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Luxe Life Blog • Archive for December 2008
Strip Scribbles: Miss America contestants count down to the crown on TLC
*The four-part reality TV series Countdown to the Crown begins airing at 10 p.m. ET/PT this Friday on TLC, and all 52 state titleholders really fight for a chance to win a spot in the Top 15 for the Miss America Pageant. You can watch the preview video HERE. Each one-hour episode hosted by Tyler Harcott finds the contestants living together on the majestic Queen Mary ocean liner in Long Beach, Calif., south of Los Angeles, and follows them as ... Read more...
For Kaptain Robbie Knievel, there’s no rehearsal before Mirage volcano jump
An army of more than 100 people will have less than two hours to move three ramps into exact position on the Strip at The Mirage tonight starting at 6. The problem for stunt daredevil motorcyclist Robbie Knievel is that they’ve never done it before, and there will be no time to check it before he makes the 200-plus-foot jump over the 900-degree fireballs of the exploding Mirage volcano. Hard to believe, but that’s not the worst of the problems. ... Read more...
It’s final curtain for three Las Vegas shows
It’s time to say a fond farewell! This Sunday marks the end of not one but three musicals on the Strip. One is a long-running hit, the other is a newcomer, and the last is one that might well reopen within a few days! Here’s the breakdown: After nearly six years and more than 2,200 performances to 2 million ticket-buyers, the ABBA-based musical Mamma Mia! ends its run at Mandalay Bay. It was back on Feb. 13, 2003, that the ... Read more...
Dinner, fireworks and hanging out literally above Las Vegas
Dinner for 22? A chef and two assistants? Sushi or steaks? Not a problem even 165 feet high in the air overlooking the Strip! Welcome to Dinner in the Sky, the newest Las Vegas attraction, and it debuted last night with a sneak preview by Las Vegas Event Planner President Michael Hinden. He’s invested more than $2 million to bring the European concept here to the Strip in its first U.S. location. Tonight, Michael, who has 20 years of experience ... Read more...
Morning Call: It’s an all-star NYE celebration in Las Vegas
It might well be the largest celebrity-studded New Year’s Eve celebration on record! There will probably be more stars partying on the Strip tonight than at any time previously — and certainly more than in any other city in America! It truly is a staggering star lineup to match the incredible “America’s Party” fireworks display scheduled to thrill more than 290,000 revelers expected to pack Las Vegas Boulevard this evening. It will be the first time that the fabulous fireworks ... Read more...
On the 12th day of Christmas …
Season’s greetings from Vegas DeLuxe and the Crazy Girls! Read more...
Titanic exhibit an emotional experience and chilling reminder of historical tragedy
There’s a definite chill in the air when you step out on the deck re-creation of the new Titanic exhibit. One moment you are marveling at the stunning staterooms and grand lobby of the great ship, and the next you’re so close to the icebergs, you can actually touch them. It’s a highly emotional moment that takes you right back to the horrendous 1912 maritime disaster that drowned 1,523 passengers. The rich, the famous and the unknown were among those ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Meeting up with Santa Claus on his Sin City holiday
Whoever would have guessed that after racing around the world with his reindeer that Santa Claus would pick our Las Vegas playground as the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate? That’s the gist of a new video viral marketing campaign that’s been created by our tourism authority. Using paparazzi guerrilla video cameras, the crews captured Santa at LAX nightclub in the Luxor, where he met up with actors Chris Evans and Kyle Howard. Then he visited the tattoo parlor at ... Read more...
Robbie Maddison inspects stunt jump site at Paris Las Vegas
Even for stunt motorcyclist Robbie Maddison, it is a scary and horrifying sight. Tomorrow night, the Australian daredevil will hopefully speed up this ramp and fly through the air to land atop the Arc De Triomphe at our Paris Las Vegas on the Strip. If he’s one inch or one second off in his calculations, Robbie knows he could die or be seriously injured. Says Robbie: “It makes you sick just to look at … I have no idea how ... Read more...
Year-in-Review: Our photographers share their favorite snapshots of 2008
Here at Vegas DeLuxe, we go through hundreds of photos each week from an extraordinary team of great contributing photographers to get the best shots of the celebrities at play in our world’s best platinum playground. Our lens men and lens women are ringside at the fights, front row at the concerts, backstage in the dressing rooms and along the red carpet at the premieres and openings. There’s also a royal welcome for them inside the velvet ropes at the ... Read more...
Morning Call: Newest Vegas magazine cover girl Nancy O’Dell loves Las Vegas
Radiant Access Hollywood host Nancy O’Dell has stepped out from the TV cameras to become the newest cover girl for our Vegas magazine — and she’ll be broadcasting from here during the giant Consumer Electronics Show in two weeks. In the new January issue of our sister publication, the anchorwoman of one of NBC’s most successful entertainment news programs dishes on becoming a new mom, how she juggles her showbiz duties and her love of Sin City! In her exclusive ... Read more...
On the 10th and 11th days of Christmas …
Check back each morning for additional Crazy Girls holiday greetings through New Year’s Eve. Read more...
Larry King interview with Criss Angel airs tonight; debut of Sirio Maccioni documentary is shuffled
The mighty CNN reshuffled its holiday week schedule at the last moment and pulled the Larry King interview with Criss Angel forward from New Year’s Eve. It will now air tonight and feature gal pal Holly Madison in the final 15-minute segment. If you haven’t seen Believe at the Luxor, then you should know that Larry has a cameo appearance announcing the “disappearance of the missing magician.” At the same time, MGM’s documentary division shuffled its HBO debut of A ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Pink leads all-star turnout for UFC 92 and Strip after-parties
Rock singer Pink led a parade of stars — and fighters — to the parties after the battles in the UFC 92 Octagon wars at the MGM Grand over the weekend. She first hit LAX nightclub at the Luxor for UFC President Dana White’s official after-party. That ’70s Show star Wilmer Valderrama joined the group at the VIP stage tables with everybody enjoying Patron tequila shots! Also partying alongside was UFC light heavyweight Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, who was celebrating his ... Read more...
Cirque du Soleil stars set to join Robbie Knievel on Fox’s NYE telecast
Three shows in the Cirque du Soleil lineup of Strip spectaculars get fabulous free exposure on Fox’s live, 90-minute New Year’s Eve spectacular. When cameras cut back and forth from the Times Square ball drop sometime inching toward 8:50 p.m. our local Pacific Time (11:50 p.m. in New York), stunt king Robbie “Kaptain” Knievel will create world history with a 200-foot jump through the exploding Mirage volcano. Mindfreak magician Criss Angel will be featured from his Believe show at the ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Pure at Caesars Palace receives 7 Club World Award nominations
Congratulations to the executives at our Pure nightclub empire for receiving seven nominations in the 7th Annual Club World Awards to be announced early in the New Year. Pure at Caesars Palace was recognized for a third consecutive year as Best Superclub and also for Best Party with its Summer Surprise series. LAX at the Luxor was nominated for Best Club, Best Bottle Service and Best One-Off event with the DJ AM and Travis Barker party back in June. The ... Read more...
Inflation alert! Those 12 days of Christmas are a lot more expensive this holiday season
We’re happy that the gorgeous topless dancers of Crazy Girls at the Riviera have photo shot their sexy version of The Twelve Days of Christmas. However, we’re disappointed to discover that the cost of it all has jumped so much over the past 12 months. Every year, the investment advisers at PNC Wealth Management calculate the cost of gift giving on this scale. They’ve just said it would have cost you $86,609 to buy everything in The Twelve Days of ... Read more...
Pointer Sisters wow Silverton crowd as they await White House call
It’s highly possible that The Pointer Sisters might be invited to The White House for President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration, but they’ll have to sing for their supper — and perform for free! Las Vegas fans, however, received a special treat when the three first ladies of song performed over the holiday weekend at Silverton Casino Lodge. Our contributing photographer Scott Harrison was there front row and center, so close in fact that he was even able to snap the song ... Read more...
Morning Call: More drama for Lance Bass, Toni Braxton and Derek Hough as DWTS tour pulls into Vegas
Both Lance Bass and Toni Braxton are soldiering on with injuries and pain after one of the Dancing With the Stars professionals was KO’d from the rest of the tour over the weekend — just hours before arriving in Las Vegas. For former Las Vegas Academy student Derek Hough, it was a double disappointment because the injury to Mark Ballas meant that their plans to debut their new Ballas-Hough rock group in Salt Lake City tomorrow went up in smoke. ... Read more...
On the eighth and ninth days of Christmas …
Check back each morning for additional Crazy Girls holiday greetings through New Year’s Eve. Read more...
Exclusive Interviews, Part II: It’s Robbie (Maddison) vs. Robbie (Knievel)
Two daredevil drivers will stare down death in about three days now with two mind-blowing stunts on the same live TV show from Las Vegas. It’s ESPN’s Red Bull-sponsored New Year No Limits. Both motorcyclist Robbie Maddison and truck driver Rhys Millen know they could die or be seriously injured for life on New Year’s Eve. Both men admit that they are “crazy” — and both men know exactly what could happen if it all goes wrong. There is not ... Read more...
On the sixth and seventh days of Christmas …
Check back each morning for additional Crazy Girls holiday greetings through New Year’s Eve. Read more...
Exclusive Interviews, Part I: Two ‘crazy’ daredevil stuntmen are risking it all
Two daredevil drivers will stare down death on New Year’s Eve with two mind-blowing stunts on the same live TV show from Las Vegas. It’s ESPN’s New Year No Limits, and motorcyclist Robbie Maddison and truck driver Rhys Millen know they could be seriously injured or die. Both men admit they are “crazy” — and both men know exactly what could happen if it all goes wrong. There is not one inch of margin for error. Robbie will break all ... Read more...
On the fourth and fifth days of Christmas …
Check back each morning for additional Crazy Girls holiday greetings through New Year’s Eve. Read more...
Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpson introduce Bronx Mowgli to the world
Pop royals Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz introduced their new baby son to the world on Christmas Day, one week ahead of their Las Vegas visit to count down to the New Year at Pure nightclub in Caesars Palace. The happy couple posted the first photo of 5-week-old Bronx Mowgli on his Fall Out Boy Web site HERE. “We decided to share the best gift we could ever receive with you: Bronx Mowgli Wentz,” the couple wrote on a special ... Read more...
On the second and third days of Christmas …
Check back each morning for additional Crazy Girls holiday greetings through New Year’s Eve. Read more...
Happy Holidays from Vegas DeLuxe and the Crazy Girls!
Check back each morning for additional Crazy Girls holiday greetings through New Year’s Eve. Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Photo galleries galore is our gift to Vegas DeLuxe readers
It’s difficult to believe one man could spend $162 million over three years at two Las Vegas Strip casinos, but apparently that’s what a one-time computer salesman named Umar “Omar” Siddiqui did. Omar, 42, lost some $65 million paying off enormous gambling debts here, according to IRS agent Andres Gonzalez. Siddiqui was arrested at his office at Fry’s Electronics headquarters in San Jose, Calif., and his Ferrari — a gift from a Vegas casino — was confiscated. He appeared in ... Read more...
Paul Anka’s popular three-night Orleans stop prompts return engagement
It may well have been one of the best and tightest shows of his legendary 51-year career. Paul Anka thrilled and wowed the sold-out crowds at The Orleans on his three-day visit, and when I was there on closing night, it was the show of a lifetime. It was as if he and his 17-piece band didn’t even want to pack up their instruments. Paul enthralled — so much so that The Orleans entertainment executives promptly booked him back for ... Read more...
A trip down nostalgia lane when Liberace was king of the Strip and I was a whole lot younger
Browsing through YouTube is one heckuva interesting experience, and you simply don’t know what you might find. One of our eagle-eyed Vegas DeLuxe readers spotted me some 25 years ago when I was here in Las Vegas to interview the flamboyant showman and musical genius known by the one name of Liberace. In a sense, Lee was the forerunner of such over-the-top acts as Sir Elton John and even Cher. Since we’re in the gift-giving season, I’ll leave this one ... Read more...
Pamela Anderson’s ‘LoveStream’ trailer nets $30,000 at auction
Pamela Anderson’s bountiful bosom almost fell under the auctioneer’s hammer when the buttons burst from her dress while trying to sell her Airstream trailer at South Point this past weekend. The blonde sex goddess was taking part in the Kruse auction of collectible cars here and personally posed provocatively at the podium to help Daniel Kruse get his bids higher. Click HERE for those revealing photos of the former Baywatch beauty. In the end, Mark Osborn of Laughlin Classic Cars ... Read more...
Britney Spears adds concerts to her U.S. and European tour
Demand for tickets to see Britney Spears both here in America and in Europe has been so high, she has already added six new concert dates for a present total of 41 shows. When tickets first went on sale, more than 400,000 were snapped up almost immediately. Additionally, six additional shows were just added to her London 02 Arena stop, where in just 48 hours, some 100,000 tickets were sold for her now eight performances there. The Circus — Starring ... Read more...
Photo Gallery Exclusive: Holly Madison has her cake — and gets a ring, too!
Holly Madison’s 29th birthday celebration was unlike any other! It began at midnight and ended after 4 this morning. It started with a giant cake and wound up with a ring! And now I’ve learned that over the holidays, boyfriend Criss Angel and his mom, Dimitra Sarantakos, will meet Holly’s parents, Steve and Patsy Madison, from Oregon, in an all-family gathering for New Year’s Eve! “It’s the first time I’ve brought them to meet a boyfriend,” the blonde beauty cooed. ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Steve Wynn opens his $2.3 billion Encore on the Strip: ‘Let the games begin’
As legendary Frank Sinatra’s song “Luck Be a Lady Tonight” played in the background, hotel tycoon Steve Wynn said, “Gentlemen, place your bets. Let the games begin.” Hundreds of people lined up four deep and waited at two different entrances for the official 8 p.m. soft opening yesterday of his new, extraordinary, elegant $2.3 billion Encore resort. When I left at midnight, there were still curious crowds lined up waiting to get past security to see the marvel for themselves. ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: $10,000 Black Pearl cocktail is on the menu at Encore’s XS
My bet is that when the new XS nightclub opens at the Encore to its fully sold-out crowd on New Year’s Eve, more than one of the new Black Pearl drinks will be sold — even though it’s $10,000! It is the world’s most expensive cocktail — but you do get two glasses of the concoction to share with your soul mate. The club’s new signature cocktail will actually be known simply as The One, and the cocktail recipe is ... Read more...
Daughtry, David Cook, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Scott Weiland join Robbie Knievel NYE special on the Strip
It won’t be just the roar of the engine with stunt king Robbie Knievel jumping The Mirage volcano on New Year’s Eve. Now I’m hearing that there will be the wailing of rock music, too! Two American Idol favorites will join the action. Rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd will perform with Scott Weiland, along with Idol’s Chris Daughtry and his band and singer David Cook, the winner of Season 7! The show will be hosted by Spike Feresten from Talk Show and ... Read more...
Morning Call Exclusive and Photo Gallery: The Girls Next Door talk about love, romance and a (mostly) clothed future
Change galore is on the immediate horizon for The Girls Next Door. Not only do Holly Madison and 23-year-old Kendra Wilkinson have hot and heavy romances with a wedding in the works for Kendra, but now strictly solo Bridget Marquardt, 35, says she’ll follow them out the doors of Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Mansion right after Jan. 1. She’s got a brand new Travel Channel TV series to shoot, and, to be honest, the feisty and sexy Shannon twins are moving ... Read more...
Preview: A video tour of Steve Wynn’s Encore
An exclusive first look at Steve Wynn’s new Encore casino resort, as the cameras were allowed inside the $2.3 billion luxury hotel for the first time before the big opening at 8 p.m. today. Read more...
Gossip Grab Bag: Britney & Benji out on the town together and Fergie and Elton set wedding and farewell dates, respectively
Think of me this holiday season as Santa with a grab bag of goodies, except my potpourri is an aromatic collection of hot tips, racy rumors, wicked whispers and breaking celebrity news. Look at all the tasty and torrid tidbits I’ve unwrapped from under the tree! *It’s now official, according to my colleague Steve Freiss, that Sir Elton John will end his four-year run of The Red Piano at Caesars Palace this spring. Vegas DeLuxe has told you this would ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Today and Nightly News to broadcast from Vegas during CES
The moment Christmas and New Year’s Eve end, the giant Consumer Electronics Show pulls into town. Among the celebrities already confirmed to attend are singer Stevie Wonder and game-show king Alex Trebek. Additionally, NBC anchor Brian Williams will broadcast NBC Nightly News from here Jan. 8-11, as well as the hosts of the morning Today show, including Matt Lauer, who worked for me for a while before he went off to the Peacock Network! *Las Vegas’ favorite showgirl Bette Midler, ... Read more...
David Hasselhoff croons his Wildcats to victory at Las Vegas Bowl
Actor, singer and producer David Hasselhoff had a busy Las Vegas weekend visit when he watched his daughter Taylor’s University of Arizona Wildcats football team win their first bowl game in 19 years. They beat the Brigham Young University team 31-21 in the 17th Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl, which was telecast on ESPN. David sang the national anthem to kick off the ballgame. His pal Travis Cloer, who appears in Jersey Boys at the Palazzo, sang “America the Beautiful.” To ... Read more...
Marie Osmond to host ‘Evening of Dreams’ for all 52 Miss America contestants
There might never be another evening filled with so much talent and glamour! Can you imagine the 52 Miss America contestants on the dance floor with more than 10 former Miss Americas? Organizers have combined this year’s Miss America breakfast with the “Evening of Dreams” into one spectacular event on Jan. 23. Kirsten Haglund, Miss America 2008, will introduce Marie Osmond. A certain number of tickets for the Planet Hollywood event will be made available to fans and the public ... Read more...
Morning Call: Steve Wynn is set to open $2.3 billion Encore with XS, the Strip’s largest nightclub
It will doubtless be known as the world’s most beautiful and extraordinary nightclub: No wonder Steve Wynn and Victor Drai have called it XS! It is unmatched and unrivaled, and, standing inside looking at the water-themed, double-decked, combination daytime club and nightclub, you won’t ever realize the famed Strip is just a few feet away. You will be transported to the magic of the French Riviera in sexy, sun-baked St. Tropez! You can click HERE for our video interview with ... Read more...
Breaking News: Michael Jackson reportedly needs emergency lung transplant
Michael Jackson is reported this morning to be in “a desperate fight for his life” and needs to undergo an emergency lung transplant operation! That’s the extraordinary shocking and startling claim in a headlined “world exclusive” story from London’s Sunday Express newspaper today. Reporter Mike Parker says the sensational revelations come from Ian Halperin, an award-winning former investigative journalist for Rolling Stone. Halperin is writing a new biography on the part-time Las Vegas resident who commutes between here and his ... Read more...
Morning Call Photo Gallery: Pamela Anderson’s in the house … there’s an auction going on?
Actress and blonde sex goddess Pamela Anderson has never shied away from flashing the flesh. Her cleavage could not have been more on display in a dangerous “any moment now” while she filmed scenes for her reality TV show Girl on the Loose here this weekend. Pamela has grabbed headlines the past couple of weeks! She proudly showed her assets in Europe while appearing in the Hans Klok magic show. The former Babewatch, er, Baywatch actress then allegedly spilled out ... Read more...
Holiday wishes and New Year’s dreams from Robin Leach
Nothing says the holiday season like Robin Leach weathering a Las Vegas snowstorm. Watch here as the host of Vegas DeLuxe and author of Luxe Life wishes us all a happy, healthy and prosperous holiday season and New Year. Read more...
Morning Call Photo Gallery: Criss and Holly celebrate their birthdays
It was a long night and early morning of double celebrations for lovebirds and birthday couple Criss Angel and Holly Madison — and Vegas DeLuxe was with them for all of it. Criss is celebrating his 41st birthday, and Holly will be 29 on Tuesday. By 1:30 this morning, they’d received three birthday cakes in a nonstop celebration the moment the curtain came down on Believe’s 108th performance at 8:30 p.m. yesterday at the Luxor. Criss even showered the jam-packed ... Read more...
Doing it his way, Paul Anka reflects on more than 50 years in show business
It’s one of the most staggering and sensational successes in all of show-business history. Paul Anka, one of this century’s most extraordinary entertainers and super-songwriters, heads into Las Vegas for three nights at The Orleans with a 17-piece orchestra starting this evening. When he takes to the stage there tonight, it will be difficult to believe his star has shone for more than five decades! In fact, it’s 51 years that the legendary performer has been a Vegas mainstay ever ... Read more...
Sinatra family will be first guests at new Sinatra restaurant in the Encore
The first three people to get an advance look at Steve Wynn’s new Sinatra restaurant tomorrow in the Encore before Monday’s official 8 p.m. opening will be Ol’ Blue Eyes’ son Frank Jr. and two daughters Tina and Nancy. The private dining area, which is called the Boardroom where they will munch their way through the Italian menu, features a photograph of Steve and Frank together. They shot it many years ago for the cover of an Atlantic City magazine. ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Did Marc Anthony pics in Las Vegas doom his marriage to J.Lo?
A set of photos taken here in Las Vegas that showed singer Marc Anthony partying solo the weekend after Thanksgiving may well have contributed to what’s being labeled “a breaking point” in his marriage to actress Jennifer Lopez. Apparently neither is now wearing a wedding band, and Jennifer isn’t wearing her 8-carat engagement ring, either! Marc also was photographed solo in New York at the Bungalow 8 and Marquee nightclubs, and US Weekly even reported he had his hand on ... Read more...
Miss America charity auction goes online at eBay
For the first time in the Miss America Organization’s history, several exclusive items and experiences are being listed on the auction site eBay via its dedicated charity program Giving Works. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Miss America Scholarship Fund. From now through next Tuesday night, you can bid on some incredible VIP, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and exclusive items by visiting www.ebay.com/missamerica. Here’s what caught my eye: Rock Out With Miss America! A one-of-a-kind, custom Peavey Signature electric guitar, made ... Read more...
David Copperfield goes on the record about illusion accident
Illusionist David Copperfield has just spoken about the industrial fan blade accident that sent one of his on-stage technicians to a hospital with a broken arm and facial cuts. Click HERE for our breaking Vegas DeLuxe story that we posted last night. “Many people assume that the death-defying illusions I do on stage are not dangerous,” David said. “This unfortunate accident shows that couldn’t be further from the truth, and we’re just thankful that Brandon’s injuries weren’t worse.” I have ... Read more...
X girls send sexy season’s greetings and play naughty and nice
When a picture is worth a thousand words, I really prefer to let the photos do all the talking. Case in point? The X girls at the Flamingo adult topless revue wore as little as possible for their photo shoot to get ready for Santa’s visit. They shared the photos exclusively with Vegas DeLuxe. They simply told me the mistletoe is already hung up for Saint Nick’s midnight arrival, and they’ve also got some other surprises in store for the ... Read more...
The verdict on Kim Kardashian’s 2009 calendar: Smokin’ hot!
Sultry reality star Kim Kardashian has just released her 2009 calendar for Christmas gift giving — and the 28-year-old brunette beauty promises to bring several copies to give away here in Las Vegas when she and her sisters Khloe and Kourtney — self-nicknamed the Dash Dolls — perform hosting duties and the midnight countdown at LAX in the Luxor on Dec. 31. To say it’s sizzling is an understatement because the photos of curvy Kim in her scanty undies are ... Read more...
Morning Call: It’s celebration time for Criss Angel, Holly Madison, Believe and McCarran Airport
Early this morning, Believe illusionist Criss Angel will celebrate an amazing birthday — and it’s not his, although they fall on the same day! The Mindfreak magician will do his own up in style later tonight! First, though, he and his dancers join the cast of his fellow Cirque du Soleil Beatles show Love and a host of gorgeous showgirls out at McCarran Airport for its 60th birthday celebration! Exactly 60 years ago today, a dirt runway operated with just ... Read more...
Breaking News: David Copperfield stops show after assistant is injured on stage
MGM officials confirmed tonight that headline illusionist David Copperfield had to cancel his magic show there midway through a performance after one of his assistants was injured by the blades of a large industrial fan. The male assistant was taken to University Medical Center last night and treated for a facial puncture and a broken arm. Members of the crew waited through the night, and David himself went there early this morning with gifts for the injured staffer. In the ... Read more...
Exclusive Video Interview: One-on-one with Steve Wynn
Hotel tycoon Steve Wynn, who single-handedly carved the skyline of Las Vegas as we know it today, looks to the future of our city with a combination of confidence and some uncertainty. He’ll officially open his new Encore resort casino at 8 p.m. on Monday. Yesterday, in an exclusive one-on-one and first Vegas DeLuxe video interview in his new Sinatra restaurant at Encore, Steve told me, “This is the best hotel ever.” Click HERE for our first word on that ... Read more...
Exclusive: Terry Fator reveals secrets of Mirage show opening Valentine’s Day
Entertainer Terry Fator officially becomes The Mirage’s new $100 million man this coming weekend. It marks his last regular three-day run at the rival Las Vegas Hilton. As Vegas DeLuxe readers know from our past reports on Terry — click HERE for one recent story — it has been an extraordinary 20-plus-year journey toiling away unrecognized in the smallest of American venues until “overnight stardom” as the very first winner of America’s Got Talent shot him to the top. Appropriately, ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Anonymous donor gives $1 million for Best Buddies charity
Christmas has come a little early! A local Las Vegas resident who wishes to remain anonymous has given $1 million for Anthony Kennedy Shriver to open a Nevada office of his Best Buddies International nonprofit charity. Best Buddies enhances the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing both integrated employment opportunities and one-on-one friendships. Local state director Jason Smith said the surprise $1 million donation has enabled them to operate all six of its formal programs — including the ... Read more...
Forget the North Pole and Disneyland: Santa Claus loves Vegas, baby
I discovered Santa Claus doesn’t go back home to the North Pole — or even to Disneyland — when he rests up from that amazing round-the-world, whirlwind trip on Christmas Eve. Scrambling down chimneys and climbing back on the roof to deliver gifts is no easy task, especially for a bearded, red-cloaked man with just about the same girth as mine! I was amazed to discover Santa agrees with me that Las Vegas is the best place on Earth to ... Read more...
101 residents of Cranfills Gap, Texas, are stranded in Vegas for two more nights
If weather conditions in our now winter wonderland of record-breaking 5 inches of snow continue, the five-day freebie visit might become another two nights on the house! Vegas DeLuxe told you that about one-third of the residents of tiny 350-strong Cranfills Gap, Texas, landed here last Friday for the ultimate, free-vacation getaway. Only 101 people ages 21 and older were able to get the time off work and agreed to be followed around the clock by video cameras recording their ... Read more...
Snow Patrol blankets the Hard Rock Hotel
From fall 2006 until May of this year, the Northern Irish and Scottish alternative rock band Snow Patrol literally went into polar-bear recording hibernation. But this past spring, they re-emerged and began work on their newest album, which was released this fall as a follow-up to such prior hits as “Run,” “Chasing Cars,” “Signal Fire” from the Spider-Man 3 soundtrack and their album Eyes Open, which sold 4.7 million copies worldwide. As part of Snow Patrol’s world tour to promote ... Read more...
Morning Call: Pete Wentz reveals intimate details about sex life to Howard Stern
Reigning pop prince and princess Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpson raised eyebrows yesterday in advance of their New Year’s Eve visit here to Pure nightclub at Caesars Palace, where they will host and handle the midnight countdown. In a startlingly candid interview with satellite shock jock Howard Stern, the Fall Out Boy singer, bassist and lyrics genius said he and singer wife Ashlee have an amazing sex life. “She just loves giving me lap dances. She gives a mean lap ... Read more...
Exclusive Video Interview: Steve Wynn slashes room rates to stimulate Vegas economy and reveals Sinatra restaurant secrets
Just five days before the official opening of his brand new $3 billion Encore resort casino, hotel mogul Steve Wynn has dramatically slashed rates. “I want my hotels full,” he told me. “I’ll do whatever it takes to fill them.” He admitted in an exclusive video interview that you can watch on Vegas DeLuxe tomorrow (Thursday) that he ordered his executives to do whatever was necessary to stimulate sales during America’s economic crisis. They trimmed the average room rates to ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Are Paris and Benji about to kiss and make up?
They arrived separately and left apart — but that didn’t mean that in the in-between time, Paris Hilton and ex-boyfriend Good Charlotte rocker Benji Madden didn’t get along. In fact, they even got into a smiling, happy, friendly and animated — but whispered — conversation. Star spotters at the night-ago opening of the new Dolce & Gabbana boutique in Hollywood hosted by Rachel Bilson wondered if a reunion might be in the works. Paris and Benji remained mum on that ... Read more...
Tool frontman and winemaker Maynard James Keenan discusses Puscifer
Tickets for the new Puscifer show debuting with two performances Valentine’s Day weekend at the Palms sold out so quickly that now a third show has been added. However, eccentric Tool singer Maynard James Keenan, who is producing the show, admits that even he can’t describe what it will be or tell who will be in it — except that he promises chaos on a grand scale! One thing is certain, though: Puscifer will reflect his bizarre humor and his ... Read more...
It’s been from Disney to the Strip and from burlesque to the boss for Karen Raider
It’s another wonderful success story that could only happen in Las Vegas. In fact, it’s an inspiring showbiz tale for Karen Raider and proof that showgirls don’t have to just grow old and retire — they can become mini-tycoons! Karen started out as a dancer in a children’s entertainment show presented several times daily at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. She wanted the bright lights of Vegas and won an audition to be a topless dancer many years ago ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Nine Inch Nails’ (sort of) farewell performance
It’s a misleading headline, but deliberately so. Nine Inch Nails is continuing onwards, but two members of the group amicably left after their concert at Planet Hollywood. Two new musicians will replace them for their next tour Down Under in February throughout Australia. Our contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was front row center for this unique set of close-up photos with intense lead singer Trent Reznor. He and the group performed several tracks from their 2007 concept CD Year Zero. It ... Read more...
Mamma Mia! star has a new gig in Las Vegas
Gorgeous New York singer-actress Carol Linnea Johnson isn’t going back East when the curtain comes down on her role as independent single mother Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia! at Mandalay Bay. Instead of returning home after the show closes Jan. 4, Carol believes her future lies here in Las Vegas — so she’s staying put. She has her family all moved into a new home, and she’s already found a new gig. Carol has joined up with musicians from a ... Read more...
Drinks are on the house tonight for two hours at …
It’s unheard of! From 7 to 9 tonight at the Hard Rock Hotel, drinks and hors d’oeuvres are on the house! That’s right — absolutely free! No charge! No check! No tab! It’s not even confined to one lowly, hidden-in-the-corner bar setup. This is a property-wide party — and you can imbibe as much as you want in the “Cheers! Las Vegas” party at Pink Taco, Robert De Niro’s Ago restaurant, the famed Center Bar, Carey Hart’s Wasted Space and ... Read more...
Exclusive: Paul Anka clears the air about ‘overblown’ incident ahead of Orleans concerts
The nightly news entertainment shows and Internet gossip sites went into overdrive when police released a mug shot of Paul Anka’s wife, Anna, after she’d left their California home in a minor spat throwing an ice cube at him. Even we were incredulous when we linked to the TMZ gossip and Entertainment Tonight news wire pages: Paul Anka hospitalized! Wife missing! Wife arrested for domestic assault! It sounded as if the world was coming to an end. So who better ... Read more...
Morning Call: Motley Crue set to close down The Joint ‘in true Crue style’
It will probably be one of the wildest nights in rock ’n’ roll history — and who better to get than our local rebels Motley Crue, touring for their new CD Saints of Los Angeles, to close the doors on a legendary venue. Mark it down now: Feb. 6 and 7 for two extraordinary nights to shut down one of the most hallowed halls in rock, The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel. “We hope to really bring the house ... Read more...
Magician headliners pay tribute to veteran Vegas illusionist Marvyn ‘Mr. Electric’ Roy
Abracadabra! There is nothing more intriguing in showbiz than having one magician trying to trick another. Even they want to know how it’s done! Las Vegas is home to more magicians than any other city on Earth, and there was a full turnout of old-timers and newcomers when the Fantasma Ring of the International Brotherhood of Magicians honored Marvyn “Mr. Electric” Roy as the Magician of the Year. Marvin won the nickname for his amazing illusions with light bulbs, one ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: New Year’s Eve fireworks plans are revealed
This morning Mayor Oscar Goodman and Pat Christenson, president of Las Vegas Events, are due to announce details of our Dec. 31 downtown and Strip fireworks festivities. As readers of this column know, there are no rooftop fireworks this year because of new fire-safety restrictions in place after the Monte Carlo roof blaze. Instead, the Grucci fireworks display will be fired from both ground level and on top of concrete garage parking lots. Here’s what we’ve learned in advance: The ... Read more...
Exclusive: Donny Osmond’s 51st birthday celebration includes fans, an airplane mishap and making ET’s hot list
Five hundred Donny Osmond fans, some from as far away as England and Hawaii, marked their favorite star singer’s birthday at a private, no-media-cameras, 4-hour celebration in Donny & Marie’s Flamingo showroom. As it was Donny’s 51st big day, 51 well-wishers made up a “roast and praise” video greeting for his party. There were greetings from sister Marie and her Dancing With the Stars partner Jonathan Roberts, former ’N Sync star Joey Fatone, Penn & Teller, Rita Rudner and entertainer ... Read more...
Major League Baseball’s top managers join Vegas’ fight against cancer
Top managers of Major League Baseball teamed up while they were visiting Las Vegas for the MLB winter meetings to “Strike Out Cancer” at a benefit reception for our Nevada Cancer Institute. St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa joined with his friend Las Vegas businessman Jim Hammer to organize the event held at Fix in the Bellagio. It was an all-star turnout of MLB heroes including Joe Girardi of The New York Yankees, Jim Leyland of The Detroit Tigers, Ozzie ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Tryst and XS employees go on $32,000 shopping spree for KLUC children’s toy drive
Employees from Tryst at the Wynn and new XS nightclub at the Encore teamed up to make the single largest donation ever in our annual KLUC radio toy drive. The 100-strong entourage in 60 vehicles with a Metro police escort arrived at a local Walmart and spent $32,000 within an hour on toys, clothes and bicycles. Once they’d checked out, they loaded up the caravan of vehicles and, with Metro up front, drove to the Nevada Power offices where local ... Read more...
Morning Call: Another Kardashian sister gets ‘naked’ — who is it this time?
Don’t expect to see the Kardashian sisters wearing anything fur when they host the New Year’s Eve countdown here however cold it might get. In fact, if Khloe Kardashian has her way, they’ll never wear fur again anywhere! She’s just signed on for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ new “Fur? I’d Rather Go Naked” campaign following in the high heels of Eva Mendez and Pamela Anderson. Sure enough for the giant billboard that wrapped an entire building for ... Read more...
Bellagio waterfall and Mirage volcano mastermind has big plans for CityCenter … and elsewhere
If you think the dancing fountains at the Bellagio are pretty extraordinary, and if you think the new volcano at The Mirage is pretty awesome, you’d better hold on to your Webster’s because, as the song goes, “You ain’t seen nothing yet”! Fire and water mastermind Mark Fuller, who is the co-founder and CEO of the amazing WET Design labs near Burbank Airport in Southern California, is ready to unleash even more incredible eye-sights when MGM’s CityCenter project is opened. ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Are two more Strip resorts up for grabs?
Ooh! La! La! Wicked whispers and racy rumors! On top of our exclusive report last night that Treasure Island was being sold to former Frontier owner Phil Ruffin, now comes word that major negotiations also are apparently underway concerning two other major Strip casino resorts and a nightclub. I couldn’t get the rumor confirmed or denied when I asked one hotel operator over the weekend if he was in talks to take over a Strip hotel in a unique, new ... Read more...
Pink truly loves herself in new video and swings on stage
Rebel singer Pink is no stranger to headlines, first with her music and then with her appearance. Certainly with her troubled on-and-off, up-and-down marriage here in Las Vegas to Carey Hart, the owner of Wasted Space in the Hard Rock Hotel. Now she’s all set to fire up a new controversy when she makes love to herself in a brand new video for “Sober,” the second single off her fifth album, Funhouse. Her laugh-out-loud “So What,” which zaps former stuntman ... Read more...
Pamela Anderson makes waves with Hans Klok and Queen Beatrix in Holland
Barely clad sex symbol Pamela Anderson surprised opening-night guests of magician Hans Klok’s high-speed new show in Amsterdam. Not only did she go on stage in a nearly next-to-nothing, low-cut silver outfit, but she closed the show with a full-on, lip-lock kiss with the Dutch illusionist! Pamela and Hans had starred together here on the Strip in the show Beauty of Magic at Planet Hollywood. They’ve remained close friends, and Hans stuck by her through a rushed Las Vegas quickie ... Read more...
Mayor joins Mac King for burgers and fries at Viva McDonald’s
It’s unlike any other McDonald’s in the world! On opening day of the new Viva McDonalds’ right on the Strip, our merry Mayor of Mirth Oscar Goodman joined with Ronald McDonald and Harrah’s magician headliner Mac King — what an appropriate name! — for the red ribbon ceremonies! Oscar presented a key to the city to Ronald, who turned right round and gifted the mayor with an autographed red shoe! Ronald drove down the Strip in an open red Cadillac ... Read more...
New Year’s Eve Strip TV special America’s Party is canceled
The America’s Party music show planned for a live telecast from center Strip has been postponed until next year — a casualty of the ever-increasing cutbacks of TV advertising. Two major sponsors — a Detroit-headquartered auto company and a soft drinks company — yanked their support, and the last-minute cellular phone service replacement fell short to gap the losses as the lock went on their advertising budget. One of the producers told me: “We were in good shape and then ... Read more...
Morning Call: Wall Street praises MGM on confirmed sale of Treasure Island to Phil Ruffin
MGM executives have just officially confirmed our Vegas DeLuxe exclusive report last night that its Treasure Island property will be sold to former Frontier hotel owner Phil Ruffin for $775 million. MGM Mirage and Ruffin Acquisition LLC officially announced this morning that they have signed an agreement for $775 million. Phil Ruffin wholly owns Ruffin Acquisition LLC. The purchase price to be paid at closing will be $500 million in cash and $275 million in secured notes bearing interest at ... Read more...
Breaking News: MGM to sell Treasure Island; Phil Ruffin to take ownership
Solid rumors are flying tonight that MGM Mirage has entered into a business transaction that will eventually see Treasure Island being sold. The rumors indicate that MGM executives will make a very early morning Las Vegas announcement in advance of the Wall Street open that the sale is underway. It is believed that billionaire businessman Phil Ruffin will be the new buyer, but no purchase price or other financial details have been learned at this time. Although self-made billionaire Ruffin ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Carmen Electra makes her debut as a Playboy Club blackjack dealer
Three-time Playboy cover girl Carmen Electra’s biggest fear as she dealt blackjack last night at George Maloof’s Playboy Club at the Palms was that she’d “spill” out of her waist-cinching bunny costume. “I won’t spill drinks,” she told me, “ because I’ve learned how to do the Bunny Dip. I won’t fall down because I’ve learned how to do the Bunny Perch. But this is so tight around my waist, I am worried about my boobs spilling out! “It’s such ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Nevada cowboy posts a first as Wrangler NFR draws to a close
For the first time ever in the National Finals Rodeo, a Nevada cowboy won the team-roping world championship. Randon Adams, who hails from Logandale — about halfway between Las Vegas and Mesquite near the Valley of Fire State Park — walked away with a 10-day prize purse of $83,834 as part of his record season’s earnings of $190,000. The 26-year-old cowboy was cheered to victory by his fiancée, Audrey Fowler, and his parents, Wes and Elizabeth Adams. Randon was partnered ... Read more...
Morning Call Photo Gallery: Jamie Foxx celebrates in style at Tao
Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs wanted pal Jamie Foxx to have “the biggest birthday blast of the year,” and he gifted the Academy Award-winning actor and Grammy-nominated singer with as many bottles of his Ciroc vodka as they could handle! Jamie arrived at Tao in The Venetian with a 22-person entourage of family and close friends, including his sister Deidra Dixon. They were escorted into a private dining room for a birthday feast of sushi, lobster won tons and Chilean ... Read more...
Playboy’s 55th anniversary beauty wows during Palms visit
Playboy‘s 55th anniversary Playmate flew into Las Vegas this morning, and everybody who met her agreed that she was the perfect centerfold to celebrate the magazine’s milestone event. A stunning 23-year-old brunette beauty from the Ukraine, Dasha Astafieva was introduced by Playboy mogul Hugh Hefner last night for the first time in Hollywood alongside his former gal pals from The Girls Next Door. Neither Dasha nor Hef would address rumors of a new romance now that Holly, Kendra and Bridget ... Read more...
Morning Call Photo Gallery: Tom Brokaw, Jewel play spectator at Day 9 of NFR
Call last night the final Wrangler National Finals Rodeo tune-up — because tonight it all comes to a tumultuous and celebratory close with $5.5 million in prizes being awarded on world championship Saturday. Former NBC newsman Tom Brokaw, with his wife Meredith, and country and pop singer-guitarist Jewel were among the crowd of 17,784 to listen to the Zac Brown Band kick off the night with their “Chicken Fried” start! The evening’s highlight, though, was when Cody Wright clinched his ... Read more...
Paul Anka’s hospitalization and battery allegations surface
Longtime Las Vegas entertainer Paul Anka was reportedly hospitalized last month and received stitches for cuts to his face and head in an apparent domestic dispute at his residence in Thousand Oaks, Calif.. Paul, 67, one of Steve Wynn’s closest friends who accompanied him on art-buying trips in Europe, is scheduled to perform here next weekend at The Orleans. It is not known if he will postpone the three nights of concerts because of the incident, although quite some time ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Bette Midler shutters Caesars Palace boutique for ET lenses
Who knew you could take a bath with Bette Midler? Who knew she’d help scrub your body? And then buff it with her very own potions and lotions! The Caesars Palace headliner has an amazing collection of items in her very own retail store at the resort. Sure, it has all of her CDs from over the years, her books, photos, cards, posters — and even an autographed copy of the very ukulele she plays in the show there. When ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: It’s 50 years for Charlie Daniels and the National Finals Rodeo
It was a special time for country music’s 73-year-old legend Charlie Daniels last night. He celebrated his 50 years of appearances at the National Finals Rodeo, which is celebrating its own 50th anniversary here at the Thomas & Mack Center. To mark the special double anniversary, the Charlie Daniels Band played “Ghost Riders in the Sky” to open the eighth night of cowboy and cowgirl performances, which our Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons watched from the VIP section. Tonight and tomorrow, ... Read more...
Robbie Knievel begins practice runs for NYE leap over Mirage volcano
The high-throttle roars of the motorcycle engines from the mechanics’ mobile trailer workshops parked at The Mirage have gone silent for the moment. Stunt driver Robbie Knievel has moved them all now to a secret desert location for the practice runs in advance of his dangerous jump over the new Mirage volcano on New Year’s Eve. Fox cameras will present the live broadcast from here in Las Vegas at 8 p.m. — 11 p.m. on the East Coast. Some 50 ... Read more...
A flood of festive guests at the Palms: Carmen Electra, Dasha Astafieva — and even a few clothed athletes and celebrities!
It will be spectacular body beautiful, wall-to-wall action at the Palms this weekend — both in the ring and out of it! The sexy excitement starts with the arrival of 55th anniversary Playmate Dasha Astafieva from the Ukraine. Tonight in Hollywood, Playboy founder and mogul Hugh Hefner will introduce her at a special red carpet party at the 1 Sunset restaurant and club. Hef’s ex, Holly Madison, who is now dating Mindfreak magician Criss Angel, will be there with her ... Read more...
Miss America tickets go on sale today; Wayne Brady tests three beauty queens
The excitement of the Miss America live telecast Jan. 24 actually begins today when tickets go on sale for the pageant at Planet Hollywood. Also tonight, reigning Miss America Kirsten Haglund is joined by 1981 Miss America Susan Powell and 2000 Miss America Heather French Henry on Fox’s Don’t Forget the Lyrics hosted by our Venetian headliner Wayne Brady. It’s a special holiday episode of Wayne’s show, but the hope is that the Miss Americas will win a ton of ... Read more...
Morning Call: It’s the Jamie Foxx birthday weekend (and album release) extravaganza!
It is all set to be one of the biggest birthday bashes of the year because guest of honor Jamie Foxx is also celebrating the release of his new album Intuition, which will be released next Tuesday. Jamie is bringing in some celebrity friends to help celebrate with his fans tonight and all weekend long at Tao restaurant and nightclub in The Venetian. The Academy Award-winning actor and Grammy-nominated songster was here at Tao just two weeks ago — that’s ... Read more...
Breaking News: Pinup queen Bettie Page, 85, passes away in L.A.
After being rushed to a Los Angeles hospital for a heart attack two weeks ago, pinup queen Bettie Page died tonight. She was 85. It was in the 1950s that she shot to fame with her sexy and suggestive lingerie and bikini photographs. Hugh Hefner included some of her S&M play fetish photos in his January 1955 edition of the newly born Playboy magazine. He always described her as the woman who set the stage for the 1960s sexual revolution. ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: NFR athletes play with pain, love and passion
First let’s say a big thank you to the cowboys and cowgirls of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo who by Saturday night will have boosted our economy by more than $50 million! For 10 days and another 10 sold-out performances, Las Vegas has truly been Cowboy Town — and we’ve enjoyed having y’all in town! Congratulations on 227 consecutive sold-out shows to date here, and we hope you’ll continue chalking up those kinds of records through 2014 as the current ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Cher’s mission of mercy to Nepal’s orphans
When doctors ordered Caesars Palace headliner Cher to cancel a run of October shows due to an allergy-related illness, she apparently elected not to just stay in bed at her Malibu home. According to Contact Music, Cher decided to fly to Nepal and launch a charity mission for South Asian orphans. This is the second time she has donated time and money for a children’s orphanage in a foreign country. Earlier this year, Luxe Life reported that her last-minute donations ... Read more...
Want to book Fergie, Lindsay, Paris or Britney for your event? Mike Esterman can make that happen — if the money’s right!
Ever wonder how celebrities and other VIP names turn up at red-carpet events — not only worldwide but right here at all our Las Vegas celebrations? Be it the opening of a new resort or a special party in a Strip nightclub, there’s always an agent in the middle who makes it happen — for the right price! Yes, they are paid gigs for the most part, and the price tags can become quite staggering. In fact, if you have ... Read more...
Alain Ducasse: From French farm boy to globetrotting culinary king
Superstar chef Alain Ducasse starts his fifth year at his Mix restaurant in Las Vegas this month. He still insists on making a round-the-world trip every two months so he can stay here for a three-day visit. At his palace of fine food atop The Hotel at Mandalay Bay, Alain told me: “I love Vegas. It is a great, unique city. To me it’s become part of the Big Five: Paris, New York, London and Tokyo. I can’t forget Monte ... Read more...
Gerry McCambridge is ‘a nice success story about talent’
When The Mentalist Gerry McCambridge gambled on a Las Vegas stay, he was booked as an unknown at Rampart with only a three-week contract. His extraordinary abilities, later seen on NBC’s The Mentalist with Criss Angel, were a smash hit, and it turned into a 49-week run. Then he grabbed the opportunity to headline at the Stardust, and when that was imploded, Gerry started his own ShowTickets4Locals.com Web site, which now has 37,000 members. He landed a three-night-a-week string of ... Read more...
Morning Call: Pamela Anderson to peddle her ‘luxury lounge on wheels’
Elvis Presley’s private jet dates back to 1962 — and its four engines are missing! The salmon pink exterior paint is peeling, and the 45-year-old interior hasn’t been restored. However, that’s not deterring either aviation or Elvis fans over their enthusiasm for the 1962 Lockheed JetStar, which will go up for sale next week here in Las Vegas. Since it was only one of three that the King of Rock ’n’ Roll owned when he headlined here at the Las ... Read more...
Breaking News: Jerry Lewis to receive Oscar’s humanitarian award
Longtime Las Vegas resident Jerry Lewis has never been nominated for an Oscar despite being long hailed by the French as America’s funniest comedy actor since Charlie Chaplin. Now finally he’s going to receive what the Hollywood film industry regards as its highest possible honor. The 82-year-old comedy actor will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Oscar ceremony in February, according to an Associated Press story we obtained through our partner media Web site, Mochila. The governors of ... Read more...
Special Feature: Disney’s The Lion King is ready to rule Mandalay Bay and the Strip jungle
Ten years ago, then MGM executive Bill Hornbuckle wanted to bring The Lion King to Las Vegas. Now that he’s president of Mandalay Bay, that dream is finally coming true! “We’d had Elvis. We’d had Sinatra. But we never had a Disney production,” he said. The spectacular Broadway musical that has won more than 70 major worldwide awards will open at Mandalay Bay on May 2. When Mamma Mia! closes after five years at Mandalay Bay on Jan. 4, the ... Read more...
Siegfried & Roy to display career memorabilia as part of benefit reunion show
We might be only days away from the official Siegfried & Roy press conference that will reveal many of the details surrounding their Feb. 28 reunion highlighting “A Moment of Magic.” After a five-year retirement, they have agreed to perform together again for one night only at the Keep Memory Alive gala being held at the Bellagio to benefit Alzheimer’s research and patients at the downtown Lou Ruvo Brain Institute designed by master architect Frank Gehry. However, I can tell ... Read more...
Strip Parties: Baseball, boxing, MMA and UFC stars party hearty at Tryst
Nightclub emperor Victor Drai is now less than 20 days away from opening his incredible, new, luxurious, blow-your-mind XS hot spot at Steve Wynn’s new Encore tower. In the meantime, his Tryst nightclub in the adjoining Wynn packs in celebrities and sports stars in ever-increasing numbers. Here’s the latest photo roundup of the not-so-usual suspects: Former Cy Young Award winner and three-time All-Star pitcher C.C. Sabathia has made Tryst his nightly home while in town with the Major League Baseball ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Newly single Benji Madden is making the Strip nightclub rounds
Good Charlotte rocker Benji Madden certainly hasn’t gone into hiding after the much-publicized breakup with yearlong gal pal Paris Hilton. In fact, he’s been very visible here hitting all of our hot spots — and spywitnesses say he’s “all smiles once again.” Camped out in a Fantasy Tower suite at George Maloof’s Palms, Benji turned up at Prive in Planet Hollywood as a guest DJ along with brother Joel Madden and best pal Carey Hart of Wasted Space, where he ... Read more...
Heroes star Hayden Panettiere launches ‘bag of her dreams’ in the Palazzo
Young blonde-haired beauty Hayden Panettiere of NBC’s Heroes decided that Las Vegas was the perfect playground to launch her new signature handbag line in time for the peak holiday sales season. It also proved perfect for Hayden to get her own gift shopping completed. Hayden checked into the Palazzo and introduced the “bag of her dreams” at the Dooney & Bourke store, for which she is the official spokesmodel. Her $295 Hayden clutch went on sale simultaneously at Dooney & ... Read more...
Randy Jackson’s live New Year’s Eve’s telecast on the Strip gets official approval
It’s an official go! A third New Year’s Eve live telecast from the Strip has won the green light — and a press conference to announce all the details is being organized for next week to reveal the all-star music lineup. Music producer and American Idol judge Randy Jackson is co-producing the telecast, which he also will host. It’s expected that many of the record superstars including Kid Rock and Akon who are appearing at various New Year’s Eve parties ... Read more...
Jenna Jameson lands role in mainstream film War of the Dragon
Former Las Vegas XXX adult film star Jenna Jameson will star in a new mainstream movie after giving birth to twins early in the New Year. She and her boyfriend, mixed martial arts fighter Tito Ortiz, celebrated the news of her being signed to War of the Dragon when they visited Vegas a few days ago for the Oscar de la Hoya-Manny Pacquiao fight. Director and producer Stan Derain told me that Jenna will start filming as soon as she’s ... Read more...
Morning Call: At NFR Day 6, excitement builds as Trevor Brazile hits $3 million mark and wins sixth career world title
For three consecutive seasons now, Trevor Brazile has topped the $300,000 haul, and last night on Day 6 of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, he also won his sixth all-around world title! With just four days of competition remaining, the tension at the Thomas & Mack Center has begun building toward Saturday’s $5.5 million prize purse awards. Last night, our contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was arena side for this newest collection of NFR photos. Jason Meadows sang the national anthem, ... Read more...
Donny Osmond celebrates 51st birthday, and sister Marie prepares for her first Christmas in the desert
Congratulations are in order tonight as Donny Osmond steps onto the stage at the Flamingo and receives “Happy Birthday” wishes from a theater filled with his fans! Yes, Donny is 51 today, and we send our greetings, too! Sister Marie tells me she has a couple of tricks up her sleeve tonight while they are performing to mark the happy occasion. “I’ll get him a gift, but I will for sure poke fun at him,” she said. However, they will ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Chippendales dancers take it off for Ellen DeGeneres
They are the hunks who turn on all the ladies, and when the Chippendales dancers from The Rio here paid talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres a visit, they didn’t hesitate to strip down to their skivvies! Our good-looking guys sent the female audience into hysterics — and even Ellen herself fell for the sexy dance moves and gyrations! *All 27 participants in the Miss Rodeo America pageant visited the headquarters of our beloved Opportunity Village charity to meet the clients and ... Read more...
Strip Parties: Siblings Jack and Kelly Osbourne, siblings Aaron and Nick Carter … and Vanilla Ice
Jack and Kelly Osbourne hit three Strip nightclubs on three consecutive nights while partying here with their parents, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne. Ozzy’s wife and family surprised the Prince of Darkness rocker with a 60th birthday celebration trip to Sin City — and it looked as if Kelly and Jack didn’t want to return home to Hollywood! They were on the VIP stage at LAX in the Luxor with friends, including a miniature version of their legendary father! The kids ... Read more...
Jim Rogers says son Perry, Agassi and Graf need to settle lawsuit
The entire town is abuzz over the unexpected $50 million lawsuit that Andre Agassi’s former business partner Perry Rogers has filed against the tennis champion’s wife, Steffi Graf. Andre released an official statement that we reported Sunday morning, but since then a code of silence has descended on the sad feud. However, our intrepid editor John Katsilometes had Perry’s father, Jim, on his weekly KUNV FM 91.5 radio show, Our Metropolis that will air today at 6 p.m. It was ... Read more...
Playboy shocker as Christie Hefner resigns
After 20 years of heading up Playboy Enterprises, Hugh Hefner’s 58-year-old daughter Christie has suddenly called it quits — and her surprise departure will be effective at the end of January. Christie said that nobody encouraged her to resign even though recent Playboy revenues and circulation have slumped. She is, however, credited with reviving the brand in the 1980s and was responsible for the deal that rebirthed the Playboy Clubs, with a first outpost here at George Maloof’s Palms. Christie, ... Read more...
Oprah admits she nearly canceled Cher and Tina interviews because of her weight gain
Talk show queen Oprah Winfrey has revealed yet another battle with her weight — and she says the lowest point as she ballooned up to 200 pounds was here in Las Vegas for a weeklong taping of shows at Caesars Palace. She admits in the upcoming January edition of her O magazine that she “felt like a fat cow” and wanted to cancel the exclusive interviews with Cher and Tina Turner. Click HERE for our coverage of the diva fest. ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: At the halfway point, NFR features competition, autograph and photo ops and country legend Ronnie Milsap
Country singer Crystal Shawanda kicked off last night’s fifth day of festivities at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo as we reached the halfway mark with the fabulous finale set for Saturday and the $5.5 million prize purse awards. Susie Luchsinger sang the national anthem for the country crowd, and our contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was at our Thomas & Mack Center to capture all the action and excitement. Here’s today’s photo gallery, and don’t forget to click to our Photo ... Read more...
Backflip truck driver readies for death-defying NYE stunt at The Rio
Death-defying motor sports star Rhys Millen has just filmed the first video promos for his incredible back-flip truck attempt on New Year’s Eve at The Rio — and Vegas DeLuxe has the first video look, which includes the disastrous practice run a year ago that nearly cost Rhys his life! Rhys, who hails from New Zealand, hopes that the 12 months in between have completely healed his serious sustained injuries and also have conquered his fear of another failure! His ... Read more...
Exclusive: Porn princess Jesse Jane joins Luke Wilson on the Vegas set of Middle Men
Tiny, X-rated, top adult film actress Jesse Jane was a surprise casting in the new film Middle Men that Hollywood began filming right here in Las Vegas last night and into this early morning. Our contributing photographer Scott Harrison was on the set at the Hard Rock Hotel for these first photos of actor Luke Wilson with the porn princess, as well as Luke with co-star Giovanni Ribisi. Veteran star and Vegas regular James Caan also headlines in the film. ... Read more...
Morning Call Photo Gallery & Video: Mirage volcano erupts right on cue! And Robbie Knievel preps for NYE jump
After lying dormant for 10 months, The Mirage volcano roared back to life last night with a series of heat-searing eruptions and fiery explosions. It was a monumental, traffic-stopping spectacular — and now hourly each evening, it will be the Strip’s newest attraction once again. Surprise guest at the premiere ceremony of Mount Mirage was super-stuntman Robbie Knievel, who will motorcycle jump across the volcano’s flames on New Year’s Eve for a Fox special. As I’ve known Robbie since we ... Read more...
Get well greetings for Toni Braxton and Bettie Page
When hometown headlining singer Toni Braxton bowed out of the finale of Dancing With the Stars last month, we were led to believe that her old heart-muscle wall problems had resurfaced. However, it turns out that she underwent surgery for a more personal reason when doctors discovered a lump in her breast. Incredibly, she discovered the lump after she’d started dancing on the ABC show, and doctors wanted her to quit instantly. Instead, she elected to wait until she was ... Read more...
Nightclub king Branden Powers offers radical ways to boost Vegas tourism
Nightclub owner and operator Branden Powers has come up with a self-confessed outrageous and radical list of wild suggestions to improve the Las Vegas tourism count that’s been battered by the nation’s economic crisis. He even filmed a segment for CNN to talk about his drastic and extremist points. You can bet the Clark County Commissioners’ eyebrows will be raised, but maybe our merry Mayor of Mirth Oscar Goodman might even find some merit in parts of the scandalous suggestions! ... Read more...
Oscar was reeling from TKO, but celebs had their own post-fight party knockouts!
It was wall-to-wall celebrities at Wolfgang Puck’s bar and grill in MGM after the big Oscar de la Hoya-Manny Pacquiao fight Saturday night: Will Ferrell, Mario Lopez, Bernard Hopkins, Shane Mosley, Reggie Miller, Gary Sheffield, Danny McBride and Craig Robinson. Desperate Housewives star Jesse Metcalfe also took the time to celebrate his birthday over at Nobu in the Hard Rock Hotel. Also spotted in the crowd in the MGM Grand Garden Arena were Usher, will.i.am, Charles Barkley, Luke Wilson, Keisha ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Pamela Anderson’s ‘Love Stream’ trailer is up for sale
Mark your calendars now for the Kruse auto action taking place here in Las Vegas on Dec. 19 and 20. Hidden among the rare collectibles such as a 1958 Mercedes SL and a 1966 Austin Healey is a white, 2001 Airstream motor home named “Love Stream.” It was a gift by Playboy mogul Hugh Hefner to former Baywatch beauty Pamela Anderson. As you know, she’s been cleaning out her Malibu home, garage and storage areas, and she’s decided that the ... Read more...
Pink has a New Year’s Eve date at ex-hubby Carey Hart’s club
It could be the reunion for which everybody is secretly hoping. Maybe the New Year’s Eve “date” that pop princess Pink has set with her ex-husband Carey Hart at his Wasted Space rock lounge in the Hard Rock Hotel will start the magic all over again? The couple split up this year when she was away on her European tour. His name was linked with several new young ladies, including one of the X burlesque dancers at the Flamingo. Pink ... Read more...
The $100 million man is set to unveil the $25 million Mirage volcano
In just a few hours, the newly redesigned $25 million volcano at The Mirage will debut with major eruptions and explosions shooting 900-degree, 60-foot fireballs into the air. About 5 p.m. today after a 10-month shutdown, the earth on the Strip should rumble and then all hell will break loose — lava will pour down the new mountain, and the flames will be so intense, spectators will feel the heat some 30 feet away! New Mirage headliner Terry Fator, who ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Brooks & Dunn and Lee Greenwood honor the troops at NFR
It was an emotional moment for rodeo fans last night — when the lights went out! Country superstars Brooks & Dunn had kicked off the opening of Night 4 of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center, while American Idol finalist Kristy Lee Cook sang the national anthem, and the sell-out crowd of 17,149 roared its approval. Then the lights went out! Completely out! After a split second of silence, one pinprick light shone on a ... Read more...
James Caan and Luke Wilson are Middle Men in Vegas today
It’s slightly remarkable that mainstream Hollywood would tackle the online Internet adult entertainment industry as subject material for a major movie. It’s more remarkable that veteran actor James Caan would join with Luke Wilson, Giovanni Ribisi and Gabriel Macht for the shoot. It’s not remarkable, however, that the filmmakers of Middle Men would pick Las Vegas as the backdrop! The stars arrived over the weekend to get settled here for the location shoots, and I met up with my old ... Read more...
Exclusive: Holly Madison lands Strip show
It’s official, but the announcement won’t be made until the New Year! The Girls Next Door blonde beauty Holly Madison has signed contracts to guest star in a show on our famed Strip. Rehearsals will begin here in February, and her appearances will start in March! I know all the details but am sworn to secrecy. I can tell you, however, that her steady beau, Mindfreak and Believe illusionist Criss Angel, did not organize, mastermind or magically make the deal ... Read more...
Morning Call Photo Gallery: It’s opening day of Bellagio’s 10th wondrous winter wonderland
All the beauty and magic of the holiday season at Christmas is captured in the new and 10th Bellagio winter spectacle. The finishing touches of the incredible display were completed over the weekend and will be open to the public beginning today. Our contributing photographer Tom Donoghue got the advance look through his lens yesterday, and since each photo is worth a thousand words, enjoy 20,000 of them — words, not photos, that is! The display is majestically colorful and ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert join action at Day 3 of NFR
Country music stars Reba McEntire and Miranda Lambert joined a sell-out crowd of 17,353 fans at the third night of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center last night. Reba sang the national anthem, and Miranda was in the front row cheering on the competitors in the barrel racing contest. The bubbly blonde country singer ‘fessed up that it’s a sport she’s recently taken up and “is absolutely hooked on it.” This year cheering and maybe ... Read more...
Vegas runner cleans house at L.V. Marathon
A former Palms housekeeping employee, 28-year-old Abebe Yimer — who moved to Las Vegas from his native Ethiopia — won this morning’s 4th annual Las Vegas Marathon with an unofficial time of 2 hours, 27 minutes and 29 seconds. Abebe picked up a winner’s check of $8,000 for his victory. His best time for any event was 2:13:52 in the Houston marathon in 2006. He relocated to Vegas after running the Boston Marathon in 2001. He reunited with family who ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Celebs watch as Oscar de la Hoya gets a beating; retirement is being considered
The sports books all said he’d win, but right from the opening bell, Oscar de la Hoya was overwhelmed by his Filipino challenger Manny Pacquiao. Before the ninth round, Oscar had taken as much devastating punishment as possible — and called it quits! The boxer and fight promoter was taken to a hospital after the MGM Grand battle of the champions. Now this morning after the TKO, it looks as if Oscar might hang up his gloves. He’d hoped to ... Read more...
Morning Call Breaking News: Vince Neil scraps European solo tour 24 hours before first show
Hometown rocker Vince Neil has scrapped his solo European tour just 24 hours before it was due to kick off in Spain this weekend. Vince was due to fly to Barcelona for shows in Madrid and Bilbao when he learned that all three of his dates there were in jeopardy after the Riviera concert facility in Madrid shut its doors earlier in the week. The promoter was unable to find a new last-minute venue. Those problems triggered “an organizational problem” ... Read more...
Breaking News: Perry Rogers suing Steffi Graf
Perry Rogers, a longtime aide and friend of tennis superstar Andre Agassi, has sued Agassi’s wife, Steffi Graf. Rogers recently split with Agassi, though the separation has been described by Agassi as amicable. Said Agassi in a statement obtained by the Las Vegas Sun‘s Jon Ralston: “Several weeks ago, my agent, manager and lawyer, Perry Rogers, and I decided to sever our business relationship. At that time, I had every hope that we could do so amicably and in the ... Read more...
Exclusive & Photo Gallery: Miss Rodeo America pageant crowns its queen
The tension, excitement and nail biting is the same as any other beauty pageant. But don’t go looking for ball gowns and dainty high-heeled shoes or swimsuits at the Miss Rodeo America pageant. Here the contestants have to know their cowgirl stuff and not only write it down for the judges but also prove their horsemanship skills! This year’s coronation at The Orleans Hotel today produced a surprise with the winner coming from California and not Texas or real cowboy ... Read more...
Exclusive & Photo Gallery: Roy defies doctor’s orders and takes part in Great Santa Run
Not only did injured illusionist Roy Horn defy his doctor’s orders twice, but he also doubled the distance he walked over last year in today’s Great Santa Run in downtown Las Vegas. About 6,000 Santa-suited volunteers cheered Siegfried & Roy when they walked on stage at the Fremont Street Experience this morning. I was reliably told that they almost didn’t even make it to the event today. Late Thursday, Roy was feeling ill, and his doctor said he was suffering ... Read more...
Morning Call Photo Gallery: Day 2 of Wrangler National Finals Rodeo
As promised, here are the sights, sounds and action of the second night of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center. Country singer Jake Owen opened the evening’s excitement with his hit “8 Second Ride,” after entertainer Suzie Dobbs sang the national anthem for the crowd of 17,319. Our contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was behind the lens last night, inside the arena on the dirt floor, to capture these exclusive and extraordinary shots. He plans to ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: George Lopez hosts Oscar de la Hoya-Manny Pacquiao weigh-in at MGM Grand
Comedian George Lopez played host to the Oscar de la Hoya and Manny Pacquiao weigh-in at MGM Grand Garden Arena tonight. Among those in attendance besides the boxing adversaries were Bernard Hopkins, Shane Mosley and Ricky Hatton. Hopkins predicted, “De la Hoya will win this fight. I predict a knockout in the seventh or eighth round.” The boxers enter the ring tomorrow night. Read more...
Photo Gallery: Opening night of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at Thomas & Mack
A crowd of 17,341 was on hand for the opening night event of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at Thomas & Mack Center, with more than $5 million at stake when the NFR ends Dec. 13. Chris MacArthur sang the national anthem, and Trailer Choir got the crowd rockin’ before the cowboys and cowgirls took center stage. Check out photographer Tom Donoghue’s fabulous photos from the first night’s festivities. Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Rio lands New Year’s Eve truck backflip stunt
I can now officially reveal that New Zealand daredevil Rhys Millen will attempt the complete backflip of his off-road truck in the parking lots of The Rio on West Flamingo and the I-15 on New Year’s Eve. There had been preliminary talk that he would tackle the impossible on desert scrubland on the South Strip. Now it’s definite that it will take place at The Rio on Dec. 31. That’s where he wound up smashing his ribs in a practice ... Read more...
Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire and Jake Owen are NFR’s star titan trio this weekend
Oklahoma had hosted the National Finals Rodeo for 20 years until 1984. Then in a tiebreaker vote decided by Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Shawn Davis, NFR was moved to Las Vegas. Back then our town and valley had a population of 590,000 with14.2 million visitors a year. Hotel rooms totaled 53,000 — and we now have 135,000! As the residents grew to 1.7 million and the visitor count increased to 37 million, so did the rodeo grow. At the ... Read more...
Oscar de la Hoya says he’s ready to fight younger adversary Manny Pacquiao
The first time they battled their differences, it was slugged out in a courtroom — and Oscar de la Hoya and Manny Pacquiao had a split decision on a breach of contract dispute and settled. Bad blood remains, however, and tomorrow night’s rematch at MGM Grand Garden Arena between the one-time partners who broke up and became adversaries will decide it once and for all. They actually never expected to be in the ring at the same time knocking out ... Read more...
Fourth annual Las Vegas Marathon kicks off in Sunday morning darkness
It will take almost an hour in the dark to get the nearly 20,000 runners in place for the dawn start of the 4th annual Las Vegas Marathon on Sunday morning. I’ll be down at the Mandalay Bay starters’ stand at 5 a.m. to join the Blue Man Group, Frank Marino’s band and the political and track officials to encourage the runners before it all gets underway. At 6 a.m., the world’s top marathon runners will slot into place at ... Read more...
Morning Call: Siegfried & Roy vow to lead Great Santa Run to victory and claim Guinness world record
Twelve months ago, Las Vegas fielded exactly 7,269 Santa-suited runners and walkers for our Great Santa Run to benefit our beloved Opportunity Village charity. It also was a battle against the Beatles’ hometown of Liverpool, England, and an Irish country capital. Each year a new competitive city has joined the fray to claim the Guinness world record — and this year we’re competing against Tasmania, a province just off the coast of Australia. Come join our battle! Tomorrow morning, I ... Read more...
Vegas punk princesses Deadly Seven go to war over Hollywood rip-off
War has been declared by our favorite Las Vegas punk princesses the Deadly Seven, and they want your help in exposing a cheap, copycat rip-off that’s suddenly surfaced in the Los Angeles club land. When D7 appeared at Safari Sams nightclub in Hollywood two months ago, it was a total sell-out and the crowds went wild over the outrageous antics of the seven semi-topless Vegas beauties and their original act. Deadly Seven immediately won offers to appear at other L.A. ... Read more...
NFR rides into town with country’s biggest and best superstars
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, the world’s richest and most prestigious rodeo, a slew of country music superstars will appear all over town for the next 10 days starting tonight. More than 170,000 rodeo fans are expected through next weekend! First up is our rundown of the stars on stage to open the Thomas & Mack challenges each night: Thursday, Dec. 4 — Trailer Choir; Friday, Dec. 5 — Jake Owen; Saturday, Dec. 6 — ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Ozzy Osbourne’s birthday celebration continues with Bette Midler show
Ozzy Osborne isn’t in a hurry to go home to L.A., apparently. Ozzy’s 60th birthday celebrations continued here in Las Vegas for a fourth consecutive night. He and wife Sharon took their two daughters Aimee and Kelly to see Bette Midler at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace. After watching The Showgirl Must Go On, the Osbourne family went backstage to meet the Divine Miss M — and Vegas DeLuxe was fortunate to get a photo of the showbiz summit. The ... Read more...
Carmen Electra: Playboy Bunny dealer and three-time Playboy cover girl
It’s not just zipping into a tight, bunny-tailed, figure-hugging, breast-bulging corset! It’s not just about balancing atop the high-heeled uniform shoes. To be a Playboy Bunny dealer at the gaming tables of the world’s only Playboy Club at George Maloof’s Palms Fantasy Tower takes a rigorous training course that runs over a six-week time line. Curvy Carmen Electra has been learning the ropes as a one-night-only licensed dealer to tie in with her nude appearance on the cover and eight ... Read more...
We’re lovin’ it: A super-sized McDonald’s on the Strip and a TV channel!
It’s like no other Mickey Dee’s on Earth! In fact, when the new 8,600-square-foot Viva McDonald’s opens a week from today, it will not only be the first of its kind anywhere in the world, but the Las Vegas Strip location also will be the showcase for the new McDonald’s TV channel. Vegas DeLuxe has a first look at the artist’s renderings and photos — as you would expect! Next Thursday’s grand-opening, red-ribbon ceremonies will feature our merry Mayor of ... Read more...
Celine Dion confirms that she’s trying for another baby
Former Caesars Palace headliner Celine Dion, who eventually plans to return there with new shows, confirmed this morning her plans and hopes for a new baby when her current 14-month global concert tour ends. Appearing on CBS’ Early Show, she told host Julie Chen, “We have a frozen embryo. We’d love to extend the family.” Celine, who is the youngest of 14 children herself, and her husband-manager Rene Angelil have a 7-year-old son, Rene-Charles, who was conceived by in-vitro fertilization ... Read more...
Morning Call: Grammy noms tip their hat to Vegas headliners and heroes
Hometown hero Ne-Yo racked up six Grammy Award nominations when the nominees were announced live last night for the first time on primetime television. He tied with Kanye West and Jay-Z, but they were pipped by Las Vegas regular Lil Wayne, who grabbed eight nominations, and Coldplay, who garnered seven. The Recording Academy handed out nominations in 110 categories from the 32 Grammy fields. Ne-Yo’s album Year of the Gentleman was nominated for Album of the Year, and he goes ... Read more...
NFR and Miss Rodeo America sashay into Vegas
It’s the 50th anniversary of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo this year! The cowboys and cowgirls have taken over our town, and Las Vegas has gone “country.” Look for our full report of the nearly two-week-long celebration elsewhere on Vegas DeLuxe today. In advance of Saturday morning’s coronation of the 2009 Miss Rodeo America at The Orleans, the 26 contestants took part in a victory varsity cowgirls fashion show there last night. This isn’t about high heels, ballgowns or swimsuits. ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Is Keith Barry set to return to Planet Hollywood?
It looks as if Irish-born hypno-magician Keith Barry did well enough in his near monthlong tryout at Planet Hollywood to warrant a regular run. I’m hearing rumors that negotiations are underway to give him a permanent slot at the resort casino’s mezzanine theater — after it’s been reconfigured and redesigned to accommodate the incoming burlesque Peep Show with Melanie Brown, aka Scary Spice, and General Hospital actress Kelly Monaco. That show opens there at the end of March after Stomp ... Read more...
Country superstars and riders help National Finals Rodeo celebrate 50 years
Over the next 10 days, Las Vegas should receive a much-needed injection of some $60 million from all the cowboys and cowgirls in town for the 50th anniversary of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, which officially kicks off tomorrow with a lineup of star-studded entertainment. This year’s prizes total $5.6 million for the riders, and the Big 5-0 anniversary is shared with NASA, Legos and the Daytona 500. The NFR wasn’t always held in Las Vegas. The NFR began in ... Read more...
NBA champ Paul Pierce’s tattoo represents life-changing attack
Even though NBA star player Paul Pierce is captain of the champion Boston Celtics, his legal residence is right here in Las Vegas, and he maintains a condominium hotel near South Point. Paul even voted here! Now for the first time, he’s talked candidly about the awful night he was stabbed 11 times in the face, neck and back that required life-saving surgery after somebody picked a fight with him in a Boston nightclub. He proudly displays a tattoo on ... Read more...
A star- and stunt-studded NYE on the Strip features Usher, Fergie, Pete & Ashlee, Kid Rock and two death-defying jumps
Despite a reeling national economy, the superstar lineup scheduled for New Year’s Eve on the Strip might well be the biggest and best block party of them all! Some of the heaviest hitters from showbiz will actually be competing against three live telecasts on Dec. 31, and the rundown, quite honestly, is overwhelming to even me! How one makes a decision of what to see and where to go and how to party is beyond me. But you had better ... Read more...
It’s NYE Strip decision day for Britney Spears; other stars rumored for America’s Party telecast
Today’s the deadline day for the Britney Spears’ decision to appear live on the Strip for the two-hour America’s Party New Year’s Eve special. The pop princess has one final meeting scheduled this morning in New York with network officials and host Randy Jackson. Then she’ll decide with her father Jamie and manager Larry Rudolph if she will or won’t perform two songs and sit for an interview with the American Idol judge and music personality. I’m told the debate ... Read more...
David Foster’s Mandalay Bay concert special airs tonight on PBS
After three failed attempts, it took two years to organize and then three hours to film and nearly six months to edit! Finally the PBS special David Foster and Friends that was shot with an all-superstar lineup at Mandalay Bay in May premieres tonight — along with a CD of the event that’s also being released! David Foster is the musical genius — a songwriter, arranger and musical director — behind so many of today’s top record stars including Barbra ... Read more...
Morning Call: No editing tricks here — Steve Wynn films atop his buildings!
When hotel mogul Steve Wynn released his original commercial for the Wynn, it featured him standing dangerously atop the building as part of the Las Vegas skyline. Some skeptics said it was video editing and film trickery and that nobody would risk their lives that way just for a TV ad — however dramatic and talked about it became! Now he’s gone even one step farther: To promote the Dec. 22 opening of his new Encore Tower, Steve shot a ... Read more...
Britney Spears puts on a Circus show for Good Morning America
Britney Spears celebrated her 27th birthday this morning with a visit to ABC’s Good Morning America, during which she performed the title track from her new album, Circus, and answered questions from Diane Sawyer and Robin Roberts. Britney also performed her No. 1 hit “Womanizer.” At the end, there was cake, sparklers and smiles, as Britney announced her plans for a comeback tour. Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Rosie O’Donnell’s variety show gets the ax despite accolades for Ne-Yo
It was an impressive lineup of superstar talent for Rosie O’Donnell’s live, 1-hour variety show debut, but it was a Las Vegas R&B singer who stole the headlines. Ne-Yo, who has written and recorded for everybody from Beyonce to Whitney Houston to Jennifer Hudson, won all the raves and praise for his live, unadorned performance to promote his new album Year of the Gentleman. The first-night crowd said he even seemed genuinely surprised to have won such an incredible reception. ... Read more...
Mirage volcano erupts in 6 days, and Robbie Knievel’s NYE jump over it is a go!
The countdown is on! Just six days to go now to the opening ceremony of the new $25 million, 900-degree fireballs of The Mirage volcano. Ironically, for an explosion of this magnitude, there can be no dress rehearsals, so for once the first night will really be the premiere to witness the sights and sounds of an amazing attraction. Click HERE for our coverage of The Mirage volcano on Sept. 16. However, I can tip you to the fact that ... Read more...
Happy Birthday, Britney! Decision about NYE on the Strip looms
Pop queen Britney Spears celebrates her 27th birthday today in New York City, and if you were awake earlier this morning, you caught her live on ABC’s Good Morning America. She performed her No. 1 hit single “Womanizer” from the brand new album Circus, which goes on sale today. Britney was at the Big Apple Circus big top at Lincoln Center for the 7 a.m. telecast. I can confirm that she, manager Larry Rudolph and father Jamie discussed at length ... Read more...
Diverse panel of judges is selected for Miss America Pageant at Planet Hollywood
The 2009 Miss America Pageant officials have selected a strikingly diverse panel of national judges. For the first time, there are seven experts, and you’ll see them all on the national telecast Jan. 24 from our Planet Hollywood on TLC. The seven judges will evaluate the 52 contestants from the preliminaries through the final night of competition in each of the fields in which a young woman must excel in order to be named Miss America. The pageant rules require ... Read more...
Is Heidi and Spencer’s Mexican elopement a sham?
The fairytale wedding elopement of The Hills stars Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt turned out to be exactly that — a fairytale! Now the symbolic union — not legally binding — may have to be repeated all over again here in Las Vegas in the New Year to make it real! Click HERE for our original story, which had their respective families outraged at the quickie vows. Turns out that their runaway nuptials in the millionaire Cabo San Lucas playground ... Read more...
Steve Wynn plans 4,000-seat arts center at new Encore
When you get a major scoop as we did yesterday on Steve Wynn’s collaboration with the Bee Gees for a Stayin’ Alive musical at his new Encore Tower next year, the email box jams with communications. (Click HERE for yesterday’s exclusive.) There were some notes of disbelief, some notes of confirmation and even some of surprising congratulations for his decision — but no notes of denial! Hidden in them all was another golden nugget, which I pass on almost exactly ... Read more...
Breaking News: Britney Spears sets Circus Tour dates with Vegas stop; Pussycat Dolls are special guests
Advance VIP tickets went on sale at 8 a.m. today for pop queen Britney Spears’ Circus Tour — and prices for her concert in the round are already through the roof! Britney announced on ABC’s Good Morning America this morning that she’ll start a 36-city tour of the U.S., Canada and Britain starting March 3 in New Orleans. Click HERE to watch her performance on Good Morning America, and click HERE to see her interview with Diane Sawyer and a ... Read more...
Morning Call: Ozzy finds Love on his birthday
Rocker Ozzy Osbourne got a two-day jump on his birthday with a surprise Las Vegas trip organized by his wife Sharon. Along with their children Kelly, Jack and Aimee, the Osbournes had an entourage of 25 friends in tow for Ozzy’s birthday visit. Although his 60th birthday isn’t actually until tomorrow, Sharon decided on an early start last night with a trip to see Cirque du Soleil’s Love musical, about the Beatles, at The Mirage. Sharon, a judge on America’s ... Read more...
Holiday decorations are going up all over town
There are three major holiday attractions in our great city, and this year’s Magical Forest at Opportunity Village is nothing short of amazing. You have absolutely got to put it on your must-do list for the holiday season! Ride the carousel or the antique train or stroll through the maze of twinkling lights and Santa exhibits. It’s one of the largest Christmas display west of the Mississippi, and your donation helps support our beloved charity that serves folks with intellectual ... Read more...
True Blood vampires feast on the Strip
You could call it blood-thirsty and blood-curdling, but that’s the TV series and not the party antics of the stars of HBO’s True Blood. To celebrate the finale of the first season of vampire shows, the cast descended into the Dracula dark of Las Vegas over the weekend. Relax, True Blood fans: The series about the co-existence of vampires and humans in a small Louisiana town, based on the book series Southern Vampire Mysteries, has been renewed for a sophomore ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Julianne Hough two steps into town with boyfriend Chuck Wicks
Two-time Dancing With the Stars winner Julianne Hough returned to Las Vegas for the holidays. She was a former student of the Las Vegas Academy before finding fame as a professional dancer and country singer. She even brought her new boyfriend, country singer-songwriter Chuck Wicks, with her, and they stayed two nights in a penthouse at George Maloof’s new Palms Place tower. They gathered for dinner with her family at Lavo inside the Palazzo to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday weekend ... Read more...
Criss and Holly come oh-so-close to a marriage proposal
It must be love — and you can Believe it! Hot celebrity couple Criss Angel and Holly Madison are inseparable when The Girls Next Door blonde beauty commutes in for her now-weekly romantic rendezvous. On their latest whirlwind, late-night partying around town, they came oh-so-close to a marriage proposal! Holly flew into town to celebrate Thanksgiving with Criss and his family. The night before, the twined twosome showed up at fellow magician Amazing Johnathan’s show at the Harmon Theater in ... Read more...
Top illusionists to salute Magician of the Year Marvyn Roy at The Orleans
Today’s top magicians salute one of their greatest tonight in an all-star tribute at The Orleans. Strip entertainer Jeff Hobson will emcee the night of many magicians, including our hometown Magic magazine publisher Stan Allen, who will perform in the homage to Marvyn and Carol Roy produced by my pal Roger Dreyer and Fantasma Ring 257 — that’s the Las Vegas chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. In honoring Marvyn Roy as Magician of the Year, cutting-edge Vegas-based magician ... Read more...
Exclusive: Steve Wynn and Bee Gees plot Stayin’ Alive musical for Encore
Casino tycoon Steve Wynn is only days away from opening his new $3 billion luxury resort tower Encore on the Strip, and, yet, I have exclusively learned, he’s already finished negotiations with the Bee Gees to deliver a new musical to open on its first anniversary. Talk about advance planning! “Stayin’ Alive,” which dates back to 1977, is perhaps the most famous of an extraordinary string of hits that the Bee Gees produced back in the late 1970s. Still played ... Read more...
Photos: Billboard Music Awards a ratings hit with stars, outrageous outfits
Las Vegas was the center of attention on three simultaneous and competing TV network primetime shows Sunday night and wound up the winner. ...
‘Cake Boss’ star Buddy Valastro to open Italian eatery at Palazzo
Buddy Valastro, one of America’s top pastry chefs, is opening an Italian American restaurant at the Palazzo this fall. The handsome star of TLC’s top- ...
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