly be seen. Michael’s trip follows British front-page tabloid publication of cell phone photographs of him apparently inhaling from a marijuana pipe at a South Carolina party last November. “He will be on his best behavior,” I was told. Michael has been a regular visitor ... Read more...
02.10.09 · 8:30 AM
Morning Call: La Cage calls it quits after 23 years at the Riviera
It might be the first direct Strip casualty of the economic downturn. Last night, the cast and crew of the female impersonator show Evening at La Cage at the Riviera were notified by owner Norbert Aleman that he regrettably was being forced to shut down the long-running production. Headliner Frank Marino and his fellow female impersonators received the news as the show ended at 9 p.m. yesterday. One insider there told me: “We’d always hoped to make it to the ... Read more...
02.9.09 · 12:03 PM
Photo Gallery: Vince Neil’s birthday: The Joint, Ink and the Strip
It was to be a brief four-day break in Motley Crue’s current national tour, but for birthday boy Vince Neil, it was a packed Las Vegas homecoming from start to finish — and everywhere he’s been, fans have mobbed the singer. The 96-hour nonstop spree began at his O’Shea’s center Strip tattoo parlor Vince Neil Ink. The rocker pulled up in his brand new black Lamborghini and was welcomed by Flamingo President Don Marrandino. Also on hand were John Morris ... Read more...
02.9.09 · 11:18 AM
Strip Scribbles: Erin Brockovich and Mel B are moving to Las Vegas
She is the ultimate modern-day heroine, and Julia Roberts’s Oscar-winning onscreen portrayal of her paralegal investigation into the poisoned water of Hinkley, Calif., residents is one of those movies to remain memorable forever. Now Erin Brockovich is planning a move to Las Vegas! Erin first said she would make monthly visits to Vegas, but now she’s decided to move here full time. Not only did she tell her hairstylist the secret, but she even agreed to let hair king Michael ... Read more...
02.9.09 · 10:30 AM
Photo Gallery: Shotgun wedding includes Elvis impersonator and Tony & Tina
It was one wild and wacky wedding weekend for actress Sarah Shahi (Life) and her fiance, fellow actor Steve Howey (Reba). First, let’s point out that Sarah’s already pregnant, but that’s not even the unorthodox part of these nuptials. It wound up with the actual ceremony in the Elvis Presley chapel with the entire bridal party wearing sunglasses and listening to a one-hour Presley impersonator show! And that’s not even the strangest part of the weekend! The zany madcap affair ... Read more...
02.9.09 · 9:54 AM
Grammy Notes: Ne-Yo wins two statuettes; Whitney Houston coming to town?
Following her successful weekend comeback performance at Clive Davis’ annual pre-Grammy party, I’ve learned that super-producer David Foster is going back into the studio this week for Whitney Houston’s new album! That means the rumbles have already started that she’ll make her public return as his surprise guest at his upcoming Mandalay Bay “Friends” concert! My Fox News friend, gossip guru Roger Friedman, reported: “She wowed the crowd with a medley of hits. She was clean, sober and joyous, absolutely ... Read more...
02.9.09 · 8:47 AM
Mystery surrounds Usher’s whereabouts — maybe Brazil?
Mystery surrounds the exact whereabouts of superstar singer Usher this morning after he vanished from Las Vegas this past weekend and canceled Grammy appearances in Los Angeles. It’s rumored that he’s flown to Rio de Janeiro with a top Hollywood doctor to be with his wife, Tameka Foster, to solve a medical crisis of “cosmetic surgery complications.” Rumors that she had died following plastic surgery have been firmly denied. It’s believed that the Cedars Sinai Hospital specialist is a top ... Read more...
02.9.09 · 12:01 AM
Morning Call Photo Gallery: A final Joint (gig) for Motley Crue
It’s Motley Crue and Las Vegas resident and frontman Vince Neil’s last stand at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel as its walls come tumbling down. The Crue performed Friday and Saturday nights, and our contributing photographer Erik Kabik was there for the final bow. The Joint will reopen in April with The Killers in a sold-out concert. Read more...
02.6.09 · 2:55 PM
Photo Gallery: Stars turn out for Ne-Yo at the Palms ahead of Grammy Awards
A few days before hometown hero Ne-Yo possibly sweeps the Sunday night Grammy Awards in L.A. with his six nominations, he kicked off his Year of the Gentleman Tour at The Pearl Concert Theater in the Palms. Superstar Usher and his producer Jermaine Dupri, who are working on their new album at the Palms recording studio, took over a VIP skybox in the theater to watch last night’s concert with special guests the Electric Red. Headline boxer Zab Judah and ... Read more...
02.6.09 · 8:58 AM
Exclusive: Danny Gans reveals behind-the-scenes secrets of Encore residency
When entertainer Danny Gans says “curtain up” tonight for his gala premiere at the new theater in Steve Wynn’s the Encore, it marks the ultimate homecoming. “Reuniting with Steve Wynn is a dream come true. I’m at the top of my game, and the best is yet to come,” Danny said. A stellar lineup of stars including talk show royals Larry King and Bonnie Hunt have RSVP’d for the red carpet party. It’s all to benefit Elaine Wynn’s favorite community ... Read more...
02.6.09 · 8:03 AM
Strip Scribbles: It’s ‘Ink, Not Mink’ for new PETA poster boy Carey Hart
When tattooed motorcross champion Carey Hart was married to pop singer Pink, she turned him onto PETA and getting involved in protesting animal cruelty. Now he’s leading the charge with Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee, Dennis Rodman and Miami Ink star Ami James with a new ad campaign promoting “Ink, Not Mink.” Carey, who is co-owner of Hart & Huntington Tattoo here, says “Be comfortable in your own skin and let animals keep theirs.” He unveiled the new poster at ... Read more...
02.6.09 · 6:46 AM
Neon City agrees to go dark for ‘Earth Hour’ next month
Las Vegas is the brightest city on Earth! Las Vegas is the best-lit city on the planet! But for one hour March 28, the lights will go out, and Vegas will go dark. The Strip will turn off the lights from the Sahara on the north end as far as Tropicana on the south end and nearly everywhere in between. Vegas will lead more than 240 cities in 70 countries throughout the world to turn off non-essential lighting to mark ... Read more...
02.6.09 · 5:55 AM
Morning Call: Motley Crue is set to close down The Joint at the Hard Rock
Is there anybody better than Las Vegas rocker Vince Neil and his Motley Crue to end an era and shut down The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel? The bad boys of rock bring their Saints of Los Angeles Tour to town tonight and tomorrow — and it’s anybody’s guess what’ll happen! Motley Crue, who has sold nearly 100 million albums, is the ultimate metal band wrapped up in “Girls, Girls, Girls,” plus the mandatory sex, drugs and rock ’n’ ... Read more...
02.5.09 · 9:25 AM
Strip Scribbles: Color salon owner Michael Boychuck receives Top 50 honor
For 10 years, hair king Michael Boychuck has advocated that Las Vegas is as stylish a hair city as London, Milan, Toronto, New York, Los Angeles and anywhere in between. Michael’s now been rewarded for his belief as the only full-time local hairstylist to be named in the new Top 50 world hair hero’s book. He’s listed alongside Oribe, Robert Cromeans and Kris Sorbie of Redken. In the 50 Hairstylists book, he says: “At one time in Beverly Hills, I ... Read more...
02.5.09 · 8:09 AM
Bailed out bankers cancel visit — and private superstar concerts
It was no surprise yesterday when Wells Fargo bankers finally caved in to their self-created public relations disaster and canceled their massive trip to Las Vegas — after they’d received a $25 billion check from the government bailout program! Let me remind you that the government bailout money comes from your hard-earned taxed dollars administered by elected officials who give you no say in how it’s spent. The mortgage specialists were set for a lavish12-day stay at the Wynn and ... Read more...
02.5.09 · 7:32 AM
Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit models to make their Las Vegas debut
The sexy swimsuit models of Sports Illustrated are about to hit Las Vegas for the first time, and it all starts next week with Tuesday’s unveiling of the new bathing beauty cover girl! Vegas DeLuxe has learned that the 45-year tradition will make Sin City a central theme next week. Late-night talk show host David Letterman is set to unwrap the first printing to introduce the 2009 edition of the Sports Illustrated special issue with a stunt on his show ... Read more...
02.5.09 · 7:04 AM
Photo Gallery: Kat Von D shows off her body art and Holly Huddleston her tan
As the star of TLC’s top-rated reality TV series L.A. Ink, Kat Von D has amazed viewers with her own body art creations. Kat even told me once that there’s only about 20 percent left to adorn with even more wild designs! She has become one of the world’s most sought-after tattoo artists at her High Voltage Tattoo store in Hollywood. Tonight, Kat launches her appropriately titled book High Voltage Tattoo at Tao in The Venetian, and several celebrities — ... Read more...
02.5.09 · 6:28 AM
Gordie Brown returns to town after touring with Celine Dion
Multi-talented entertainer and impressionist Gordie Brown left his Venetian showroom last year to go on the road with fellow Canadian Celine Dion. Gordie was the opening act for the North American leg of Celine’s worldwide Taking Chances Tour. Now he returns home to Vegas and tonight kicks off the premiere of his all-new show in his own Gordie Brown showroom at the Golden Nugget downtown. Gordie was signed to a multi-year headline contract last September, but it isn’t until now ... Read more...
02.5.09 · 6 AM
Morning Call: Ne-Yo commutes between L.A., Las Vegas ahead of Grammys
When hometown hero and superstar singer Ne-Yo takes the stage at The Pearl Concert Theater in the Palms tonight, he will be just 72 hours away from perhaps the biggest night of his life. Shaffer Chimere Smith, 29, who grew up most of his teen life in Las Vegas, is nominated for six Grammy Awards, which will be televised by CBS from Los Angeles on Sunday night. The singer-songwriter who won a Grammy last year for Best Contemporary R&B Album ... Read more...
02.4.09 · 6:13 PM
Video: Siegfried & Roy tour institute; a few performance highlights
Siegfried & Roy are given a tour of the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute in downtown Las Vegas by Lou Ruvo Brain Institute founding Chairman Larry Ruvo. Also: a few highlights of the Magicians of the Century’s performances. Read more...
02.4.09 · 9:34 AM
Strip Scribbles: Tickets to go on sale for Elton John’s final Red Piano dates
Tickets go on sale tomorrow for Sir Elton John’s final stand at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace. Elton’s Red Piano was booked on Valentine’s Day 2004 for just 75 shows over three years, but he sped up the performances — in just 18 months, the commitment was completed! Caesars extended his contract with another 166 dates; when Elton calls it quits April 22, the total run will be 241 performances. The Piano Man began his performances yesterday and runs through ... Read more...
02.4.09 · 8:26 AM
The Palms serves as party central for Snoop Dogg and company
After calling Las Vegas home for several years for its annual SIA Tradeshow, the skiers and snowboarders are relocating to Denver. But the SnowSports Industries America attendees had one big blowout at Rain in the Palms with superstar rapper Snoop Dogg entertaining at a free concert. Our contributing photographer Hew Burney was as close-as-could-be for these photos of the Skull Candy headphone promotion. In the past few days, the Palms has been hit with an avalanche of stars, including another ... Read more...
02.4.09 · 7:57 AM
It’s a pie in the sky challenge for local personalities
It might well be a mess and some of the poorest pizzas ever cooked, but it’s all for charity. Hopefully fans will not be too disappointed, and, at the very least, it will be creative! Tonight, several Strip stars and local DJ & TV personalities will fire up the ovens to open the new Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza on 215 and West Flamingo. I’ve taken a couple of lessons from star chef Wolfgang Puck, so the dough remains in my hands ... Read more...
02.4.09 · 7:18 AM
Photo Gallery: Las Vegas-born Juicy Couture ripe with success
Viva La Juicy! It’s one of the most successful fashion business stories to ever come out of Las Vegas! The tale of triumph began in December 2004 when Juicy Couture’s co-founders and creative directors Gela Nash-Taylor and Pamela Skaist-Levy opened their first 1,500-sqare-foot location at Caesar’s Palace’s Forum Shops. Today they have 61 stores across America with another five set to open before year’s end. That’s in addition to the 15-plus stores overseas in Italy, Japan, Hong Kong and Dubai, ... Read more...
02.4.09 · 6:38 AM
CityCenter rises at the heart of the Strip
The new and extraordinary images from MGM’s 62-plus-acre CityCenter at the heart of the Strip are simply stunning, and for the first time, the reality of the emerging community is even bigger and better than once dreamed in the first architectural drawings. As the Veer Towers near completion, the opposing angles designed by Helmut Jahn emerge in their own compelling, opposing angles. The signage for the Aria resort casino has been put in place, and the old and the new ... Read more...
02.4.09 · 5:55 AM
Britney Spears wins battle with ex and his lawyers
Proving she’s back in control of her life, pop princess Britney Spears laid down the law with an iron fist when lawyers for her ex, Kevin Federline, tried to change visitation rights to her youngsters Sean Preston and Jayden James. The superstar had apparently agreed to pay her one-time dancer-rapper husband an extra $4,000-plus a week and first-class travel expenses while she was out on her 33-city Circus Tour. K-Fed also was going to get a furnished, luxury apartment rental ... Read more...
02.4.09 · 12:01 AM
Exclusive: Siegfried & Roy to take final bow on ABC special from Las Vegas; duo tours Lou Ruvo Brain Institute
“Magicians of the Century” Siegfried & Roy have begun final rehearsals for their “reunion” — and farewell performance, Vegas DeLuxe can now exclusively reveal. Later today, it’s expected to be officially announced that the incredible illusionists will appear on The Return of Siegfried & Roy, a one-hour prime-time ABC special to be filmed live at the Keep Memory Alive “Power of Love” gala in the Bellagio on Feb. 28. “We never got to say a proper goodbye,” Roy told me ... Read more...
02.3.09 · 9:29 AM
Strip Scribbles: Usher hits the town while recording new album at the Palms
Superstar Usher has been a part-time Las Vegas resident the past few weeks while recording his new album at the recording studio in George Maloof’s Palms, and Grammy Award-winning singer-producer Jermaine Dupri has worked with him on at least one of the new tracks. Usher has turned up at a number of nightspots in between laying down the tracks. In one break, he took Jermaine and other friends to LAX in the Luxor, where they palled up with Starlight Tattoo ... Read more...
02.3.09 · 8:34 AM
Photo Gallery: It’s Gene Simmons vs. Carrot Top in battle of the tongues
KISS frontman Gene Simmons did double duty on his visit to Las Vegas to host the launch of the “Moneybag” parties at Carey Hart’s Wasted Space in the Hard Rock Hotel. He brought his reality show cameras with him to film an episode of Family Jewels and recruited zany Luxor headliner comedian Carrot Top and Jason Dussault to join in the fun. Before hitting the Hard Rock, Gene and Carrot Top stopped for dinner at the nearby Buca di Beppo, ... Read more...
02.3.09 · 7:56 AM
Barbie, at age 50, is still an ageless blonde beauty
It’s said to be the height of rudeness for a man to ask a lady her age, but how could one resist when it comes to the world’s most famous blonde doll? In fact, Barbie is turning 50! How old that makes Ken is anybody’s guess. To celebrate the milestone, Barbie (OK, models resembling her) posed for a luxury magazine photo shoot in the Palazzo’s stores and restaurants to commemorate her style through the ages. The looks included 1960s Barbie ... Read more...
02.3.09 · 7:01 AM
Lauren Conrad celebrates her 23rd birthday with new beau Kyle Howard
It looks as if actress and fashion designer Lauren Conrad of MTV’s The Hills has found herself a new beau — and actor Kyle Howard was right by her side at her Las Vegas birthday celebrations! Lauren decided a quick Vegas trip was the perfect way to celebrate, and she turned up with Kyle and her BFF Lauren “Lo” Bosworth at Lavo in the Palazzo. It wasn’t a surprise party, but the group arrived ahead of her and had purchased ... Read more...
02.3.09 · 6:27 AM
Miss America scores Super Bowl tickets and aims to bring NFL event to town
New Miss America Katie Stam is aiming to bring the “Taste of the NFL” extravaganza to Las Vegas next January for the 2010 Miss America Pageant. Katie took part in the official food bank charity during Super Bowl XLIII and wowed everybody so much that the NFL might now team up with the Miss America Organization. If plans materialize, a chef and a football star from every NFL team would join with next year’s state pageant winners for a “Taste ... Read more...
02.3.09 · 5:57 AM
Morning Call: Robert De Niro and Nobu settle waiters’ lawsuit for $2.5 million
In the past several months, class-action lawyers have been battling celebrity chefs and restaurant investors over tip pooling. Now actor Robert De Niro and his business partner, chef Nobu Matsuhisa, are going to shell out $2.5 million to settle one claim. Other lawsuits filed by aggressive lawyers — all in New York — still to be heard or settled involve celebrity chefs Bobby Flay and his Mesa Grill, which has an outpost at Caesars Palace; Top Chef’s Tom Colicchio, who ... Read more...
02.2.09 · 11:54 AM
Strip Scribbles: Our hometown magic stars are all over TV this week
All week long, TV talk show host and comedian Craig Ferguson will be featuring Las Vegas magicians on his Late Late Show on CBS. It starts tonight with Monte Carlo headliner Lance Burton. Craig welcomes Jason Randal tomorrow, Jason Hudy on Wednesday and Ed Alonzo on Thursday, with Craig trying his own magic tricks Friday. Two other shows tonight also feature Vegas magicians. On Discovery Channel’s One Way Out, watch escapologist Jonathan Goodwin careen from a high-dive tumble down a ... Read more...
02.2.09 · 10:29 AM
Photo Galleries: Triple the fun on the Strip after UFC 94; Tito Ortiz opens store
The bluff and bravado didn’t pay off for a bruised and battered B.J. Penn, who wound up in a hospital after his collapse in the cage against tough man Georges St. Pierre. It was a brutal beating for the Hawaiian who had boasted that he’d nail a second championship belt in UFC 94 at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday night. His rival Canadian fighter claimed victory for a second time when the referee stopped the fight after the fourth ... Read more...
02.2.09 · 9:57 AM
Wilmer Valderrama celebrates his 29th birthday at Pure
Actor Wilmer Valderrama couldn’t sit still at his 29th birthday party — and, in between celebrating at Pure in Caesars Palace, he couldn’t resist joining his pal DJ XXL in the sound booth to emcee his own party! Joining him on the main club stage were a star-studded group of friends including Nicky Hilton and her boyfriend David Katzenberg, UFC color commentator and TV host Joe Rogan, comedian Nick Swardson, actor Adam Rodriguez of CSI: Miami and NFL pros Melvin ... Read more...
02.2.09 · 9:08 AM
Photo Gallery: Disturbed pulverizes The Pearl; NOFX jams at The Joint
Nobody expected singer Dave Draiman to wear a Hannibal Lecter-type mask and a straitjacket to start the concert at The Pearl Concert Theatre in the Palms over the weekend, but it seemed appropriate for his group Disturbed. Our contributing photographer Scott Harrison was front row center for these photographs. At the penultimate show in The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel, before Motley Crue plays the final concerts in the legendary rock venue next weekend before it shuts its doors ... Read more...
02.2.09 · 8:34 AM
Photo Gallery: Flavor Flav works the NATPE convention at Mandalay Bay
Having conquered hip-hop and reality TV, rapper Flavor Flav is now branching out into regular television, and he debuted his new late-night horror series at the National Association of Television Program Executives convention at Mandalay Bay. Flavor Flav is the host of Dean Taylor’s Nite Tales, which stars Tony Todd, Tyrin Turner, Sticky Fingers and Fredo Starr. The fright fest is a twisted double-feature horror extravaganza that tells the story of a group of would-be robbers making an escape that ... Read more...
02.2.09 · 7:35 AM
Photo Gallery: X girls entertain at Hard Rock; Super Bowl numbers down
Dozens of pre-Super Bowl parties were canceled in Tampa, Fla., including Playboy and Sports Illustrated magazines’ famous pregame bashes — and even private jet flights in and out of the airport there were way down from last year! NBC reported it sold out its prized Super Bowl commercials just 48 hours before the broadcast; in the past, ads have sold out a year in advance. Longtime advertiser General Motors canceled its ad plans altogether! The economic doom and gloom is ... Read more...
02.2.09 · 6:28 AM
Morning Call Photo Gallery: Miss America wows sports world at Super Bowl
Everywhere 22-year-old Katie Stam went over the weekend in Tampa, Fla., for Super Bowl XLIII, she dazzled and wowed — even the tough guys who hold the prized Super Bowl championship rings went weak in the knees! Miss America 2009 could have fielded her own championship team the way she had the NFL hunks and legends cooing over her! Our contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was on hand with last weekend’s Planet Hollywood pageant winner when former San Francisco 49ers wide ... Read more...
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