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Robin Leach: Luxe Life
What's your story? If you are a celebrity in Vegas, Robin Leach wants to know.
01.30.09 · 11:23 AM
Strip Scribbles: The Strip’s Divine Miss Moneymaker
With record sales plunging to all-time lows and concert promoters canceling shows even after slashing ticket prices, one veteran is still going strong in the face of these tough economic times. New figures released for Bette Midler’s The Showgirl Must Go On at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace are remarkably strong as the top revenue-generating show on the Strip. Bette sold a solid total of 13,837 seats the week of Jan. 13, with prices ranging from $95 to $250 that ... Read more...
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Facebook01.30.09 · 10:06 AM
Mystere looks forward to at least another five years at T.I.
The monthlong celebration of 15 years of Mystere performances comes to an end tomorrow night, and I will join the cast and crew for their blowout. It’s been an extraordinary run, and, as we told you last week (click HERE), new Treasure Island owner Phil Ruffin says he wants to keep it running for many more years to come! The show opened on Christmas Day in 1993, and in 1994 Time deemed it “a gorgeously surreal, thrilling theatrical pageant” and ... Read more...
01.30.09 · 8:42 AM
B.J. Penn hopes to avenge loss to Georges St. Pierre for second MMA title
UFC head honcho Dana White hails it as “the super-fight”! When B.J. Penn and Georges St. Pierre step into the ring tomorrow night at MGM Grand Garden Arena, it certainly will be an eagerly awaited showdown. B.J., nicknamed “The Prodigy,” may conquer “Rush” St. Pierre in the “revenge and redemption rivalry.” If successful, B.J. would become the first UFC fighter to ever hold two championship belts in different weight categories simultaneously. That would produce an incredible predicament: Just which title ... Read more...
01.30.09 · 7:43 AM
Will sports books hit the magic $100 million mark for Super Bowl betting?
It’s one of the biggest — if not the very biggest — days in sports book betting. It’s the game of all games, and the bet of all betting. Last year when the New York Giants played the New England Patriots, some $92 million flowed into our sports books, just shy of the previous record of $94.5 million on the Pittsburgh Steelers-Seattle Seahawks game three years ago in Super Bowl XL. Even with the national economy in tatters, sports book ... Read more...
01.30.09 · 12:01 AM
Photo Gallery: Miss America dazzles Super Bowl stars; strong ratings for TLC
The Miss America Pageant broadcast live from Planet Hollywood last weekend scored very strong ratings, making it cable TV’s most-watched show of the night. In addition, with 3.5 million viewers, The Learning Channel was ranked third for the evening behind major networks Fox and CBS and ahead of ABC, NBC, the CW and UPN! Just as I was receiving the official Nielsen Research data, my phone rang and there was shining star Katie Stam calling from Tampa, Fla., to tell ... Read more...
01.29.09 · 2:37 PM
It’s out with the old and in with the new for star chef Andre Rochat
Legendary, celebrated Las Vegas chef Andre Rochat literally closed his famous downtown eatery one day and opened his new fine dining restaurant the next! He did it without dropping a pan or missing a stir of the whisk! For 29 years, the king of the kitchen ruled at Andre’s downtown and served everybody from Frank Sinatra to our merry Mayor of Mirth Oscar Goodman as regular customers. He even opened two other restaurants: one at the Monte Carlo and another, ... Read more...
01.29.09 · 1:32 PM
The Joint readies for its closing — and reopening — at the Hard Rock
Vegas Deluxe has told you previously that Motley Crue will bring the Hard Rock Hotel’s concert venue The Joint to an illustrious close Feb. 6 and 7. Then hometown heroes The Killers, who are currently on tour, reopen the all-new Joint on April 17 hard on the heels of their return from Australian and European dates. Now, for the first time, we’re beginning to learn more about the new $60 million nightspot with these artist’s renderings. The new Joint will ... Read more...
01.29.09 · 12:57 PM
Strip Scribbles: N.Y. and L.A. stations pick up Marie Osmond’s new talk show
At the National Association of Television Program Executives convention in Mandalay Bay yesterday, Marie Osmond received word that TV stations in the crucial New York and Los Angeles markets have picked up her new variety talk show for next fall. That puts the nationwide clearance at 70 percent, so everything is looking good for the Las Vegas-based program to get the official green light in 30 days. One of my Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous and Star Search colleagues ... Read more...
01.29.09 · 11:23 AM
Make-A-Wish Foundation transforms teenager into a rock star for a day
Superstar singer Pink and her on-and-off-again ex-husband Carey Hart made a dream come true for a 15-year-old girl when the Make-A-Wish Foundation granted its 1,000th wish. Diana, who suffers from a heart condition that requires a pacemaker, always wanted to be a rock star for a day, and the good folks at the Hard Rock Hotel pulled out all the stops to make it a sensation. We’ve withheld Diana’s last name for privacy purposes, but when she arrived at the ... Read more...
01.29.09 · 10:56 AM
Photo Gallery: The Head Cat purrs picture perfectly
Three major rockers comprise the rockabilly group The Head Cat, and since their formation in 2000 to record an Elvis Presley tribute album (then as The Swing Cats), they’ve been making rare and occasional performances when their other band schedules permit it. Vocalist Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead, drummer Slim Jim Phantom of The Stray Cats and guitarist Danny Harvey of The Rockets and Lonesome Spurs make up the trio. They formed the group after playing old favorite songs by Johnny ... Read more...
01.29.09 · 10:08 AM
Odd couple Gene Simmons and Carrot Top grab a bite at Buca di Beppo
KISS frontman Gene Simmons taped an episode of his A&E reality TV hit series Gene Simmons: Family Jewels last night at Buca di Beppo just off the Strip — and Luxor headlining comedian Carrot Top dropped by as a guest! The pair wound up eating dinner together as only the zany comic could do. This priceless shot is easily our top photo today. Read more...
01.29.09 · 9:36 AM
Wynns ‘were and are a great working team’; Elaine ‘in a good place’
Hotel mogul Steve Wynn and his wife, Elaine, who have reportedly split up for a second time (click HERE for our story yesterday), have not yet spoken about the reasons behind the split — and aren’t expected to, either. However, their closest friends have begun talking about the break-up. “It wasn’t a surprise to us. We’d known about it for quite a while,” one of Steve’s closest pals told me last night. “It was a surprise the way it was ... Read more...
01.29.09 · 8:39 AM
Playboy Club model search reveals its first winner
Each month this year, one Las Vegas model beauty will be selected as the Playboy Club’s monthly winner in a new contest. Not only will the winners be featured in the 2010 Playboy Club calendar, but they also have a shot at being included in a Playboy magazine layout. This year’s first winner, Miss January, is 21-year-old Destiny Moniz, who was selected by Jessica Burciaga, Playboy’s February 2009 Playmate of the Month. Jessica shot part of her pictorial at the ... Read more...
01.29.09 · 7:45 AM
Photo Gallery: Congratulations to Celine Dion on new pregnancy?
In the same week that superstar singer Celine Dion celebrated the 8th birthday of her son Rene-Charles and the birthday of her husband Rene Angelil’s son Patrick, rumors that she’s pregnant again have started again. If true, congratulations are in order because Celine, now 40, always wanted a baby sister or brother for her son — and admitted that, just as with him, she was attempting it with the same successful in vitro procedure she’d undertaken back in 2000. The ... Read more...
01.28.09 · 1:59 PM
The ultimate rich and famous lifestyle awaits at Steve Wynn’s Encore
It’s easy to see how casino mogul Steve Wynn spent more than $2 billion on his newest Las Vegas creation the 2,034-room the Encore! It positively purrs with no-limits luxury and lavishness. I feel as if I am writing a script for an episode of my old TV show Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous. It is a palace of platinum pleasures. It is a resort of royal riches. It is a modern-day wonder of wealth and over-the-top opulence. I ... Read more...
01.28.09 · 11 AM
Page Six reports second split for Steve and Elaine Wynn
It’s over — again — for Steve Wynn and his wife, Elaine, says the New York Post. Several sources confirm to Page Six that the couple split “several months ago but have been trying to keep it quiet.” Wynn officials are preparing a statement to respond to the report, and we will post that statement as soon as it is made available. The reason, the sources say, is that the 67-year-old Las Vegas billionaire has “fallen in love with a ... Read more...
01.28.09 · 10:13 AM
Strip Scribbles: Hairspray actress shrugs off busted romance with The Hills star
Actress Amanda Bynes of Hairspray and She’s the Man isn’t shedding any tears over her breakup with Doug Reinhardt of The Hills. On her whirlwind visit to Las Vegas, not only did she party like a new solo sensation, but she also was eager eyes over one attractive male suitor! The 23-year-old former Nickelodeon star was spotted all over the Palazzo and The Venetian the past few days, and she and four friends (two guys and two girls) lunched at ... Read more...
01.28.09 · 9:21 AM
Fuego Raw Talent Live morphs into Fuego night spot at The Rio
Entertainment producer Nicole Durr, aka N.D., has pulled off a miracle. She’s moved her Latin dance show Fuego Raw Talent Live from the Sahara, where it closed this month, to The Rio, where it will debut in a new evolution of Las Vegas nightlife. The interactive production, complete with live performances, will transform Prince’s old theater space into the new Fuego nightlife destination. Details of the revolutionary concept are scheduled for release today at a special Cafe Martorano luncheon in ... Read more...
01.28.09 · 8:47 AM
Michael Jackson gets OK from Nederlander to turn Thriller into Broadway musical
King of Pop Michael Jackson, who bounces between homes here in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, might be headed to New York! It’s now official that his 1982 smash album Thriller will be turned into a musical theater production by the Nederlander Organization, who have acquired the rights. Thriller: the Musical will include Michael’s songs from the biggest-selling album in history and his 1979 hit album Off the Wall. Executives for Nederlander said the theater production would re-create the tale ... Read more...
01.28.09 · 8:12 AM
Photo Gallery: Shanna Moakler has a Girls Night Out at Prive
For the second time in a month, former Miss USA blonde bombshell Shanna Moakler returned to the Strip, but this time the one-time bare-it-all Playboy model was without ex-husband and Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker! Shanna hosted a Girls Night Out party at Prive in Planet Hollywood and brought along several girlfriends for the fun festivities. “It’s rare when we can just catch up as girlfriends out by ourselves, so it was a special night,” Shanna said. Her group stuck with ... Read more...
01.28.09 · 7:45 AM
Morning Call Photo Gallery: Rapper T.I. strips for Jet’s third anniversary; then it’s off to the Grammys and prison
It’s one of those stories a Hollywood scriptwriter couldn’t even conjure up! It’s one of those stories that has to be filed under “Only in Las Vegas”! Superstar rapper T.I. wound up in only his red-and-white-striped boxers after his performance at Jet in The Mirage on Monday night. Next, T.I. turns up at the Grammy Awards on Feb. 5, performing sets with Justin Timberlake and then in a group with Jay Z, Lil Wayne and Kanye West. Then he must ... Read more...
01.27.09 · 3:37 PM
Final Miss America Pageant notes: Mario meets the president, and the judge with a ‘hole in her heart’
This year’s Miss America Pageant host Mario Lopez is one really busy guy! In addition to his daily hosting duties on Extra, Mario’s continuing on with hosting MTV’s highest-rated series America’s Best Dance Crew. When I talked with him backstage during Miss America Pageant duties, Mario told me he also will be returning to his role on FX’s Nip/Tuck, too! And if that’s not enough on his plate, Mario’s also writing a children’s book, Mud Tacos, with his sister Marisa. ... Read more...
01.27.09 · 1:58 PM
Strip Scribbles: All Yoko Ono needs is Love at The Mirage
Yoko Ono made a return visit last night to see The Beatles Love at The Mirage. Her lawyer Peter Shukat and two friends accompanied her. After the 7 p.m. performance, Yoko, sipping on Fiji water, led the group backstage to meet the cast and crew. The widow of John Lennon was intimately involved in the creative process of the Cirque du Soleil show for more than a year before it opened. She attended workshop run-throughs and the premiere and has ... Read more...
01.27.09 · 11:56 AM
Photo Gallery: Mad Men stars launch revue as TV program execs arrive in town for NATPE
Several stars of the award-winning AMC series Mad Men, including Tom Hanks’ son Colin and Broadway actor Robert Morse, will debut A Night on the Town for one performance this evening at the MGM Hollywood Theatre, and it’s not just to kick off the annual National Association of Television Program Executives convention at Mandalay Bay. The cast and crew of the Emmy-, Golden Globe- and Screen Actors Guild-winning series are hoping that it might mean a permanent gig on the ... Read more...
01.27.09 · 10:37 AM
Phil Ruffin’s $172 million(!) IRS tax payment … and a street-side Strip cafe?
My colleague Steve Freiss walked away with some tasty tidbits from his sit-down with Treasure Island’s new owner, Phil Ruffin. You can hear the entire interview at www.thestrippodcast.com, but Steve emailed me the highlights! Phil says that because there is no street-side cafe along the Strip between Circus Circus and Caesars Palace, he’s thinking of carving some space out of the Sirens lagoon at T.I. for a Buccaneer Cafe! Phil, who was at one time going to build a luxury ... Read more...
01.27.09 · 9:43 AM
Star chefs are betting Obama boosts restaurant business and improves healthy food options
Top chefs at Las Vegas eateries are thrilled about President Obama’s eating habits and believe his dining out style will energize the restaurant and food business. Several of America’s star chefs were in the nation’s capital for the presidential inauguration, and now they are saying that Obama’s flair for good food also will improve the country’s healthy food choices. Although former President George W. Bush rarely dined out, the chefs believe that Obama will be seen out in restaurants far ... Read more...
01.27.09 · 8:30 AM
Morning Call Photo Gallery: Sony Pictures Classics to release Mike Tyson film
The first time we reported on Mike Tyson’s warts and all documentary was when he unveiled it at last spring’s Cannes Film Festival, but nothing became of it. Now Tyson has finally been sold to Sony Pictures Classics, and the story of his remarkable rise and fall will go into wide release. The deal was inked this past weekend at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, and the former heavyweight champion, who now lives here in Las Vegas, was there ... Read more...
01.26.09 · 2:05 PM
Exclusive: New Miss America Katie Stam talks about the road to the crown, the year ahead and romance
Just five days before she won the 2009 Miss America title, 22-year-old Miss Indiana Katie Stam was KO’d by a throat infection and laryngitis that made her hoarse! It was right before her crucial judges’ interview — and, because she took prescription medicine for the first time in her life, she also lost a night’s sleep. You would never have known that behind-the-scenes drama when her performance of the biblical song “Via Dolorosa” in the talent competition won her raves ... Read more...
01.26.09 · 12:34 PM
Strip Scribbles: With Miss America Pageant over, the focus now turns to Miss USA
With Miss America departing town, the beauty focus now goes to the Miss USA Pageant, also to be broadcast live from Planet Hollywood. Hair king Michael Boychuck hosted Miss Nevada Georgina Vaughan and Miss Washington Tera Turnure at his Color salon in Caesars Palace while they were filming their reality show B Girls. The cameras also are following Miss Idaho Melissa Weber and three Miss Teen USA contestants before the big competitions this spring. The reality show airs the week ... Read more...
01.26.09 · 11:03 AM
Photo Gallery: Lion and dragon dances welcome Chinese New Year and the Year of the Ox
Our town has thrown out the welcome mat for our Chinese friends as they celebrate their New Year! Celebrations for The Year of the Ox began over the weekend and go full force today. (The ox is the second animal in the Asian zodiac and is a symbol of prosperity, self-assurance, inspiration and leadership.) One of the best and most respected martial arts, dragon and lion dance organizations in the world with more than 3,000 members, Yau Kung Moon kicked ... Read more...
01.26.09 · 9:32 AM
It’s an all-star turnout for Steve Wynn’s birthday bash
It was the most exclusive and private of Las Vegas birthday celebrations. Hotel tycoon Steve Wynn promised his 200 guests that there’d be no media and cameras as they celebrated his 67th birthday and the official opening of the Encore over the weekend. Steve kept his word — for the first time, even we don’t have any photos! It read like a Hollywood super agent’s top-secret Blackberry contact list. Legendary stars Angie Dickenson, Phyllis McGuire, Robert Wagner and Paul Anka ... Read more...
01.26.09 · 8:30 AM
Morning Call Photo Exclusive: Supermodel Heidi Klum films Germany’s Next Top Model all over Las Vegas
Supermodel Heidi Klum successfully juggles a triple TV career while playing wife and mom — and is as cool as a cucumber in the middle of all that chaos! The beautiful Victoria’s Secret model and Project Runway personality is a superstar back in her home country of Germany, and her weekend of filming Germany’s Next Top Model was a case of the Fatherland coming to her rather than her flying to Frankfurt and Berlin. One of Heidi’s location scenes was ... Read more...
01.25.09 · 11 AM
YouTube: 2009 Miss America Pageant highlights
Miss the 2009 Miss America Pageant telecast from Planet Hollywood on TLC last night? Fear not, for the Miss America Organization has posted highlights on YouTube! Plus, TLC will be rerunning the pageant hosted by Mario Lopez in the next few weeks. Read more...
01.25.09 · 9:30 AM
Photo Galleries: 2009 Miss America Pageant at Planet Hollywood
Relive through voluminous and luminous photographs the crowning of 22-year-old Miss Indiana Katie Stam as this year’s Miss America last night at Planet Hollywood’s Theatre for the Performing Arts, from Katie’s swimsuit, evening gown, talent and interview to host Mario Lopez’s announcement of the winner to the passing of the tiara and sash from 2008 Miss America Kirsten Haglund. Tomorrow, we’ll have an exclusive interview with Katie and final notes on this year’s Miss America Pageant. For photos of all ... Read more...
01.24.09 · 9:25 PM
New Miss America Katie Stam counts her many blessings
She said it over and over tonight: “I’m blessed. … So blessed. … This is a blessing. … I’m so very blessed. … I have the blessing of family. … The scholarship money is a blessing.” And who can argue? The new 2009 Miss America is Katie Stam, who wants to one day be a TV news reporter and anchor and seems at the very least to be … blessed … in the fame the Miss America tiara presents. In ... Read more...
01.24.09 · 7:01 PM
Miss Indiana Katie Stam is crowned 2009 Miss America; Miss Georgia is first runner-up
Miss Indiana Katie Stam was crowned 2009 Miss America at the live pageant hosted by Mario Lopez in Planet Hollywood’s Theatre for the Performing Arts on the Las Vegas Strip. Katie is Indiana’s first Miss America winner. The previous three Miss Americas — 2008 Miss America Kirsten Haglund, 2007 Miss America Lauren Nelson and 2006 Miss America Jennifer Berry Gooden — predicted that 22-year-old Katie would win before the competition! Miss Georgia Chasity Hardman was first runner-up. Also winning scholarships ... Read more...
01.24.09 · 4:45 PM
Live Blog: Reporting from the 2009 Miss America Pageant at Planet Hollywood, it’s Robin Leach
4:37 p.m. PT: The doors are closed, and, maintaining its 80-plus-year tradition, Miss America 2009 is ready to get underway. Everything is ready to roll, and handsome host Mario Lopez is ready to waltz with the 52 contestants for the parade of states production number. I am five rows behind the judges at center stage, so I’ll report everything exactly as they see and call it. We will be back at the top of the hour with the judges’ first ... Read more...
01.24.09 · 11:45 AM
Photos Galleries: Let the competition in the 2009 Miss America Pageant begin!
The 52 contestants in the 2009 Miss America Pageant faced off in the traditional three competitions — fitness and lifestyle (formerly swimsuit), evening gown and talent — to determine the top finalists leading up to tonight’s live telecast from Planet Hollywood. Check out the photo galleries of the 52 beauty queens in each category … yes, that’s 156 photos! Read more...
01.24.09 · 9:30 AM
Miss America Pageant host Mario Lopez excitedly counts down to live broadcast from Planet Hollywood
With less than eight hours to curtain up on the 2009 Miss America Pageant live from Planet Hollywood, host Mario Lopez says: “I’m excited more than I am nervous. I love live television, and, although hosting is a real challenge, at the best of times, the secret is to just have fun with it.” Mario admitted that he was hoping rehearsals would go well enough yesterday afternoon that he would be “Dancing With the Queens” for the opening production number. ... Read more...
01.24.09 · 7:30 AM
Morning Call Photo Gallery: Legendary George Jones is still country’s king after more than 50 years
For more than half a century, country king George Jones has ruled at the top, and he’s still going strong, performing more than 100 concerts annually on the road! Last night, George, 77, kicked off the first of two nights of sold-out shows at the Silverton Casino Lodge, and scalpers couldn’t even buy tickets to resell at a profit. George’s fans ensured that they grabbed them all up for themselves the minute they went on sale. Our contributing photographers Erik ... Read more...
01.23.09 · 8 PM
Cast your vote! Public may now select four Miss America Pageant state winners to move on to the final 15
Moments ago, 15 gold sash finalists were named as winners on the final episode of TLC’s four-part reality TV series Miss America: Countdown to the Crown. Viewers across America can now start voting via the Internet at www.tlc.com/missamerica and text messaging, and the four beauty queens who garner the most votes will wind up in the final running for 2009 Miss America tomorrow night. It’s the first time ever viewers actually have an opportunity to choose the new Miss America. ... Read more...
01.23.09 · 3:40 PM
Mystere celebrates 15 years in Sin City with a special gift from new T.I. owner
Cirque du Soleil starts the official celebration of 15 years of its debut Las Vegas show Mystere this weekend, and Treasure Island’s new owner, Phil Ruffin, wants to keep it running for another five years in addition to its three years on its current contract! Ruffin says that, even after 15 years, occupancy remains at 85 percent year-round in the 1,629-seat theater, and Phil wants it there until at least 2016. He told my colleague Steve Freiss at www.StripPodcast.com that ... Read more...
01.23.09 · 1:55 PM
Strip Scribbles: 2009 Miss America Pageant judge is at work on new Las Vegas salon and spa
Hollywood celebrity hairstylist Ken Paves has a double agenda during his visit to Las Vegas as a judge of the 2009 Miss America Pageant. Ken’s about to open with Nicole Oden the new Eleven Spa at Town Square. It’s a 20,000-sqare-foot facility opposite McCarran Airport at the south end of the Strip, and it comes complete with its own helipad to fly in top-notch celebrity clientele! Eleven Spa will offer treatments in 28 rooms with six makeup stations and a ... Read more...
01.23.09 · 12:27 PM
Photo Gallery: Former Miss Americas gather for luncheon at Neiman Marcus
As the final 48 hours tick down to the crowning of Miss America 2009, the pre-show highlight this evening is the “Dinner of Dreams” with entertainer Marie Osmond as the special guest. Miss America 1981 Susan Powell will play host along with two Las Vegas winners of the title, Kirsten Haglund (the reigning Miss America from Michigan) and Lauren Nelson, Miss America 2007. Miss America 1965 Vonda Van Dyke, who won the talent contest as a ventriloquist, may even pull ... Read more...
01.23.09 · 11:41 AM
Vinnie Favorito’s reward for his insults? A three-year contract renewal
It obviously pays to insult people! Comedian and celebrity roaster Vinnie Favorito has proved so popular insulting his audiences that Flamingo President Don Marrandino has just extended Vinnie’s contract there for another three years. “Anyone coming to Vinnie’s show should check their humility at the door. No one and no topic is off limits in his theater,” Don said. “Vinnie never does the same show twice, and audience members will never forget their turn in the hot seat. It’s a ... Read more...
01.23.09 · 11:07 AM
Las Vegas receives more Mobil Five-Star awards
Known as the world’s ultimate chef, Joel Robuchon once again won the highest Mobil Travel Guide Five-Star award yesterday for his celebrated restaurant at the MGM Grand. It was back in September 2005 when he opened his first fine dining eatery in America at the MGM Grand that he won for the first time here! Since then, his restaurant has won rave reviews and received the Mobil Five-Star, Michelin Three-Star and AAA Five-Diamond awards, the top accolades for each of ... Read more...
01.23.09 · 9:56 AM
It’s back to work for Criss & Holly after 10-day Mexico vacation
After a 10-day vacation in sun-soaked Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Mindfreak magician Criss Angel and his Girls Next Door love mate Holly Madison return to Las Vegas this weekend, and Criss resumes Believe at the Luxor for Cirque du Soleil. During the pre-planned vacation for the entire cast and crew, Cirque’s fixation team began introducing changes to the production, as with all Cirque productions after the first 100 shows. “This will continue through to the end of March exactly as ... Read more...
01.23.09 · 8:46 AM
Steve Wynn to celebrate his birthday with Chairman’s Ball at the Encore
Congratulations to hotel mogul Steve Wynn, who celebrates his 67th birthday this weekend at his just-opened the Encore that sits alongside his successful the Wynn. Steve’s Chairman’s Ball — named in a tip of the hat to Frank Sinatra — will be stacked with 200 high-roller, VIP and celebrity friends. The birthday bash also marks the official private-celebration opening of the Encore. The birthday ball comes just 48 hours after the prestigious Mobil Travel Guide awarded the Wynn top Five-Star ... Read more...
01.23.09 · 6:55 AM
Morning Call Photo Gallery: Miss Vermont and Miss New York win scholarships on third and final night of preliminary competition
Miss Vermont won a $2,000 scholarship in the talent category on the third and final night of preliminary Miss America Pageant competition. Miss New York won a $1,000 scholarship in the lifestyle and fitness category. Ashley Wheeler of Vermont won for her vocal performance of “God Bless America,” and Leigh-Taylor Smith won in a black Winnwear swimsuit. The competition was held in the Theatre for the Performing Arts at Planet Hollywood. Tonight, the 52 contestants will attend the “Dinner of ... Read more...
01.22.09 · 4:34 PM
Miss Kentucky Emily Cox wins Quality of Life Award and $6,000 scholarship
Miss Kentucky, the lovely Emily Cox, was named today as this year’s Miss America Quality of Life Award winner. Emily was recognized for her work on her platform, “Uniquely Me: Promoting Self-Esteem in Adolescent Girls,” and she will receive a $6,000 scholarship. Emily herself struggled with low self-esteem before she came to realize that, regardless of socio-economic status, race or academic ability, kids are constantly pressured to meet expectations they can’t even define. With that in mind, Emily began work ... Read more...
01.22.09 · 3:45 PM
Miss America Pageant judges, in choosing one winner, face ‘frightening and daunting’ task
The seven judges of the 2009 Miss America Pageant say they are looking for the contestant who has “poise, elegance and is the most confident.” They admit that it’s a “frightening and daunting task” and the most difficult assignment they’ve ever tackled. My friend from our early CNN days, Inside Edition chief correspondent Jim Moret, who has covered entertainment news for more than 20 years, even confessed: “It is sobering. It is a very difficult task, and I am more ... Read more...
01.22.09 · 2:12 PM
Photo Gallery: Hard Rock Hotel toasts new president with drink specials on ‘White House Wednesday’
In honor of President Barack Obama’s first day on the job yesterday, his counterpart president of the Hard Rock Hotel decided to let guests and friends celebrate in style! He decreed a property-wide party to mark the 44th president’s “New Birth of Freedom” term. Dubbed “White House Wednesday,” hotel guests, tourists and locals were invited to toast the new administration, regardless of how they voted! At the Hell’s Belles blackjack pit, guests found “Obama’s Mamas,” dealers and dancers dressed up ... Read more...
01.22.09 · 12:52 PM
Strip Scribbles: Kathy Griffin makes a surprise cameo in Bette’s show as part of new TV season
It has to be a surprise until it airs on television, but last night’s Caesars Palace audience at Bette Midler’s The Showgirl Must Go On received an unexpected treat when comedienne Kathy Griffin stopped the show! The star of the Emmy-winning My Life on the D-List made a surprise cameo appearance, and Bette played along with the gag routine! It took a while for The Colosseum audience to catch on that it was a gag for Kathy’s TV cameras — ... Read more...
01.22.09 · 12:09 PM
Miss America falls in love with Las Vegas and hopes for at least six more years
It’s definite that the Miss America Pageant will return to Planet Hollywood here in Las Vegas next January. It’s also definite that the spectacular will again be broadcast live on TLC. And if Miss America officials roll the right dice in their partnerships with Planet Hollywood, TLC and the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, they are ready to call Vegas home for five more years through to 2015! Vegas DeLuxe learned the hoped-for timeline when I chatted with Miss ... Read more...
01.22.09 · 11:29 AM
Sarah Larson’s sexy surprises startle Sundance
The whispers aren’t nice, and eyebrows are being raised! Even Fox News reporters at the Sundance Film Festival have started muttering about Sarah Larson’s sexy shocks and amorous antics! I don’t particularly enjoy writing these kind of stories. I was much happier a year ago contemplating the possible marriage between Sarah and handsome screen hero George Clooney. I was even rooting for her to finally end his bachelor days. How perfect, I thought, for the beautiful and stunning cocktail waitress ... Read more...
01.22.09 · 10:36 AM
$5 million gift to Boys & Girls Club of Las Vegas stuns Sin City
It’s a whopper of a check! The size of the gift has stunned Sin City! This afternoon, Kris Engelstad-McGary will present a $5 million check on behalf of her family to the Boys & Girls Club of Las Vegas! The presentation will take place at 4 p.m. at the Al Snyder Boys & Girls Club near Boulevard Mall. The $5 million breaks down with $2.5 million to be used for reconstruction of the Al Snyder location, plus a $1.5 million ... Read more...
01.22.09 · 9:41 AM
Steve Wynn makes hotel history with three Mobil Five-Star wins
Hotel mogul Steve Wynn made history this morning with three Mobil Five-Star awards. The Wynn is now the only casino resort in the world to hold the prestigious recognition for three consecutive years. It distinguishes the resort as one of only two in the world to receive Mobil Travel Guide’s highest honor across all Star-rated categories. The Tower Suites at Wynn Las Vegas, Alex Restaurant and The Spa each earned Five-Star recognition for their achievements, attaining the highest standards of ... Read more...
01.22.09 · 9:05 AM
Morning Call Photo Gallery: Miss Mississippi and Miss Georgia win scholarships on second night of Miss America preliminary competition
In the second round of preliminary Miss America competition last night at Planet Hollywood, the two winners were Miss Georgia and Miss Mississippi. Chasity Hardman of Georgia was named the talent winner for her vocal performance of “Home” from The Wiz, and she received a $2,000 scholarship. Christine Kozlowski of Mississippi was the second preliminary lifestyle and fitness winner and received a $1,000 scholarship. She wore a black Winnwear swimsuit with white trim. Our contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was click ... Read more...
01.21.09 · 6:30 PM
Miss America 2008 Kirsten Haglund looks back on the year of her reign — and to the hopeful, bright future
In three days, the reign of Miss America 2008 comes to an end. During the past year, Kirsten Haglund, 20, of Michigan has traveled 20,000 to 25,000 miles a month. In that time, she has visited children in hospitals; she has traveled the byways and expressways of America; she has broken down barrier gates in parking lots to keep on schedule; and, of all the days of her reign, yesterday in the nation’s capital, I am guessing, had to be ... Read more...
01.21.09 · 1:15 PM
Behind-the-scenes secrets of this year’s Miss America Pageant telecast
Saturday night’s live telecast of the 2009 Miss America Pageant from Planet Hollywood will make it the fourth-longest-running live event in TV history! It all began in 1954 with the very first telecast and at the time broke viewer records. TV host and actor Mario Lopez will host the pageant for a second time, although this is his first for TLC. “I’m thrilled to return and am looking forward to joining the contestants,” Mario said. Vegas Deluxe will have our ... Read more...
01.21.09 · 11:35 AM
Strip Scribbles: Brody Jenner takes it to the Bank for his new Bromance series
TV heartthrob Brody Jenner became a cult phenomenon in MTV’s pop culture history with The Hills. Now he’s got his own MTV show Bromance, and to celebrate its launch, Brody and his entourage enjoyed dinner at Fix in the Bellagio. Afterwards, he took over the VIP section of the neighboring Bank nightclub. Instead of bringing his girlfriend, Playboy’s 2008 Playmate of the Year Jayde Nicole, he showed up with his brother Brandon! Brody is the son of 1976 Olympic decathlon ... Read more...
01.21.09 · 9:40 AM
Miss Nevada Julianna Erdesz overcame childhood struggle to achieve beauty pageant success
As one of the four oldest contestants in this year’s Miss America Pageant, 24-year-old Miss Nevada Julianna Erdesz knows this will probably be her last shot at the big win because of her age! “You simply age out with Miss America after this birthday,” Julianna admitted candidly. She says she once entered a shopping mall beauty contest when she was just 4 years old, but the climb really began upward in 2003 when she won Miss Reno Sparks. She’d entered ... Read more...
01.21.09 · 8:15 AM
Photo Galleries: Snoop Dogg guest hosts at Prive’s 1st anniversary; Ray J celebrates his birthday at Poetry; and Spyderz rock Rain
To celebrate the first anniversary of Prive in Planet Hollywood, rapper royal Snoop Dogg took over as guest host for the night. It took a wall of security to protect the actor and rapper from zealous fans who crowded around him. Snoop kicked off the club’s new industry night and went into the DJ booth where he greeted the revelers. Snoop stuck to cranberry juice but partied with his entourage until 4:30 a.m. Hip-hop artists Too Short and Warren G ... Read more...
01.21.09 · 6:30 AM
Morning Call Photo Gallery: Miss Delaware and Miss Indiana win scholarships on first night of Miss America preliminary competition
The first two Miss America Pageant awards were presented last night to Miss Delaware and Miss Indiana. Galen Giaccone of Delaware received a $2,000 scholarship for her piano performance of “ El Cubanchero,” and Katie Stam of Indiana received a $1,000 scholarship as the Lifestyle & Fitness winner. Katie wore a black Winnwear swimsuit trimmed in gold. The audience at Planet Hollywood’s Theatre for the Performing Arts got their first look at all 52 contestants and their opening number dance ... Read more...
01.20.09 · 3 PM
Photo Gallery: Miss America contestants and Inauguration Day from the Strip
The giant TV screens at Planet Hollywood and the Miracle Mile shops broadcast President Barack Obama’s inauguration ceremony and parade. Crowds gathered outside the resort casino, and even the 2009 Miss America contestants took a break from rehearsals there to watch the Inaugural Day scenes and listen to the new president’s first speech. Sixteen of the 52 Miss America contestants slipped away from rehearsals this morning to watch the inauguration coverage of America’s 44th president. Click HERE for our story ... Read more...
01.20.09 · 11:25 AM
Strip Scribbles: Las Vegas sets up shop at Sundance, and celebrities from Sting to Paris show support
Many of our hot nightclubs have set up satellite hot spots during the run of the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, and the stars are showing up in droves as if they were partying in Vegas! Pop superstar Sting and his wife Trudie Styler still proved that they are lovebirds all this time sharing kisses while drinking Stella Artois and grooving to the music in Tao Lounge near the Sundance Lift in Park City. The Venetian nightspot also ... Read more...
01.20.09 · 10:10 AM
Photo Galleries: Five days gone, five days to go; Miss America contestants meet The Phantom
After a long day of rehearsals, the 52 Miss America contestants had their last social fun last night. They enjoyed “The Music of the Night” at a special performance of Phantom — The Las Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian. Our contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was along for this exclusive photo shoot. After the performance, the contestants met lead cast members Andrew Ragone (Raoul), Kristi Holden (Christine) and Tony Award winner Anthony Crivello (The Phantom). And just for the cameras, the ... Read more...
01.20.09 · 8:45 AM
Exclusive: Kardashians keep up for Season 4 and land a big Las Vegas contract
Even though the Las Vegas-themed Season 3 of Keeping Up With the Kardashians doesn’t start airing until March 8, E! network officials have already given the green light for a fourth season! At the same time, the Kardashian clan of Kim, Khloe, Kourtney and mom Kris Jenner has signed an exclusive Vegas deal with Pure Management Group for a series of continuing yearlong appearances at Caesars Palace and Luxor in addition to Pure and LAX events! Vegas DeLuxe is the ... Read more...
01.20.09 · 6:30 AM
Morning Call: It’s larger-than-life Strip coverage of Inauguration Day; Miss America joins crowds in Washington, D.C.
At 8 a.m. today, the giant video screens at Planet Hollywood and its Miracle Mile shopping center neighbor were set to be merged to form a block-long TV wall to carry the inauguration coverage of America’s 44th president, Barrack Obama. It’s likely to be the longest, seamless wall of TV ever assembled and will be submitted to the Guinness Book of World Records! While as many as 2 million people will pour onto the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue in ... Read more...
01.19.09 · 2 PM
Strip Scribbles: Iron Chef Bobby Flay’s in hot water with angry servers
Culinary world scuttlebutt in New York has it that celebrity chef Bobby Flay has been hit with a wage and labor violation lawsuit, and three of his New York servers also now want their Las Vegas counterparts at his Mesa Grill in Caesars Palace to join their fight! The three waiters claim in the Manhattan Federal Court lawsuit that Bobby forced workers to buy and launder their own uniforms and refused to give them a share of mandatory tips charged ... Read more...
01.19.09 · 1:06 PM
Photo Gallery: Vince Neil hosts porn stars and poker pros at annual charity event
Porn stars played alongside poker pros when Motley Crue rocker Vince Neil threw his fourth annual no-limit Texas Hold ’Em Poker Tournament over the weekend at The Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel. The fundraiser was to benefit the Skylar Neil Memorial Fund, named after his daughter who died from the disease in 1995. Since then, with other events, golf tournaments and sales of his and Motley Crue memorabilia, Vince has raised millions for innovative cancer and leukemia research. Our ... Read more...
01.19.09 · 11:47 AM
Photo Gallery: Joaquin Phoenix stumbles in rap career debut at Lavo; brother-in-law Casey Affleck films the antics
When a celebrity falls off the catwalk stage at the end of his premiere as a rap artist, it very well could be an omen for his new career! That was the first thing I thought of after two-time Oscar nominee Joaquin Phoenix debuted his three weird and wacky mumbling rap numbers at Lavo nightclub in the Palazzo over the weekend. Joaquin’s rumpled, disheveled and bushy-bearded appearance prompted bizarre comments from the fans who showed up for his surprise mini-concert. ... Read more...
01.19.09 · 10:39 AM
Eddie Murphy flies gal pal to Las Vegas to celebrate her birthday
It must be love! Superstar actor-singer Eddie Murphy never took his eyes off his gal pal, whom he flew into Las Vegas for her one-night birthday bash at the Bank in the Bellagio. A spywitness told me: “He certainly knows how to charm a lady. It was a high-style celebration. Not only did Eddie not take his eyes off the birthday girl once, but he also politely declined the affection of hordes of female onlookers.” Little is known about Eddie’s ... Read more...
01.19.09 · 9:52 AM
Is Cher playing a cougar alongside a Jackass in her next film?
Oscar winner and Caesars Palace headliner Cher now looks set to make a film comeback, too! And her co-star is a real Jackass! My Fox News gossip pal Roger Friedman is up at the Sundance Film Festival and reported at the Spike Lee dinner for his new movie Passing Strange that all the insider talk was about Cher’s new movie plans. Apparently, Cher is to star with Johnny Knoxville in The Drop Out written by producer Ricky Blitt of Family ... Read more...
01.19.09 · 7 AM
Morning Call Photo Gallery: High-speed thrills and chills, but no spills, for Miss America Pageant queens as they battle on the racetrack
Race car #13 turned out to be a lucky omen for reigning Miss South Dakota Alexandra Hoffman when she took to the track last night at Pole Position Raceway opposite the Palms. The fans who watched her daredevil drive against nine other finalists even predicted that she had the necessary talent to win this week’s 2009 Miss America Pageant. All 52 contestants turned up, and each raced 12 laps of the quarter-mile track. Then the single best lap times were ... Read more...
01.18.09 · 1 PM
Photo Galleries: Miss America Day 3: A fashion show at Fashion Show and dining at Buca di Beppo
The 52 Miss America contestants walked the runway at Fashion Show mall on the Strip during the day yesterday and afterwards signed autographs. In the evening, Buca di Beppo in Planet Hollywood played host to the 2009 Miss America contestants. Planet Hollywood’s new CEO Tom McCartney and Bill Feather, president of Planet Hollywood Management, met up with Art McMaster, president and CEO of the Miss America Organization, and Sam Haskell III, chairman of the board of the Miss America Organization, ... Read more...
01.18.09 · 7:45 AM
Morning Call: Reba! Reba! Reba! The queen of country conquers The Orleans Arena
The queen of country came to town yet again last night and conquered one more time. Reba McEntire performed to a sold-out crowd at The Orleans Arena. In a sense, Las Vegas is her second home based on the number of times a year she’s here. Our contributing photographer Scott Harrison was front and center for these candid concert photos. Reba will be back in Vegas on April 5 to host for the 11th time the Academy of Country Music ... Read more...
01.17.09 · 6 AM
Photo Galleries: It’s a day of pancakes, a water fountain debut and gondolas for Miss America contestants
It was a nonstop full day of activities for the Miss America contestants now that they are calling the Strip home for 10 days. Their jam-packed day of festive personal appearances began with a pancake breakfast at IHOP in their Planet Hollywood headquarters to mark the partnership between the Children’s Miracle Network and the Miss America Organization. Early afternoon, 10 of the contestants officially switched on the new multimillion-dollar waterfall special-effects eruption show in Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops near ... Read more...
01.16.09 · 1:33 PM
Strip Scribbles: The Divine Miss M receives Woman of the Year award
Caesars Palace headliner Bette Midler has quick-change, extra-fast double-duty when she performs her regular sold-out concert at The Colosseum tomorrow night. Right after the curtain comes down, she has to race off to the Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Black & White Ball in an upstairs ballroom, where the Divine Miss M will be honored as Woman of the Year. Just a shame, for some odd reason, that she has decreed no media interviews or photographs. That sure hurts getting the message ... Read more...
01.16.09 · 11:48 AM
Photo Gallery: Does Cheap Trick want you to love them at the Hilton?
There’s been a clean sweep of all the shows at the Las Vegas Hilton except for the long-term-contracted Barry Manilow. With the wholesale changes, rumors have been running rampant about the replacements. Could a topless cabaret show be going in the 7 or 9 p.m. timeslot? There’s even rumblings that Cheap Trick will perform a version of The Beatles’ popera dedicated to Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. On the off chance that rumor proves true, our contributing photographer Tom ... Read more...
01.16.09 · 11:33 AM
Mr. Wallace, Mr. Holmes and Ms. Wilson go to Washington
Much of the world will be following the presidential festivities in the nation’s capital over the next few days. President-elect Barack Obama will be sworn in Tuesday at high noon, but this is a weekend of parties and gala balls. Tomorrow’s “Celebration of Change” has attracted three hometown entertainers: original Supremes singer Mary Wilson, Flamingo headliner comedian George Wallace and entertainer Clint Holmes. It’s believed that George will be in best pal Jerry Seinfeld’s group of New York celebrities. Clint ... Read more...
01.16.09 · 11:01 AM
Vince Neil arrives in Sin City for his Strip poker fundraiser
It’s Vince Neil’s 4th Annual Off the Strip Poker Tournament tomorrow, and the Motley Crue frontman has secured an all-star lineup of celebrities, poker pros and topless dancers to ensure its success. He even recruited adult movie star Taylor Wayne to serve as his mistress of ceremonies at the auction. It all kicks off at 3 p.m., and the party will run past midnight. But Vince, who lives here in Las Vegas, wound up crashing his way home. His luscious, ... Read more...
01.16.09 · 9:34 AM
Photo Gallery: Miss America contestants spend first day of pageant on the Strip; mayor welcomes them with roses
Not all 52 of the Miss America contestants made it to Las Vegas yesterday in time for our Merry Mayor of Mirth Oscar Goodman’s welcome at Planet Hollywood. Three of the pageant’s beauties were trapped in airport delays because of freezing temperatures across America, but all will hopefully be in place today. Three of our contributing photographers — Scott Doctor, Tom Donoghue and Erik Kabik — were on hand to capture these great shots for our first photo gallery of ... Read more...
01.16.09 · 8:08 AM
Photo Gallery: Bellagio celebrates Year of the Ox with lush foliage display
The Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is celebrating the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Ox with a unique display filled with hidden meanings. Click HERE for our item in Wednesday’s Strip Scribbles! The design was guided by the ancient practice of Feng Shui, the art of using surroundings to attract harmony, balance and positive life energy. The dramatic centerpiece is a 15-foot-long ox comprised of more than 10,000 living Alternanthera, a low-growing herb, and the 6-foot-tall giant ... Read more...
01.16.09 · 6:30 AM
Morning Call Exclusive: Donny Osmond on DWTS? Another time
Rumors have been flying about Flamingo headliner Donny Osmond following in sister Marie’s footsteps to compete in the next season of ABC’s ratings powerhouse Dancing With the Stars. I broke the exclusive story that he was even taking dancing lessons to prepare for the rigors of the tough, physical show. Ever since he told me he was practicing in the event he was invited to be a contestant, the stories have been flying fast and furious. Donny has titillated our ... Read more...
01.15.09 · 2:08 PM
Massive media blitz is planned for Danny Gans as the countdown begins to his Encore gala premiere
Entertainer Danny Gans, the man of more than 200 voices, has a massive media blitz set to tie in with the now-official Feb. 6 gala premiere of his all-new production at hotel mogul Steve Wynn’s just-opened the Encore. I can reveal that since leaving his eight-year-run at The Mirage to move over to his own Encore theater, he has built up a three-hour inventory of never-before-seen material! With more than 200 voices in his repertoire of impressions, no two of ... Read more...
01.15.09 · 12:38 PM
Road to MMA stardom for men and women begins at Tuff-N-Uff
A mixed martial arts fighter begins his long journey for fame and fortune, as an eventual king inside the UFC Octagon, as a lowly amateur. The money isn’t staggering — it just about pays for the gym, the long and lonely hours of training and a ringside team of corner and cut men. Instead of the glitz and glamour of the giant MGM Grand Garden Arena, they fight in a much smaller venue — a ballroom at the off-Strip The ... Read more...
01.15.09 · 11:23 AM
Strip Scribbles: It’s official! Ray J invests in Poetry at Caesars Palace
Exactly as Vegas DeLuxe reported more than a week ago — click HERE for that story — hip-hop star Ray J will officially announce tomorrow morning that he’s on board as a financial partner in the 5-year-old Poetry nightclub inside the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. A press conference is set for 10:30 a.m. at the club when celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck will serve up salmon and egg breakfast pizzas to attendees. “Ray’s involvement is a match made in nightclub ... Read more...
01.15.09 · 9:53 AM
Brooke Burke hosts private party with Counting Crows at LAX; TRV$DJ_AM attract porn stars
For Dancing With the Stars winner Brooke Burke, it was her first visit to Las Vegas since winning Season 7 of the hit ABC series. Her handsome husband, former Baywatch actor David Charvet, joined her when she hosted a private Intel party at LAX in the Luxor. Brooke introduced a special 90-minute performance by the Counting Crows for the company’s top executives and clients. Earlier, they had all dined at Company American Bistro in the Luxor. Sex star Mary Carey, ... Read more...
01.15.09 · 9:03 AM
Phantom star goes to Washington to sing in Obama inauguration
Actor-singer Larry Wayne Morbitt has had an interesting and successful career both on Broadway and here in Las Vegas. Now this Sunday comes one of the most memorable events in his life. Larry, who plays the role of Ubaldo Piangi in The Venetian’s Phantom — the Las Vegas Spectacular, will sing the national anthem at President-elect Barrack Obama’s inaugural luncheon presented by the California State Society at the Ritz Carlton ballroom in Washington, D.C. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger also will ... Read more...
01.15.09 · 8:29 AM
Morning Call: Details of Siegfried & Roy’s one-night-only performance to be revealed next week
Within the next seven days, we’ll finally get to know all the details about the fantastic one-night-only reunion performance by Magicians of the Century Siegfried & Roy. Their “Moment of Magic” is set to take place Feb. 28 at the Bellagio for the annual “Keep Memory Alive” Alzheimer’s dinner and auction that I will emcee. It’s all to benefit the Lou Ruvo Brain Center designed by architect Frank Gehry and nearing construction completion downtown. I am sworn to secrecy about ... Read more...
01.14.09 · 1:42 PM
Miss America Kirsten Haglund discusses her battle with anorexia and offers pageant tips to 2009 contestants
For 20-year-old Kirsten Haglund, the youngest-ever winner of the Miss America Pageant, this trip to Las Vegas means she will turn over her tiara and present it to the young lady who will step into her high-heeled shoes as the Miss America ambassador for the next 12 months. The 2008 Miss America competition was only Kirsten’s third pageant! During her 12-month reign, she was a tireless advocate for the Children’s Miracle Network and has raised awareness about eating disorders. Before ... Read more...
01.14.09 · 12:07 PM
Strip Scribbles: Legendary restaurant reopens at Monte Carlo after $2 million makeover
When we first revealed exclusively that veteran downtown restaurateur Andre Rochat was calling it quits after a 29-year run, his fans feared he’d fulfill his dream of going fishing and just take off. Not quite so! He did promise to continue running his outposts of Alize atop the Palms and reopen his namesake restaurant at the Monte Carlo. The transition from closing downtown Jan. 1 and reopening Andre’s at the Monte Carlo was literally a matter of days. So we’re ... Read more...
01.14.09 · 10:43 AM
Mario Lopez set to host Miss America Pageant at Planet Hollywood as contestants arrive in Las Vegas
Today’s the day that Miss America officials and many of the 52 contestants arrive on the Strip to call Planet Hollywood home for the next 10 days leading up to the crowning of the 2009 Miss America on the global telecast Jan. 24. Tomorrow our Merry Mayor of Mirth Oscar Goodman will welcome all 52 beauties at an official 2 p.m. arrival ceremony outside Planet Hollywood. Oscar will present each state’s winner with a long-stemmed red rose. Former Dancing With ... Read more...
01.14.09 · 9:52 AM
2009 CES deemed a major success despite slumping economy
The buyers and sellers of gadgets and gizmos at the giant Consumer Electronics Show have all left town after the final weekend spree of selling. Only the statisticians are left, and they have just revealed the first figures — and, despite the doomsayers, things turned out to be a major success. More than 2,700 global companies, including 300 new exhibitors, unveiled 20,000 new technology products. New trends unveiled at the 2009 CES included 3D HDTV and advances in green technologies, ... Read more...
01.14.09 · 9:06 AM
Morning Call: Madame Tussauds to swear in President-elect Barack Obama
Before the 44th president of the United States is sworn into office Monday, President-elect Barack Obama will receive another great honor usually reserved for rock stars, athletes and the deceased right here on the Strip. His new wax figure will be sworn in as the newest member of Madame Tussauds at The Venetian. The unveiling is set for tomorrow at 10 a.m., and a number of local students will read essays celebrating his new legacy. I learned that it took ... Read more...
01.13.09 · 2 PM
Rocker Dave Navarro spills the secrets of his attraction to the XXX porn industry
For the second consecutive year, rocker Dave Navarro hosted the Showtime special from the Adult Video Network Awards at Mandalay Bay’s Event Center. Dave was almost shoulder-to-shoulder with me while I reported from the red carpet. He told me that last year, it was the first time that a major network had aired the controversial X-rated awards show and the preening porn princesses on the red carpet. It was such a ratings success that he was tapped for this year’s ... Read more...
01.13.09 · 12:51 PM
Strip Scribbles: Caveman wins permanent new home after three-week tryout
Tonight marks the start of a new permanent performance run for Defending the Caveman, the smash hit from Broadway about the sexes and their differences. Its new home is at the Excalibur every day at 3 p.m., with additional performances at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Since Caveman debuted downtown at the Golden Nugget last June, it has racked up 700 near sellout performances. The one-man show, which stars Kevin Burke, was forced to move when comedy impressionist Gordie ... Read more...
01.13.09 · 11:28 AM
Martin Yan wins Lifetime Achievement Award and plans Las Vegas restaurant
After producing 30 cookbooks and hosting more than 3,000 cooking shows worldwide, celebrity chef Martin Yan has been given the highest honor of Lifetime Achievement Award. When Martin attended the 5th Annual Top 100 Chinese Restaurants USA Awards show and conference at The Rio, he told me that he would be opening his first Asian restaurant here in Las Vegas later this year at the new Tivoli Village at Queensridge in Summerlin. I’ve known the gregarious and effervescent Master Chef ... Read more...
01.13.09 · 10:26 AM
A tale of three romances: Criss & Holly, Maksim & Karina and Travis & Shanna
Lovebirds Criss Angel and Holly Madison flew off this morning to start a weeklong vacation at a luxury beachfront resort in the millionaire’s playground of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The Mindfreak magician is on a long-planned, two-week break from his Cirque du Soleil show Believe at the Luxor. Criss spent part of his first week off in New York with The Girls Next Door star and girlfriend Holly. Criss has plans for the two of them to go horseback riding ... Read more...
01.13.09 · 9:28 AM
Cher wants Sonny’s image on stamp, and she’s staying put at Caesars
Rumors printed elsewhere about superstar Cher starting a new farewell tour while still under her three-year Caesars Palace contract are totally untrue. Cher returns here starting Feb. 21 for a month’s run, and The Colosseum executives tell me she and her show are exclusive to them. “We are her home,” I was told. However, the story about Cher and her one-woman crusade to get her late ex-husband, Sonny Bono, a commemorative U.S. Postal Service stamp is true. She’s also successfully ... Read more...
01.13.09 · 9 AM
Morning Call: Akon thrills crowd during late-night performance at Jet
It was 1:30 this morning when multi-talented Grammy-nominated singer Akon hit the stage at Jet in The Mirage. Despite the late hour — or should I say early morning hour? — he turned in a spectacular performance with no less than five of his smash hit songs. Our contributing lens man Scott Harrison was front and center to capture these great up close and personal photos. Immediately after the early morning show, which was free for locals, Scott turned right ... Read more...
01.12.09 · 3 PM
Photo Galleries: Porn princesses pump up the party scene at Strip nightclubs
For the 2009 Adult Video Network Awards weekend, Las Vegas was awash in a sea of silicone as the porn princesses preened provocatively at party hot spots up and down the Strip. Wherever you went during this festival of flesh, you ran into the XXX-rated actresses in their see-through, barely there dresses slashed low up top and cut thigh high below! It’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it! Somehow with our team of contributing photographers, I don’t ... Read more...
01.12.09 · 1 PM
Strip Scribbles: Jessica Alba’s beloved hubby Cash Warren and Terminator TV star celebrate birthdays in Vegas
Sexy actress and new mom Jessica Alba surprised husband Cash Warren with a trip to Las Vegas for his 30th birthday — and when he walked in for dinner at the private Opium Room of Tao in The Venetian, he was surprised with a turnout of his close family and friends. Over at Planet Hollywood, it was a long night of celebrating his 21st for actor Thomas Dekker of NBC’s Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. It began with dinner at ... Read more...
01.12.09 · 10:31 AM
Tera Patrick and Evan Seinfeld renew vows in Vegas for their fifth anniversary
Who better than sex couple Tera Patrick and Evan Seinfeld to turn to for advice on how to be hopelessly romantic to celebrate a fifth wedding anniversary? Right in the midst of the four days of the 2009 Adult Entertainment Sexpo and Adult Video Network Awards, Tera and Evan reached the five-year-marriage mark. They’d dated for two years before tying the knot. Tera and Evan were determined that in the midst of all their business activities, personal appearances, party hosting ... Read more...
01.12.09 · 9 AM
Morning Call Exclusive Photos: John Legend fans include Usher, Stevie Wonder
It was a star-studded turnout for soul singer and songwriter John Legend’s remarkable concert at The Pearl Concert Theater in George Maloof’s Palms. Fellow music industry superstars Stevie Wonder and Usher attended the concert and led the applause and standing ovation. Acclaimed British songbird Estelle opened John’s concert. Our contributing photographers Erik Kabik and Denise Truscello were on scene to capture these close-up performance images. The R&B soul star was in no hurry to leave Las Vegas. John took model-girlfriend ... Read more...
01.11.09 · 9 AM
Photo Gallery & Videos: It’s a festival of flesh for partying porn stars at 2009 AVN Awards
It was a walk on the wild side for thousands of adult entertainment fans who lined up, sometimes five deep, on a winding quarter-mile walkway through the lobbies and hallways of Mandalay Bay last night. “Crazy and insane. Mayhem and madness,” one security guard told me. “Even if it was just for a split second, they just wanted to catch a glimpse or grab a photo of their favorite porn stars.” More than 2,000 porn performers dressed in the most ... Read more...
01.11.09 · 7:30 AM
Morning Call: Josh & Fergie tie the knot in a private sunset ceremony in Malibu
Showbiz stars turned out for yesterday’s sunset Malibu wedding between superstar singer Fergie, 33, and her beau, actor Josh Duhamel, 36, exactly as we had reported over New Year’s Eve when the couple stayed here at the Palazzo after her Venetian concert and Lavo club countdown. They have been dating since 2004 and became engaged late last year. Fergie, once upon a time Stacy Ferguson, chatted with me in our exclusive video interview about being in love and how one ... Read more...
01.10.09 · 9 AM
Photo Galleries: Diana Ross, Pussycat Dolls and Jimmy Fallon entertain at CES
It may well have been the busiest day in the lives of the sexy Pussycat Dolls and funny Saturday Night Live alum Jimmy Fallon. Superstar Diana Ross was able to take it a little bit easier as the giant Consumer Electronics Show passed its halfway mark! In fact, the Pussycat Dolls made a 24-hour, 15,000-mile round-trip flight from London just to perform a 45-minute set at the Hard Rock Hotel for one big-spending electronics company! The sexy singers are currently ... Read more...
01.9.09 · 1:15 PM
Exclusive Interview: Porn princess Tera Patrick goes mainstream with new Strip burlesque show
For the eighth year, adult movie actress Tera Patrick will attend the Adult Video Network Awards show, and tomorrow night, she will receive the highest accolade when she is inducted into the porn world’s Hall of Fame. She has reached the very pinnacle of sex-cess! Now, however, the tall temptress has begun to turn her bare shoulders and use her long, lascivious legs to slowly walk away from the business that made her a mini-tycoon and world-famous XXX-rated star. Tera ... Read more...
01.9.09 · 12:15 PM
Strip Scribbles: Monied moguls are circling on the Strip ready to wheel and deal to acquire casino resorts
At least two well-heeled financial figures are in Las Vegas plotting the maneuvers of a real-life Monopoly game on the Strip. Mysterious mogul James Packer, a billionaire and the third richest man Down Under, may be just 12 days away from winning his $1.8 billion bid for the Cannery casino resorts. Yesterday, Nevada’s Gaming Control board gave its nod to his all-cash purchase, and on Jan. 22, it’s expected that the Nevada Gaming commissioners will give the final thumbs-up. For ... Read more...
01.9.09 · 10:30 AM
Disco icons The Village People celebrate 30 years of macho men at the Y-M-C-A
I’ll confess! I want so much to head down to Primm Valley tomorrow night for The Village People concert. I’ve been an unabashed fan of “In the Navy,” “YMCA” and “Macho Man” ever since they propelled disco to the forefront 30 odd years ago. Their music is on both my iPhone and iPod. Instead, I have to be on front-line, war-zone duty at the 2009 Adult Video Awards fighting through a sea of silicone to record the parade of pulchritude ... Read more...
01.9.09 · 9:05 AM
Video: Tera Patrick hosts a very happy Happy Hour at Lavo
Adult film starlet Tera Patrick steps away from the Adult Entertainment Expo to host Happy Hour at Lavo in the Palazzo. Tera hosted the Adult Video Network Awards at Mandalay Bay last year and is back at the annual expo with rocker husband Evan Seinfeld. Read more...
01.9.09 · 8 AM
Porn stars attend DJ AM and Travis Barker set at LAX; is Travis back with ex-wife Shanna Moakler?
It was music nirvana for rockers, rappers and porn stars when DJ AM and Travis Barker took center stage to perform live for a capacity crowd at LAX in the Luxor. Click HERE for our Editor Johnny Kats’ coverage and video in our Neon Nightlife section. It was the first time since performing at LAX back in June that AM (Adam Goldstein) and Travis, who play together under the moniker TRV$DJ-AM, were back together at the swank nightspot after the ... Read more...
01.9.09 · 6:15 AM
Morning Call Photo Gallery: At CES, Tom Hanks makes ’em laugh; Stevie Wonder and Usher have ’em swooning
Talk about biting the hand that feeds you! Actor Tom Hanks had the Consumer Electronics Show Las Vegas convention crowd in stitches as he took friendly and fun pot shots at the Sony chieftains who’d hired him to entertain. No sooner had my old buddy Sony head honcho Sir Howard Stringer delivered his opening keynote speech to the electronics executives than Tom waltzed on stage as a surprise. The bigger surprise, though, was when he turned the tables on his ... Read more...
01.8.09 · 1:25 PM
The bold and the buxom bust out for 2009 AEE and AVN Awards
While 130,000 straight-laced conventioneers stalk the halls of the Consumer Electronics Show, another trade group simultaneously exhibits its latest high-flying products. At first glance, it might look just like any other convention that comes to town, but take a closer look: This one is all about sex and preening porn princesses! It’s the annual Adult Entertainment Expo, where X-rated DVDs play on the latest of technologies and Las Vegas really does become Sin City! This former “plain manila envelope” affair ... Read more...
01.8.09 · 11:45 AM
Strip Scribbles: A Double Shot at Love twins party with the boys and girls
Identical twin sisters Rikki and Vikki Mongeon, aka The Ikki Twins, made no secret of their bisexuality when the super-sexy duo debuted on the hit MTV reality TV series A Double Shot at Love, and when they partied at Jet nightclub in The Mirage, both the guys and the girls vied for their attention! The sassy, sexy sisters dressed in identical, skin-tight, animal-print, shorter-than-short mini-dresses, and once the Moet Chandon champagne began to flow, they danced with guests of both ... Read more...
01.8.09 · 10:32 AM
Pole Position Raceway speeds toward popularity with celebrities
Since opening 13 months ago, the innovative indoor speedway Pole Position Raceway has become a unique venue for numerous celebrities wanting to be daredevils and try something completely different during their Las Vegas visits. The stunning 60,000-sqare-foot and quarter-mile racetrack is located opposite George Maloof’s new Palms Place condo-spa-tower just two blocks from the Strip. More than 75,000 racers have driven the Italian-made, eco-friendly mini-racecars, racking up 500 million miles since the December 2007 opening. Numerous celebrities have raced the ... Read more...
01.8.09 · 9:57 AM
Andrew Sasson on The Harmon Hotel & Spa: disappointment and commitment
For the record, Vegas DeLuxe is posting the official statement by Andrew Sasson, founder of The Light Group, which developed the concept for, and will manage and operate, The Harmon Hotel & Spa at CityCenter. This morning, he expressed disappointment at yesterday’s announcement by CityCenter Holdings LLC that it has postponed the opening of his Harmon spa hotel until late 2010 and canceled the residential condominium component of the project. The luxury nightclub visionary said, “We are disappointed to learn ... Read more...
01.8.09 · 9:18 AM
Triple Shot: Aaron Lewis, The Wailers and Parliament Funkadelics thrill crowds
Las Vegas plays regular host to the old-timers and newcomers of the music world simultaneously, but even so, it’s not an everyday occurrence when you get the Godfather of Funk at the same time as Bob Marley’s band The Wailers and Staind rocker Aaron Lewis starting out his own solo acoustic tour! Our contributing photographers Erik Kabik and Scott Harrison teamed for double-duty to ensure that Vegas DeLuxe readers got to enjoy all three greats of music history. Here are ... Read more...
01.8.09 · 7:46 AM
MGM’s official statement on CityCenter changes: Condo construction canceled, and spa hotel set back
For the record, Vegas DeLuxe is posting the official statement from MGM pertaining to the breaking news we announced early yesterday of the yearlong postponement of the new Harmon Hotel & Spa opening and the cancellation of the construction of 200 luxury condominiums atop that tower. LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2009 — CityCenter Holdings LLC, a joint venture between MGM Mirage (NYSE: MGM) and Infinity World Development Corp., announced certain scope changes related to The Harmon Hotel & Spa, which ... Read more...
01.8.09 · 7 AM
Morning Call Photo Gallery: Vegas DeLuxe welcomes 130,000 to Vegas for CES
Today is the official opening of the massive Consumer Electronics Show. That means some 130,000 people packing our hotels, restaurants and the Convention Center, where major congestion will tie up traffic through the weekend. It’s all good business for our city, so a warm welcome to all the delegates! Last night, there were several pre-opening day activities, and our contributing photographers were out and about in the crowds. Denise Truscello was at the Dr. Dre listening party in the Paris ... Read more...
01.7.09 · 1:55 PM
Strip Scribbles: Rumor mill about Strip hotel changes continues to churn
The rumor mill is intensifying by the minute now that the MGM hotel group has confirmed major changes, cutbacks and delays at its massive CityCenter project. Click HERE for our breaking news story posted before 7 a.m. today. Now there’s rumblings that MGM will sell its Mirage property to the out-of-town Penn National Gaming that has always wanted a Las Vegas presence to add to its 11 casinos in the Midwest and South in Louisiana and Mississippi. Wall Street insiders ... Read more...
01.7.09 · 12:26 PM
Porn princess Jenna Haze is the 2009 AVN Awards show hostess with the mostess
Two of the biggest names in the world of erotica will be co-hosting the 2009 AVN Awards show at Mandalay Bay on Saturday: Jenna Haze and Belladonna. It’s the 26th annual star-studded ceremony, and among the mainstream celebrities attending will be rocker Dave Navarro, rapper Flo Rida and Howard Stern’s radio regular Bubba the Love Sponge. More than 6,000 XXX-rated movies were reportedly reviewed, and the final nominations were narrowed down to a little more than 100 categories. Adult Video ... Read more...
01.7.09 · 10:58 AM
Disney’s High School Musical skates into The Orleans Arena
It started life as a TV movie directed and choreographed by my friend Kenny Ortega, who gave us the Treasure Island pirates and sirens Strip show. The TV movie smash hit led to a hit big-screen sequel and then a stage show, and now it’s skating in — on ice! One can only ask if the Disney executives are taking pages out of the Cirque du Soleil playbook and are already planning a High School Musical water version a la ... Read more...
01.7.09 · 10:20 AM
Video: Behind-the-scenes concert footage of Vegas’ violin-playing Alizma triplets
Since moving to Las Vegas, the three blonde bombshells known as the Alizma triplets have captivated the town and our hearts. They play incredible violin performances that range from the classics to the pops. The trio left their home in Poland after winning four-year music scholarships at Shenandoah University in Virginia, and after graduating moved to Las Vegas by way of Los Angeles. Now they’ve just put together their first major video, and Vegas DeLuxe is proud to display it ... Read more...
01.7.09 · 9:32 AM
Sports book director extraordinaire Johnny Avello lists his Golden Globes odds
Johnny Avello, executive director of the Race & Sports Book at the Wynn, has released his odds for the The 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards taking place this Sunday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Please note that these odds are for entertainment purposes only.) Here are the odds for the stars and the movies: Best Motion Picture, Drama: Slumdog Millionaire, 9/5, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, 2/1, Frost/Nixon, 5/2, Revolutionary Road, 20/1, and The Reader, ... Read more...
01.7.09 · 8:35 AM
Michael Jackson moves out of Vegas and into a $100K-a-month Bel Air mansion
Pop royal Michael Jackson has apparently given up on plans for jump-starting his career with a permanent show here in Las Vegas. He’s moved out of town, and overnight reports from Los Angeles say he’s leased a Bel Air gated estate for at least 12 months. The whopping annual rental of $1.2 million gives him a mansion in the style of a French chateau and comes with 12 fireplaces, 13 bathrooms, a wine cellar and tasting room, a theater and ... Read more...
01.7.09 · 6:56 AM
Breaking News: MGM reveals cutbacks, delays in $13 billion CityCenter project
Months of rumors of construction problems and excess unsold residential space at MGM’s giant $13 billion CityCenter project have circulated throughout the gaming industry. In fact, Vegas DeLuxe anonymously reported these rumors exclusively early last fall. Now, just moments ago at 6 a.m., MGM officials finally confirmed that major changes are being implemented. First is a major design change regarding plans for The Light Group’s Harmon Tower, which also will set back its planned opening by nearly 12 months. Vegas ... Read more...
01.6.09 · 2:26 PM
Restaurant Roundup: Switch moves walls and ceilings; Botero offers inside and outside dining; Guy Savoy opens Krug champagne parlor
It will go down in the record books as the most unique theatrical-experience restaurant in the world, and I think diners will actually stop eating the fabulous food and remain open-mouthed in amazement. At Steve Wynn’s new Switch restaurant in his just-opened the Encore, everything changes! Not once but several times a night. Everything? Well, at least the walls and the ceiling — and maybe even accessories on the servers’ uniforms! It makes you believe that every 20 minutes, you’re ... Read more...
01.6.09 · 1:33 PM
Strip Scribbles: Olympic swimming ace Michael Phelps and girlfriend frolic in Lavo’s playground
Multiple Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps might well call Maryland home, but he’s spending so much time in Las Vegas these days, he should buy a condo here! The world champion and record holder has been brushing up his poker skills while on the Strip, and, I’m reliably told, definitely plans to play in the next World Series of Poker. When he’s not hoping for a royal flush, he’s been out and about on the town with gal pal ... Read more...
01.6.09 · 12:29 PM
Entertainment and sports celebrities are living the life of XS
Ever since the new mega club XS opened New Year’s Eve at Steve Wynn’s new the Encore, it has been mobbed and become the hottest club on Earth! Last night, thousands of people lined up for the debut hospitality industry night. I sat with Elaine Wynn, XS owner Victor Drai, boxing mogul Bob Arum and Saved By the Bell actor Dennis “Mr. Belding” Haskins, and all of us marveled at the sensational scene. The lines of guys and gals dressed ... Read more...
01.6.09 · 11:46 AM
Partying in pajamas at the Palms at Kerry Simon’s new brunch
Oh, the absolute luxury of it all! Weekend visitors to Las Vegas really know how to party — and now before they head home on a Sunday night, they can literally roll right out of bed for breakfast and a hangover cure. Thanks to Iron Chef Kerry Simon, he’s created a pajama brunch at his Palms Place restaurant Simon. It’s already a giant hit, and even the staff are in their nighties, robes and pj’s. If you’re too beat to ... Read more...
01.6.09 · 10:25 AM
Music, sports and entertainment icons and tech titans head up the CES parade
Showbiz, music and sports superstars and captains of the electronics industry are en route to Las Vegas today for the giant 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show, the globe’s greatest gathering of gadgets and gizmo groupies! The world’s largest consumer technology trade convention officially kicks off tomorrow as manufacturers promote their latest products and technologies, with Microsoft’s head honcho Steve Ballmer — instead of Bill Gates after 10 consecutive years — making the premiere keynote speech. In a revealing first-day presentation, ... Read more...
01.6.09 · 9:04 AM
Bottoms up! Beer pong world champions net $50,000 at the Flamingo
Who knew that a four-day tournament of tossing a little white ping-pong ball into a plastic beer container would draw more than 800 fierce competitors from 40 states and three overseas countries? For the past four days, 400 two-man teams have played a minimum of 12 games and shown why beer pong has grown from a one-time frat house and college baseball drunken giggle into a worldwide phenomenon. Not only that, but respected ring announcer Bruce Buffer from the UFC ... Read more...
01.6.09 · 8:25 AM
Morning Call: David Spade buys a round of drinks for his audience … of 700!
Comedian David Spade was so overwhelmed by the response to his first night in his new Venetian showroom home that he took the entire audience out for a drink to celebrate! All 700 of them! David invited them all to walk over to the new Sportsbook Bar & Grill in the adjoining Palazzo and picked up the check for one round of 700 drinks! Later, after posing for photos and shaking hands with his fans, David took a group of ... Read more...
01.5.09 · 1:28 PM
Exclusive Interview: Robbie Maddison is on the mend from injury and says of NYE jump: ‘I was terrified’
For the first time, motorcycle stunt king Robbie Madison has revealed just how close he came to death with his incredible leap to the top of the Arc de Triomphe at Paris Las Vegas on the Strip on New Year’s Eve. “My eyes were flooded, and my vision was blurred on takeoff,” he admitted in an exclusive interview with me before he left town over the weekend. “I waved to the people out there before the jump as if everything ... Read more...