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Luxe Life Blog • Archive for December 2009
Strip Scribbles: The dollar$ and $en$e of NYE party fees
Just asking if it’s true that Fergie and The Black Eyed Peas will earn a $700,000 fee for their appearance and concert at LAX in the Luxor tonight, and that’s on top of their two-night haul for shows at Mandalay Bay Events Center on Tuesday and yesterday. The staggering sum came to me from two reliable sources. Additionally, they revealed that 50 Cent and Lil Kim appearing at sister nightclub Pure in Caesars Palace have a $100,000 paycheck, while Pete ... Read more...
Royal Robin Rundown: Four New Year’s nights of revelry in Las Vegas
First of all, sincere Happy New Year’s Eve greetings to all of our Vegas DeLuxe readers! May 2010 be a bigger and brighter year filled with health, happiness and prosperity. We’ve got a team of contributing photographers stationed up and down the Strip tonight to capture all the action at the largest number of parties and shows that Las Vegas has ever experienced. Our plan is to post as many photo galleries and reports as possible tomorrow and Saturday, so ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Kim Kardashian, Eva Longoria Parker on NYE Eve @Eve
For Eva Longoria Parker and gal pal Kim Kardashian, New Year’s Eve was celebrated 24 hours earlier all for the benefit of TV cameras and Kim’s crazed holiday travel schedule. The glamour girls recorded a New Year’s Eve toast from Eva’s Eve nightclub that opened last night ahead of tonight’s gala premiere for Carmen Electra’s Fox special being broadcast live tonight from Mandalay Bay Beach. The day-before taping also allowed Kim to jet off to New Orleans this morning to ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Kris Allen plays and parties in first Las Vegas visit
There wasn’t a moment to spare once American Idol Season 8 winner Kris Allen arrived in Las Vegas for the first time yesterday afternoon. It’s a nonstop, two-day, dawn-to-dusk schedule of work and play for the Conway, Ark., native! Kris’ first stop with his wife Katy and his band mates was at Stack in The Mirage, followed by his first Cirque du Soleil show, The Beatles Love, also at The Mirage. Kris enjoyed a White Russian during the performance, while ... Read more...
Garth Brooks returns to Las Vegas this New Year’s weekend
Fans and critics alike were unanimous with praise when country king Garth Brooks ended his self-imposed retirement and signed a reportedly $100 million contract to appear for hotel tycoon Steve Wynn in his Encore Theater at the Wynn on selected weekend dates over the next five years. Steve even threw in a $15 million private jet to make Garth’s commute between here and his home in Oklahoma that much easier! Vegas DeLuxe covered Garth’s premiere weekend a few weeks ago ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Andrea Lowell’s wedding reception @Playboy Club
“It really is the happiest day of my life,” Playboy model and The Playboy Morning Show radio host Andrea Lowell told me last night. “I started to cry during the ceremony,” groom James told me. Andrea and James’ last-minute marriage capped an eight-year romance for the happy couple who celebrated yesterday’s Strip chapel wedding with dinner at Kerry Simon’s Palms Place restaurant Simon and then champagne and cake at The Playboy Club in the Palms. Their relationship began when both ... Read more...
Photo Galleries: No punches are pulled at World MMA Awards
It was a night when the only battle was over who would win a coveted award without raising a fist or throwing a competitor to the floor in a vicious hold. It was a night of love at the first World Mixed Martial Arts Awards sponsored by Fighters Only magazine in The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel. Among the attendees: Wilmer Valderrama of That ’70s Show fame, world champion poker player Phil Hellmuth Jr., popular UFC ring girl Arianny ... Read more...
Four Las Vegas nightspots are opening on New Year’s Eve
Eve at Crystals in CityCenter, Haze in Aria, Vanity in the Hard Rock Hotel and Smokin’ Hot Aces in The Venetian open tomorrow for New Year’s Eve revelers. Here’s the ROYAL ROBIN RUNDOWN on each new nightspot: Eve in Crystals @CityCenter Reality TV star Kim Kardashian jets into town from a Cancun, Mexico, photo shoot in time to host tonight’s pre-grand opening party of her Desperate Housewives actress friend Eva Longoria Parker’s nightclub Eve above her restaurant Beso in CityCenter’s ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Holly Madison plays Mom to 11-week-old tiger cub
Peepshow star Holly Madison played Mom when she met up with 11-week-old tiger cub Princess before the Fercos Brothers’ Untamed Illusions at the neighboring Theater for the Performing Arts in Planet Hollywood. After helping out at feeding time, Holly took Princess for a walk at the Miracle Mile entrance, but, come to think of it, it was Princess who took Holly for the stroll before last night’s show! Our leading lady of the lens Denise Truscello and our contributing photographers ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Vince Neil to set off on South American solo tour
Our previous stories about Motley Crue rocker Vince Neil going off solo — but still remaining with the group — have been proved true. My Las Vegas neighbor will start an extensive South American tour in February with confirmed stops in Brazil, Argentina and Chile, and with more countries and dates being announced soon. Our hometown hero Vince will initially play concerts in Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires and Santiago. Vince is currently recording his new solo album Tattoos and Tequila ... Read more...
Kris Allen has double duty in Las Vegas on New Year’s Eve
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor There are myriad music options in Las Vegas on New Year’s Eve, from The Black Eyed Peas at LAX to Christina Aguilera at Tao to Maroon 5 at the Palms to 50 Cent at Pure to Robin Thicke at the Bank to the John Mayer Trio at The Joint. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. American Idol winner and Conway, Arkansas’ hometown hero Kris Allen performs tonight at midnight(!) at the new ... Read more...
Tiger Woods turns 34 today — where is the golf superstar?
It’s been one month since golf great Tiger Woods has been seen, and he’s not expected to surface today to celebrate his 34th birthday or tomorrow for New Year’s Eve partying. It was back in the early morning hours of the day after Thanksgiving that police were called to Tiger’s private Florida estate after he fled his home barefoot, drove his Cadillac Escalade over a fire hydrant and ended in a crash in a neighbor’s lawn against a tree. He ... Read more...
Playboy beauty’s Las Vegas wedding caps eight-year romance
Congratulations to The Playboy Morning Show radio host Andrea Lowell on her runaway Las Vegas wedding that takes place at 1 p.m. today in a Strip wedding chapel. Andrea told me that although it’s a “spur of the moment” ceremony, her boyfriend and she became engaged this summer after an eight-year romance. “It was just time to do it properly,” she laughed. Tonight, Andrea and her new husband will celebrate with friends at a wedding dinner that Iron Chef winner ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: The Black Eyed Peas get their NYE party started early
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor The Black Eyed Peas, one of the hottest bands on Earth right now, are in Las Vegas for three shows — the two-night run at the Mandalay Bay Events Center that ends tonight and their New Year’s Eve party tomorrow night at LAX in the Luxor. If you had a feeling they would save their energy to build up for a really big night at LAX, your feeling would be wrong. After the opening ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Star chefs are aplenty at CityCenter
It has become one of the world’s best dining destinations within a city that already prides itself on having the greatest chefs and restaurants. In less than 15 days since opening, the star chefs at MGM’s CityCenter have won raves for the newest additions to our top-ranked Las Vegas culinary scene. Twist @Mandarin Oriental Come wander with me on a dine-around tour, and we’ll start with the newest star in the gourmet galaxy, Pierre Gagnaire at the Mandarin Oriental with ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Tickets available for Garth Brooks concerts this weekend
The anti-scalping efforts by Garth Brooks and hotel tycoon Steve Wynn appear to have worked, with several seats canceled for the country superstar’s previously sold-out shows at Encore Theater in the Wynn this weekend. Tickets, priced at $125 (with taxes and fees, the total is $143), for the Jan. 1, 2 and 3 shows can now be purchased in advance from the Wynn box office or will be sold to standby lines each day on a first-come, first-served basis. *Many ... Read more...
Are Fergie and Josh Duhamel expecting their first child?
Exactly a year ago, superstar pop singer Fergie was ducking my impertinent questions about her engagement and upcoming wedding to handsome Las Vegas star Josh Duhamel. The most I could get them to do was pose for their first set of kissy-huggy romantic photos. Here are six links to our coverage of Fergie and Josh last New Year’s Eve and in the first weeks of 2009: up close and personal at Fergie’s concert; Fergie and Carmen Electra headline NYE; Video: ... Read more...
Hard Rock Hotel and Planet Hollywood open HRH and PH towers
It’s a mighty big day for our still-growing resort business in the face of a bleak economy. But it’s the future that will count, and advance planning even at the darkest of times is proof that we’ll come out of the global economic meltdown. An additional 1,570-plus rooms for guests are now open to tourists today just in time for the upcoming busiest weekend of the year. The Hard Rock Hotel threw open the doors today of its new all-suite ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: January 2010 Miss Playboy Club is crowned
Not even the holidays can stop or slow down the hippity, hoppity happenings of the Playboy Bunnies in the hutch at The Playboy Club in the Palms. Santa Claus’ visit was long forgotten as the bevy of beauties went into competition for the January 2010 Miss Playboy Club contest last night. Illusionist Steve Wyrick produced some magic tricks of his own to host the event, and he declared Las Vegas local Shannon Kelly the winner. Shannon will now appear in ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Nathan Burton adds Atlantic City to his schedule
It will take a little magic to pull off Nathan Burton’s new travel schedule: The Flamingo headliner is going bi-coastal. Tickets go on sale for his new run of every other weekend appearances at Harrah’s in Atlantic City beginning Jan. 10. I don’t dare think how new airport security rules will handle all of his back-and-forth disappearances and reappearances! He’ll continue his regular late afternoon shows daily here in the Donny & Marie Osmond theater, and then tackle the New ... Read more...
Eva Longoria Parker, Holly Madison will lead triple-threat ‘revival’
There’s no doubt that the worldwide global economic slump has seriously affected our hometown of Las Vegas. When tourism numbers slipped dramatically, Las Vegas went on a “fire-sale” strategy, with amazing price cuts on hotel rooms and extraordinarily generous gaming and dining packages. Some deals are so deliriously delicious, they hadn’t been seen since Bugsy Siegel days nearly 65 years ago, when he opened the Flamingo over Christmas and New Year’s in 1946. The war on the economy is certainly ... Read more...
Viva Elvis Part 4: Robert Sillerman says Las Vegas is ‘under Elvised’
Media tycoon Robert F.X. Sillerman is the mastermind behind the decision to bring the King of Rock and Roll back to Las Vegas. The normally reclusive billionaire, who is ranked 375th on the Forbes 400 Richest Americans List, is rarely photographed and almost never gives interviews. But as head of Elvis Presley Enterprises, which his entertainment conglomerate CKX owns (it also owns the worldwide American Idol franchise), Robert engineered the partnership with Cirque du Soleil nearly four years ago. Cirque ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Stepping back in time with The Rat Pack at the Sahara
If you close your eyes and sip that chilled martini slowly, it’s easy to imagine you have stepped back in time, and you’ll swear that the sounds of Sandy Hackett’s The Rat Pack Show at the Sahara have conjured up the golden era of Las Vegas. It’s the only show of its kind on the Strip, and it’s at the legendary Congo Room in the Sahara. It’s historic and nostalgic because producer Sandy’s famous comedy king father Buddy Hackett played ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Fox Christmas Eve special includes Miss Americas
It’s difficult to believe that it’s only one month until the 52 contestants in the 2010 Miss America Pageant arrive at our Planet Hollywood for the annual competition, with actor Mario Lopez returning as host for the pageant on Jan. 30. Tonight, former Miss Americas, who also will trek here next month, will join Miss America Organization Board Chairman Sam Haskell III on Fox & Friends’ Christmas Eve special. It will feature filmed segments of their visits to American troops ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Happy Holidays from X Burlesque and Fantasy
Some of the Strip’s sexiest glamour girls wish our Vegas DeLuxe readers Happy Holidays. We conclude our fourth day of photographs of the X Burlesque Girls from the Flamingo celebrating the holidays. Matt Stabile compiled the sizzling photos to make our holidays a little merrier. Additionally, the delicious dancers at Fantasy in the Luxor, led by ravishing redhead Angelica Bridges, joined in with their Season’s Greetings. Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Holly Madison celebrates her 31st birthday @Aria
It was a blowout birthday bash for Peepshow star Holly Madison, and our leading lady of the lens Denise Truscello was at the new restaurant Union on the casino floor of the just-opened Aria at CityCenter last night for these fun photos. We posted a story yesterday about Holly’s busy and eventful past year and her plans to settle in Las Vegas as a new homeowner as she turns author for a new book. Holly celebrated her 31st birthday at ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Andy Williams celebrates Christmas at the Hilton
He’s even nicknamed “Mr. Christmas”! The holiday season just wouldn’t be the same if crooner Andy Williams didn’t sleigh ride into town for his annual holiday show. Our contributing photographer Tom Donoghue wanted to capture the spirit of the season and so was on front row duty last night for Andy’s festive night at the Las Vegas Hilton. If you need a break from gift-wrapping, head down to the Hilton tonight for Andy’s second and final holiday show performance. It’s ... Read more...
Viva Elvis Part 3: Director and writer Vincent Paterson
The reaction to previews of Cirque du Soleil’s Viva Elvis at the just-opened Aria in CityCenter has been fairly positive, but Cirque officials will resume changes and rehearsals on Jan. 3 to have it ready for the Feb. 19 premiere. Construction delays are being cited for a four-week holdup in getting onstage at the new theater, forcing the production to push back the premiere originally scheduled to coincide with Elvis’ birthday on Jan. 8. The gigantic task is in the ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Is Steve Wynn spending $100 million on new club?
The buzz is on that hotel tycoon Steve Wynn is shelling out $100 million on a new beach club at his year-old Encore. Construction cranes are in place on the Strip for ripping out Switch and the Strip side porte-cochere. Steve has the approval for a lavish pool complex with open-air dining and new nightclub Surrender to rival Haze at the just-opened Aria at CityCenter. Steve’s entertainment offering will go head to head late next spring with Haze’s new outdoor ... Read more...
Photo Gallery Day 3: X Girls have been naughty and nice
It’s just a day away from Christmas Eve, when Santa Claus arrives to fill your stockings. The X Burlesque Girls admit that they’ve been nicely naughty this year and are leaving out some enticing goodies to ensure that Santa fills their stockings well. Matt Stabile created this photo gallery of the X Girls as the countdown gets closer. We’ll have the last of our four-day photo set tomorrow. Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and ... Read more...
Birthday girl Holly Madison: author and Las Vegas homeowner?
Platinum blonde beauty Holly Madison celebrates her 31st birthday today and says it has been “one incredible year.” Determined to continue living in Las Vegas as her new hometown, she’s narrowing her search for a home here and has begun work on her first book. Holly told me: “There has been so much change in these past 12 months — so many things have happened to me. Think of where I was this time last year: In a short span ... Read more...
Kindhearted Robin Hood gambler plans second score on the Strip
My Fox News pal on-air senior correspondent Rick Leventhal gets the credit for this story. A few days ago, I joined Rick during his Las Vegas visit as he met with an anonymous high roller to plan a second Robin Hood score at a Strip casino. He intends to “win a family” out of debt while he enjoys the high-stakes gaming! Here’s Rick’s story in his own words: One year ago, a high-stakes Las Vegas blackjack player decided to use ... Read more...
Viva Elvis Part 2: Creative director reveals a few secrets
Even when the new show Viva Elvis was just a germ of an idea nearly four years ago, Gilles Ste-Croix, Cirque du Soleil’s creative director, had a single goal. Right from the start, he wanted the production to be what Elvis would want if he was alive today in 2010. “I said if Elvis lived, how would he want his arrangements, how would he want his music done, how would he want his theater to be for his fans, and ... Read more...
Exclusive Interview: Zowie Bowie’s Chris Phillips is going his own way
First came the shock that the eight-year love match between Zowie Bowie stars Chris Phillips and Marley Taylor had unraveled and that she’d become romantically involved with a musician in Viva Elvis. The break-up rocked the Strip showbiz rumor mill. Now just two weeks later, it was shaken even more with Marley’s startling decision to step down as Chris’ partner in their Sunday Vintage Vegas show in the Lance Burton Theatre at the Monte Carlo. The sudden and surprise decision ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Young Hollywood celebrates birthdays at Lavo
Young celebrity royalty chose Lavo for several birthday celebrations. Paulina Gretzky, the daughter of NHL legend and superstar Wayne Gretzky and his actress wife Janet Jones Gretzky, turned 21 at midnight and headed upstairs to the boutique nightclub to celebrate after an Italian feast with her parents and friends. Actor Tom Selleck’s daughter Hannah Selleck also celebrated being able to drink legally at Lavo with a large group of friends in from California. She partied at the packed hotspot until ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Rain’s Down & Derby is now a monthly event
The retro-inspired, roller-skating Down & Derby disco party at Rain in the Palms is such a hit, it’s here to stay. Kid Sister presented a special performance along with turntable mix masters DJ Nugget and DJ SHR3D, while Morning Zoo DJ Chet Buchanan was there celebrating the successful conclusion of his annual toy drive. Down & Derby, aka the best party on wheels, has become a unique nightlife experience. The throwback events have been tearing up roller rinks in New ... Read more...
Matt Sorum debuts his Darling Stilettos at the Palms
Rock drummer Matt Sorum is happy taking a back seat to the musical talents of his four sexy song and dance girls the Darling Stilettos. He’s begun a series of showcase performances in Las Vegas hoping to land a resident gig for the Darling Stilettos. Matt’s rock and roll show with guitarist Nick Perri attracted packed houses for two consecutive nights at The Lounge in the Palms as the femmes fatales took the audience through the journey of classic early ... Read more...
Photo Gallery Day 2: X Burlesque marks the spot for Xmas
The gorgeous glamour girls of X Burlesque at the Flamingo continue their holiday tradition photos for their Santa season salute today and for the next two days leading to Christmas Day. Matt Stabile compiled the photo set. Happy Holidays, everyone! Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground. Follow Robin Leach on Twitter HERE. Follow Vegas DeLuxe on ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles Photo Gallery: Twilight star turns 25
Twilight and New Moon star Jackson Rathbone brought members of his band 100 Monkeys to town to celebrate his 25th birthday at the Bank in the Bellagio over the weekend (he turned the Big 2-5 yesterday). Jackson’s career began as a DJ and has shifted into acting, but he never gave up his music roots. Now 100 Monkeys starts its debut tour on Christmas, with the first gig in Costa Mesa, Calif., before a run at the Roxy in L.A. ... Read more...
Viva Elvis Part 1: Priscilla Presley, Guy Laliberte discuss Cirque show
Elvis Presley has returned home. The King of Rock ’n’ Roll is back in the house, thank you very much! After more than three years in the making, the $100 million-plus spectacular Viva Elvis has opened in previews at its new theater in Aria at CityCenter. During the 36-plus months of pre-production, musical director and arranger Erich Van Tourneau listened to 914 official and bootleg albums and watched countless films, concerts, home movies and interviews preparing for the 34 Elvis ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles Photo Gallery: Guy Fieri’s hit roadshow @HOB
Who would’ve guessed fusion cooking means something else besides East meets West — it also means a rock and roll kitchen party! The Food Network superstar Guy Fieri returned to his hometown over the weekend and wowed music and food fans alike in a House of Blues show at Mandalay Bay. The spiky-haired blond is a UNLV graduate who lived here for many years. Our contributing photographer Scott Harrison was on hand for the kitchen king as he rocked the ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Flamingo’s X Burlesque marks the spot for Xmas
It’s become a holiday tradition for the gorgeous glamour girls of X Burlesque at the Flamingo to pose for their Santa season salute. Today and for the next three days leading to Christmas Day, we showcase their “naughty or nice” sides as they hope their stockings are filled when Rudolph and the other reindeer stop by for X-mas. The photos of X Burlesque were compiled by Matt Stabile. A picture is worth a thousand words. Over the next four days, ... Read more...
Exclusive Photo Gallery: Criss Angel’s gift-packed 42nd birthday
It was an incredible night for Criss Angel’s 42nd birthday celebration at the end of his Cirque du Soleil show Believe at the Luxor on Saturday night, and Vegas DeLuxe was the only media permitted for this exclusive photo gallery. Incredible because the over-4-foot-tall birthday cake presented to him had taken 18 hours to bake and assemble, and at the very last moment, the original bunny head toppled and smashed to pieces. Fortunately, or magically and miraculously, the chefs had ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Holly Madison’s Holly Jolly Toy Drive a big success
For Peepshow star Holly Madison, Christmas is all about giving unto others, and her first Holly Jolly Toy Drive with her friends at Lotus Broadcasting has been a huge success. She’s donating thousands of toys to The Salvation Army and Toys for Tots to send on to needy families. Her first appearance was at Findlay Kia to start her busy weekend, and our contributing photographers Scott Harrison and Erik Kabik were on hand for our Vegas DeLuxe photo galleries. Holly’s ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Ne-Yo spreads holiday cheer at Boys & Girls Club
Singer, songwriter and Las Vegas native Ne-Yo returned home yesterday to play Santa for at-risk and disadvantaged youth. The multiplatinum-selling, three-time Grammy Award-winning Def Jam recording artist is the founder of the philanthropic Compound Foundation, his nonprofit organization committed to empowering at-risk and disadvantaged youth in the child welfare system to become productive and successful adults. This past weekend was the third annual Giving Tour, a project of the year-round resource program It’s Cool Having Tools, in which more than ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Kid Cudi parties day and night at Lavo
Despite the stunning and last-minute news of leaving Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball Tour, rapper Kid Cudi still stuck to his plans to celebrate the diva’s Las Vegas two-concert run at The Pearl in the Palms last Thursday and Friday. Cudi had been scheduled to open for the glamour queen, but following a fight with a fan mid-concert in Vancouver, B.C., a week earlier and conflicting recording and film schedules, Cudi was released from her tour. Since he’d arrived in Las ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Mayweather, Pacquiao to fight at MGM on March 13?
Rumors were running rampant today that the fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao is now “a done deal” and that it’s just 12 weeks away and set for March 13 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. In case the rumors prove true, we asked our contributing photographer Tom Donoghue to compile some of his favorite photographs from Floyd and Manny’s boxing careers in Las Vegas. The rival Las Vegas promoters are said to be Bob Arum and Oscar ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Remembering Brittany Murphy during Just Married
Our heartfelt sadness and condolences to the family and friends of actress Brittany Murphy, who died this morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. The actress, whose credits include Clueless, 8 Mile and Sin City, was a young 32. Our Senior Editor John Katsilometes, who is in Idaho with his family for the holidays, wrote from there about the shocking death of Brittany, whose Las Vegas friends included Tricia McCrone, the sister-in-law and publicist of Wayne Newton. Here, too, ... Read more...
Exclusive Photo Gallery: Criss Angel’s 42nd birthday at Luxor show
We’ll have the full photo gallery tomorrow but wanted to share this little teaser package with you today of Criss Angel’s 42nd birthday celebration at his Cirque du Soleil show Believe at the Luxor last night. Luxor President Felix Rappaport and Criss’s mother and two brothers were among the attendees. We’ll also have photos of the new Criss Angel magic kit, which enables you to perform Mindfreak tricks at home. It goes on sale early in the New Year. Criss’s ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Lady Gaga’s second night of triumph at The Pearl
New techno popera queen Lady Gaga rocked The Pearl in the Palms for a second night, and again it was a sold-out performance of 2,500 frenzied fans, with hundreds more waiting in the casino in hopes of securing a ticket. There is no doubt that Lady Gaga is one of the hottest acts in the music business and up there at the top. Unlike Thursday’s first show, Lady Gaga permitted leading lens lady Denise Truscello access for these four new ... Read more...
Matt Sorum ponders marriage as he unveils Darling Stilettos show
Four of the sexiest singer-dancers are off on a rock-and-sex-fueled journey through the history of rock music thanks to their legendary guru Matt Sorum, drummer of Velvet Revolver, The Cult and Guns ’N’ Roses fame. Matt’s love match with lead singer Ace Harper led to the creation of the Darling Stilettos, who track rock from the early days of the first British invasion to punk and the classic rock through the 1970s and ’80s. Matt showcases the glamour girls tonight ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Relocated Catherine Hickland launches hypnosis show
Stunning actress Catherine Hickland, who starred on the hit series Knight Rider with ex-husband David Hasselhoff, says that she’s been obsessed with hypnosis since she snuck into a nightclub at age 17 to see Pat Collins. Now after literally a lifetime on stage and television, she’s combining those experiences with her passion for trance. In fact, she’s written a book using the principles of hypnosis. “I absolutely believe in mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter,” she ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Lady Gaga sings, dances, jumps, floats and strips down
At one point, she was a platinum blonde sex goddess playing the piano, and the next moment, she whipped out a laser-firing, sound effects machine gun. Bang, bang! Then moments later, she returned to the stage as a sparkling silver-sequined robot and stripped down to just a red bra and panties before winding up in a sexy white jumpsuit singing from a spinning, suspended gyroscope. It was a flamboyant fashion forward spectacle of electronic lighting scenes, edgy art videos and ... Read more...
Tera Patrick’s Sinner Takes All includes adult world secrets
Adult entrepreneur Tera Patrick has confirmed that she has filed for divorce from rocker husband Evan Seinfeld, citing irreconcilable differences. It officially ends the seven-year marriage between the Biohazard and Spyderz musician, who also has directed and appeared in adult movies, and the legendary adult film actress. The couple, who first split in late September, appeared together in several of her films, including Teradise Island, which he directed, and Reign of Tera, which ended with him as the solo male ... Read more...
Beyonce deal at the Wynn to be announced after the holidays
Ever since superstar singer and actress Beyonce performed a string of concerts this past July and August at Encore Theater in the Wynn, rumors have swirled that she would become a new resident entertainer there. Well, it’s getting closer and closer! We were the first in early November to report that negotiations between Beyonce’s dad and manager Matthew Knowles and hotel tycoon Steve Wynn were well underway. Then at Thanksgiving, that was followed by reports saying the deal had been ... Read more...
Criss Angel celebrates his birthday and Mindfreak renewal
Congratulations to Believe star Criss Angel, who has a double celebration this weekend — his 42nd birthday and the renewal of his top-rated A&E series Mindfreak for a sixth season, which we reported here at Vegas DeLuxe on Monday. I’ll join Criss tomorrow night for the onstage birthday celebration at the Luxor. The hotel’s top chefs have designed a large cake, and slices will be served to the audience at the late show. Luxor President Felix Rappaport will mark the ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Eva, Carmen, Kris Allen to celebrate NYE in town
Actress Eva Longoria Parker is spicing up the biggest night of the year when she joins Fox’s Billboard’s New Year’s Eve Live. Eva will invite TV viewers inside the grand opening celebration for her new Las Vegas Latin steakhouse Beso and luxurious nightclub Eve at Crystals in CityCenter. Eva will be joined by Kim Kardashian and other celebrities. Also part of the Fox broadcast, Mandalay Bay will feature a beach party hosted by Carmen Electra. American Idol Season 8 winner ... Read more...
Lady Gaga begins two-day run at the Palms without Kid Cudi
It’s highly likely that Lady Gaga will step onto the stage of The Pearl in the Palms tonight and tomorrow for her two Las Vegas concerts in a high-neck, floor-length red gown with matching, sequined, raccoon-like eye makeup. Then at dizzying speed, she’ll put Cher, Madonna, Gwen Stefani and Bjork to couture shame in a flurry of fabulous, flamboyant fashions as she promotes her album Fame Monster. Call Gaga the countess chameleon of the charts! I’m told that the 23-year-old ... Read more...
Photo Galleries: Celebrities, star chefs, architects celebrate Aria debut
From brilliant sunshine for the official architectural opening ceremonies at noontime yesterday to a massive, pre-midnight fireworks extravaganza, opening day for MGM’s $8.5 billion CityCenter crown jewel, the chic, sleek, sophisticated and elegant Aria resort casino, was the best spectacle ever in Las Vegas. From Priscilla Presley in the morning to Eva Longoria Parker at night, it was a galaxy of stars and superstar chefs to welcome the Strip’s newest arrival. Eva flew in from Los Angeles for the night ... Read more...
Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids benefits from singer’s return
Las Vegas journalist Ellen Sterling wrote this delightful story for The Huffington Post, and she gave me the OK to share my friend Joanne Downey’s good works with you. The fact that Garth Brooks is playing at Steve Wynn’s Encore Theater here in Las Vegas became public in October, and it was big news. Of course, whenever someone signs a five-year deal to do about 300 shows in this city, it’s news. Even when the details are different, it’s news. ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: NYE fireworks on the Strip and music on Fremont Street
Officials from Las Vegas Events and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority joined city leaders and Fireworks by Grucci at Fashion Show mall yesterday to announce the details for America’s Party: A Vegas Celebration, the citywide New Year’s Eve Party on — when else? — Dec. 31. America’s Party is the official moniker coined by the LVCVA and Las Vegas Events to signify the annual citywide celebration. This year’s festivities include the themed fireworks extravaganza on the Strip and ... Read more...
Aria opens today with $128 million in cashier’s cage
It’s taken five years, more than $8 billion of investment and hundreds of thousands of hours by 9,000 dedicated construction workers. Finally, tonight the crown jewel of MGM’s mammoth, sprawling 67-acre CityCenter opens its doors with a stunning and spectacular 11 p.m. fireworks display, and the public will get its first look at the 4,000-room Aria, the epicenter of the new city within our city. However, just before that officially happens, Nevada Gaming Control Board officials have to be satisfied ... Read more...
Photo Galleries: Viva Elvis preview; Priscilla Presley’s backstage tour
Our loyal Vegas DeLuxe reader Richard Corey provided us with his YouTube video of Priscilla Presley and Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte’s comments at yesterday’s press preview of Cirque du Soleil’s Viva Elvis at the new Aria resort casino in City Center. The show opens tonight in previews, giving the cast, crew, choreographers and directors nearly eight weeks of tweaking, tinkering and polishing before the official Feb. 19 gala opening. “During these performances, the creative team is in the ... Read more...
Twisted Sister kicks off a very Twisted Christmas at Hilton
The rock stars who make up Twisted Sister, led by frontman Dee Snider, promise a very unique spin on the holiday season with their Twisted Christmas concert that debuted last night at the Las Vegas Hilton. They didn’t disappoint! Our loyal Vegas DeLuxe reader Richard Corey provided us with this YouTube video of the “We’re Not Gonna Take It” encore. The holiday alternative extravaganza continues through tomorrow night. Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Holly Madison’s toy drive is in full swing
Wherever she goes around town, Peepshow star Holly Madison has a single determined goal. She wants to really make an impact with her debut Holly Jolly Christmas Toy Drive. Our contributing photographer Scott Harrison shot this holiday spirit photo gallery when Holly made an appearance at The Jewelers here. Every girl gets sidetracked with the diamonds, baubles, bangles and beads — and since she’s now being romantically linked with Good Charlotte rocker Benji Madden, was that a dream in her ... Read more...
Twitter.com/robin_leach: A packed media day at Aria in CityCenter
Beginning about nine hours ago. In 24 hours, the glittering city within a city opens here. It’s been five years in the making for MGM’s spectacular CityCenter. Mandarin Oriental and Vdara towers and Crystals retail promenade already open. Tomorrow, it’s the 4,600-room extraordinary Aria casino resort. This afternoon, we ink-stained wretches get the first look at Cirque du Soleil’s new Viva Elvis spectacular along with the Montreal execs. Vegas DeLuxe will be interviewing several of them, and our photog Tom ... Read more...
Hard Rock Hotel’s new HRH Tower with Vanity, Reliquary Spa
Designing a new hotel has to be a really tough challenge these days. Hasn’t everything already been done? Incredibly, the design team at the new Hard Rock Hotel tower HRH Tower opening on Dec. 28 managed to disprove my theory. There are stripper poles in the gym and suites to rent in the spa. Both are a first for Las Vegas resorts, and perhaps anywhere else in the world. Those are just two of the super attractions that sent my ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: New Year’s Eve fireworks on the Strip
Shortly before noon today, our Merry Mayor of Mirth Oscar Goodman will reveal the final plans for “America’s Party,” the fireworks celebration that will dominate the Strip this New Year’s Eve. We will update the details on our real-time Twitter messages later, but we can tell you now that there will be seven rooftop locations for the Fireworks by Grucci pyrotechnic display. Hotels from south to north taking part in the much-anticipated fireworks will be MGM Grand, Planet Hollywood, Aria, ... Read more...
Twister Sister is ready to celebrate its very Twisted Christmas
This won’t be your mother’s Christmas celebration because rocker Dee Snider wants his heavy metal workshop to rock your stockings off. Santa has answered your letter for something different this holiday season with the Original Hair Farmers, Twisted Sister, in a holiday extravaganza that must be added to your Christmas list. Twisted Sister brings its Twisted Christmas show to the Las Vegas Hilton tonight for three nights through Thursday in a mind-boggling theatrical spectacle that kicks off with an assault ... Read more...
Q&A: Garth Brooks most at ease onstage with just songs and his guitar
Country superstar Garth Brooks, back onstage after a nine-year, self-imposed retirement, chatted about performing, his influences, his family and McDonald’s last Friday, the day his show premiered at the Encore Theater in the Wynn. The Strip will be his second home for the next 15 weekends each year for five years in a residency estimated to be paying him as much as $100 million. And who knows if that astounding total even includes the big gift from hotel mogul Steve ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Cirque du Soleil prepares for Viva Elvis previews
Updated at 7:08 a.m. When tickets go on sale today for the new spectacular Viva Elvis at CityCenter’s Aria, Cirque du Soleil will be rolling a lucky seven. That’s the total of shows the French-Canadian company will be presenting on the Strip, and that means a staggering seat sale of 120,000 tickets each week — with Viva Elvis, at $99 to $175, as the most expensive of them all. The first preview performance starts this Friday just in time for ... Read more...
Exclusive: Criss Angel’s new Believe illusions; Mindfreak to return
Mindfreak mega-magician Criss Angel has signed on for a sixth season of his top-rated A&E series. In an exclusive interview, Criss told me that filming will start in early spring after he’s integrated seven new extraordinary illusions into his Cirque du Soleil show Believe at the Luxor. He has already been rehearsing all of them during the day and performing his shows at night. Now he’s waiting for Fire and Building Department approvals to add them into the show. Luxor ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Lisa Marie Presley arrives in advance of Viva Elvis debut
Elvis Presley’s daughter Lisa Marie Presley has arrived in Las Vegas in advance of the launch of the Cirque du Soleil spectacular Viva Elvis this week at Aria at MGM’s CityCenter. She partied with friends and enjoyed Dom Perignon until 3 a.m. at Carey Hart’s Wasted Space in the Hard Rock Hotel over the weekend. Muse, who had performed to a soldout crowd in The Joint earlier in the evening, was at an adjoining table winding down from the second ... Read more...
Garth Brooks conquers critics and fans in opening weekend at Wynn
The first standing ovation was the most important one for country king Garth Brooks. He looked at the audience and said, “I now know this works. I can do this gig.” Up until that moment, I seriously believe that even he had doubts that a Las Vegas audience would accept him singing by himself — without a band — and only a trusty guitar, which sometimes he just set aside, too. In fact, the only item on the curtained but ... Read more...
Sheriff to be locked up tonight in Magical Forest fundraiser
Bail has been set, but our Sheriff Doug Gillespie of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department still has to go behind bars! At 5 p.m. today, the jail cell doors will be slammed shut at the Opportunity Village Magical Forest. Sheriff Doug has to remain there until sufficient donations to make bail have been raised — all to benefit our beloved local charity Opportunity Village. It’s the only way he’ll be set free. Hundreds of local businesses and community organizations ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Holiday Havoc at the Hard Rock Hotel with Muse
It was the second night of Holiday Havoc at The Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel, and Devon, England’s Muse entered right into the spirit of the season and the music of the moment. Muse is Matthew Bellamy on vocals, guitar and piano, Christopher Wolstenholme on bass and backing vocals and Dominic Howard on drums. All three, the trio’s original lineup, were onstage thrilling the Saturday night audience. Muse, whose most recent album, The Resistance, debuted at No. 3 in ... Read more...
Garth Brooks premiere a hit thanks in big part to Steve Wynn
“It would never have happened if it wasn’t for the plane,” hotel mogul Steve Wynn told me last night in his office at the Wynn. “Garth hadn’t expected he’d have to fly back and forth between Memphis and Las Vegas because of his daughter’s soccer games, but it all worked according to plan, although we were all a little worried the weather might cause things to run late. “It didn’t, and everything was to time, albeit it right down to ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Holly shops for Kendra’s new baby, toy drive
Peepshow star Holly Madison went on a Santa Claus-sized shopping spree with her own credit card — all to benefit her Holly Jolly Christmas Toy Drive with Lotus Broadcasting in Las Vegas for Toys for Tots and The Salvation Army. But she also found time to pick up baby gifts for The Girls Next Door co-star Kendra Wilkinson and Hank Baskett’s new baby boy Hank Baskett IV, who was born Friday morning in Indianapolis, where Hank plays for the undefeated ... Read more...
NFR Day 10 Photo Gallery: Trevor Brazile wins record-tying 7th world title
It took rodeo cowboy superstar Trevor Brazile all 10 days of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at Thomas & Mack Center to secure his seventh record-tying all-around world champion title. Colorado rival Josh Peek had nipped at his heels throughout the run of their Las Vegas visit, but Josh failed to catch Trevor last night. There was a sell-out crowd of 17,468 fans watching as Trevor finished the WNFR Las Vegas run with $346,790, beating Josh overall by $101,712. The ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: America’s Tallest Christmas Tree lights up M Resort
More than 3,000 people braved near-freezing temperatures and wind-whipped rain for the lighting of America’s Tallest Christmas Tree at our M Resort last night. Our contributing photographer Tom Donoghue and Glenn Pinkerton of Las Vegas News Bureau were on hand to capture the magic moment overseen by The M Resort Chairman and CEO Anthony Marnell III. It had taken more than a week to decorate the incredible tree, which stands higher than those at Rockefeller Center in New York and ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: B.B. King receives royal welcome at Mirage opening
It was a turnout fit for royalty and a night of musical magic. B.B. King’s new jazz and blues club B.B. King’s Blues Club attracted an all-star VIP list for its official grand opening Friday night at The Mirage. It’s B.B.’s fifth music club in the U.S., and at age 84, the King of Jazz and guitar guru god is still going strong. B.B. uses an electric scooter to get around, but when he takes to the stage, he plays ... Read more...
NFR Day 9 Photo Gallery: The stage is set for tonight’s final round
It’s the Super Bowl of their sport for the cowboys and cowgirls wrapping up the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo tonight at Thomas & Mack Center. Ten glorious days of Las Vegas competition come to an end when the new world champions are crowned. New MGM spokesman Trevor Brazile is out to win his record seventh all-around world champion title that would tie him with the King of the Cowboys Ty Murray. Our contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was arena-side last night ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Jeff Dunham at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace
Comedy ventriloquist Jeff Dunham performed at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace last night as part of his Identity Crisis 2010 Tour. Brian Haner, aka The Guitar Guy, opened the show with his standup/music comedy routine and returned later to join Jeff onstage for a comedy segment with the incredibly hysterical and controversial character Achmed the Dead Terrorist. Our contributing photographer Erik Kabik shot our photo gallery and told me: “Jeff Dunham opened his show with some great standup comedy that ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: B.B. King’s Blues Club opens tonight @The Mirage
He’s King by name and King by legendary renown! At age 84, celebrated blues guitarist B.B. King is still going strong. Tonight, he officially opens his fifth B.B. King’s Blues Club at The Mirage, his first in Las Vegas. It’s been an extraordinary journey for the son of sharecropper parents growing up in a 2,000-population Mississippi backwater town just before The Great Depression. Amazing because B.B. went on to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, be inducted into the Rock ... Read more...
NFR Day 8 Photo Gallery: Steve Wynn spotted; Trevor Brazile retains lead
Hotel mogul Steve Wynn took his lady friend Andrea Hissom to her first rodeo last night here at the Thomas & Mack Center. Our contributing photographer Tom Donoghue captured them watching the contests and added them to his latest photo collection. Newly signed MGM ambassador Trevor Brazile still leads in the tie-down roping world standings with $166,227, and Clint Robinson is second with $132,462. But there’s a challenge as we head into the two final nights of the Wrangler National ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: The Hangover director confirms sequel in 2011
With worldwide box office receipts at a staggering $459 million, little wonder that the cast and production executives of The Hangover were celebrating in high-roller style last night at Pure in Caesars Palace. It was all to launch the unrated DVD of the mega-hit comedy, and its director and writer, Todd Phillips, confirmed for me that there will be a sequel to The Hangover. Vegas DeLuxe first reported those plans on Nov. 20 but were scoffed at and shot down. ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Mayor declares Dec. 4 as Lani Misalucha Day
Our Merry Mayor of Mirth Oscar Goodman has declared Dec. 4 as Lani Misalucha Day in Las Vegas. Angelo Giordano of Giordano World Entertainment, and producer of Voices starring Lani, surprised and presented Lani with the proclamation during her performance in the Las Vegas Hilton’s Shimmer Cabaret. Lani’s show includes R&B, opera and classic rock. Her ability to sing in these styles has made her one of the most popular vocalists in Asia — MTV Asia dubbed her Asia’s Nightingale. ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds @Planet Hollywood
Genius musicians Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds are performing at Planet Hollywood’s Theater for the Performing Arts for the next two nights in a three-night run. Last night’s opening was “sweet, magical music” to a packed house, and all three performances are sell-outs. Our contributing photographer Erik Kabik was on front-row center duty for these first photos. We’ll add to our photo gallery from our contributing photographer Tom Donoghue after he’s edited his photos, along with his Wrangler National Finals ... Read more...
Zowie Bowie’s Chris Phillips and Marley Taylor have split
Zowie Bowie stars Chris Phillips and Marley Taylor have decided to end their personal relationship — and longtime engagement — but continue as a professional duo. I have sat on this story for more than a week out of respect for them, but it’s now leaked, so it’s time to report the break-up. The split, which I tweeted earlier this evening, is sad because it involves good friends, but everything will work out well. Marley ended their eight-year engagement when ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Contest includes NYE rooms, Black Eyed Peas concert
Have you taken an extreme photo in Las Vegas this year? If so, the pic could win you an extraordinary New Year’s Eve prize in the Mandalay Bay Untamed Adventure Contest. Submit a photo and start voting through the weekend. Ten entries will be in the running for the grand prize of three New Year’s Eve room nights at the hotel, plus four tickets to see the Black Eyed Peas there on Dec. 30. Round-trip airfare and airport transportation is ... Read more...
Barry Manilow discusses his ‘new beautiful show’ at the Paris
Award-winning singer-songwriter Barry Manilow says the past five years of playing in Las Vegas at the Hilton were the best of his career. He didn’t want to leave town when his contract expired, and he’d always had a dream to play on the Strip. Both wishes come true when he opens at the Paris in March with a new extended deal. Said 66-year-old Barry: “I am so excited to take my brand new show to Paris Las Vegas. This is ... Read more...
NFR Day 7 Photo Gallery: Trevor Brazile is new MGM ambassador
In just three days, nine-time world champion cowboy Trevor Brazile could claim a record-tying 10th title in his 13-year career. Yesterday, the 33-year-old rodeo star signed an exclusive three-year agreement with MGM Grand to be the casino resort hotel’s goodwill ambassador. The two parties agreed to the deal in anticipation of Trevor’s probability of winning his 10th Wrangler National Finals Rodeo world title on Saturday here at the Thomas & Mack Center as the 51st anniversary year wraps up its ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Snow is falling inside Palazzo’s Winter Wonderland
No one ever believes that snow actually falls in Las Vegas, but it does sometimes during our freezing desert winter nights. However, nobody is going to believe that snow falls inside a Strip casino resort. But after yesterday’s Palazzo opening of its extraordinary Winter Wonderland display, it sure does. In fact, the snow will fall hourly through to the New Year. You can easily envision TV crews battling for space under the snowfall to kick off the evening news with ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears make sweet music
It was funky, sweet and rocking soul music at its best. That’s the description our contributing photographer Erik Kabik gave me after he finished shooting this photo gallery last night. Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears performed at Carey Hart’s Wasted Space in the Hard Rock Hotel for the folks of Wendoh Media celebrating the holiday season. The blues band, with its healthy influence of King Curtis, was formed two years ago in Austin, Texas. It has already been named ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Trace Adkins rocks it country style @The Pearl
It might as well have been the first country show at The Pearl in the Palms last night. Normally, hotel mogul George Maloof showcases rockers, pop stars and MMA fights there, but it was a packed house when Trace Adkins hit the stage. Headliner Trace even managed to tear away our contributing photographer Tom Donoghue from arena-side at Thomas & Mack Center, where he is covering all 10 competition days by the cowboys and cowgirls here for the 25th anniversary ... Read more...
Are Holly Madison and Benji Madden a new couple?
Peepshow and Holly’s World blonde bombshell Holly Madison and Good Charlotte rocker Benji Madden are being linked as a new couple. Holly and Benji met two months ago at a UFC bout at MGM Grand Garden Arena, and since then have been flirting via Twitter in not-so-secret code and have had two dates. Notoriously private Benji was at Planet Hollywood on Sunday to meet up with Holly after the screening of her new E! Entertainment reality TV series set in ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Donny, Lance surprise Mac King on his birthday
Flamingo headliner Donny Osmond and Monte Carlo headliner Lance Burton were among the “hidden” guests for the surprise 50th birthday party for Harrah’s magician Mac King held at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville in the Flamingo. Mac thought he was having a business lunch with his manager and longtime business partner, producer Bill Volkner, but then hotel executives and the Strip performers surprised him with a large cake and an even larger Cher impersonator who gave him a lap dance! Also joining ... Read more...
Photo Galleries: A patriotic night for NFR at the halfway mark
The halfway mark of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo turned into a patriotic night saluting the red, white and blue. Our contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was on duty arena-side at the Thomas & Mack Center when country singer Lee Greenwood got the fans roaring with “God Bless the USA.” Two surviving members of the Dec. 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor attack were there to salute our Nellis Air Force Base honor guard, and 2-year-old Lila Whitney waved the American flag. Her ... Read more...
Mayor flicks on Christmas tree lights at Fremont Street Experience
Our Merry Mayor of Mirth Oscar Goodman brought holiday cheer to the Fremont Street Experience last night when he flipped the switch to light Las Vegas’ official Christmas tree. The 50-foot tree was covered in festive decorations and will stand below the 12.5 million lights of the Viva Vision screen. After the ceremony, Fremont Street Experience’s holiday show entertainment Candy & the Canes performed their song and dance to holiday music. Mayor Pro Tem Gary Reese, Fremont Street Experience President ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: XS, Tryst, Drai’s toy shopping spree is $64,000 record
Owners, managers and staff of Tryst, XS and Drai’s After Hours at the Wynn, the Encore and Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall, respectively, today hope to break last year’s record $32,000 of toy donations for the annual KLUC 98.5-FM toy drive. This morning in one of the wildest shopping sprees, everybody from bartenders to cocktail servers will hit Wal-Mart at Rainbow and Spring Mountain in Chinatown. They hope to spend more than $64,000, double last year’s amazing figure, on toys and other ... Read more...
A sneak peek at Vanity, the Hard Rock Hotel’s new nightclub
The latest indulgent nightlife creation is Vanity, set to open in the new, luxurious HRH Tower at the Hard Rock Hotel on New Year’s Eve. The official grand opening is Jan. 2 with music mogul, record producer and primo party pro P. Diddy. MLB star Jason Giambi is a co-owner of Vanity with The Nightlife Group, which runs Body English, Rehab, Carey Hart’s Wasted Space and Rare 120, all at the Hard Rock. The entrance welcomes partygoers with a collage ... Read more...
Top Chef: Las Vegas Finale: Bryan vs. Michael vs. Kevin
It’s all come down to a battle between three chefs: frontrunner Kevin Gillespie and two brothers, Michael and Bryan Voltaggio, on tonight’s final episode of Top Chef: Las Vegas on Bravo. Our pal Johnny Avello, director of race and sports book operations at the Wynn, has the latest odds. Barring any last-minute upset — which is often the case in reality TV television (Donny Osmond, anyone?) — it looks certain that Kevin will triumph over the brothers. Kevin, who opened ... Read more...
Sammy Hagar’s 18-year journey from Baja to the Strip
Rocker Sammy Hagar has finally opened his Las Vegas flagship outpost of Cabo Wabo Cantina that he founded in 1991. It’s taken 18 years to bring the party playground up from the Mexican Baja to Sin City. Just hours before its official weekend opening in Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops, Sammy flew in from his San Francisco Bay Area home to give me a tour and chat about his near two-decade journey: Robin Leach: For a man who loves the ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Despite wicked weather, Martha Stewart draws crowd
Despite the plunging, near-freezing temperatures and harsh, ice-laced rain, 350 loyal Martha Stewart fans still braved the wicked weather to greet the homemaking queen at her Las Vegas book signing. Martha is on tour promoting her new book Dinner at Home: 52 Quick Meals to Cook for Family & Friends. It’s the perfect gift at this time of the year, and an autographed copy only increases its value. The TV personality, chef and self-branded home-furnishings conglomerate thanked the fans for ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Mayor to turn on Christmas tree lights downtown
Our Merry Mayor of Mirth Oscar Goodman brings holiday cheer to the Fremont Street Experience when he flips the switch to light Las Vegas’ official Christmas tree tonight. The 50-foot tree will be festooned with glittering decorations and will be set below the 12.5 million lights of the Viva Vision screen. After the ceremony, Candy & the Canes will perform a song and dance show to holiday music at 3rd Street between Fitzgerald’s, Four Queens and Fremont. The official Las ... Read more...
Terry Fator sings about self-penned ‘Christmas in Vegas’
Headline Strip entertainer Terry Fator, the $100 million man at The Mirage, has transformed his Cast of Thousands show there into a holiday-themed version he’s titled A Very Terry Christmas. Terry’s added classic holiday jingles to the production for fans to sing along, and he’s released a new holiday single, “Christmas in Vegas,” which he wrote himself. Said Terry: “Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of the year, and I’m thrilled to be spending this one as ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Holly Madison’s early birthday includes strong ratings
Blonde beauty Holly Madison premiered her E! Entertainment reality TV series Holly’s World last night, and early this morning, the ratings proved that she’s the knockout queen. E! Entertainment reported that Holly had delivered the network’s highest-rated show of the week. I joined Holly, her gal pals and the cast of her Peepshow at Planet Hollywood last night to watch the private screening, and here are the exclusive photos. It’s all about Holly deciding to tackle our Merry Mayor of ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Lady Gaga plays ‘Poker Face’ for the Palms
Singer Lady Gaga and Palms mogul George Maloof have signed an agreement that gives the Palms exclusive rights to her hit single “Poker Face” for a TV commercial and online usage that debuts today. Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” has been nominated for three Grammy Awards this year: Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Dance Recording. This is the first look at the commercial. It features some of the spectacular amenities at the Palms, including the Fantasy ... Read more...
Week in Review: CityCenter opens in glittering, glamorous style
Posted at 8:27 p.m. This past week was easily one of the busiest in recent Las Vegas history, if not all Las Vegas history, with the CityCenter openings of Vdara on Tuesday; Tiffany & Co., Crystals and Eva Longoria Parker’s Beso on Thursday; and the Mandarin Oriental on Friday. And we still have Aria to looking forward to on Dec. 16, as well as additional stores inside Crystals that same day, and Cirque du Soleil’s Viva Elvis previews beginning Dec. ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: The Ultimate Fighter finale @The Pearl
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Spike TV’s The Ultimate Fighter Season 10 finale fights at The Pearl in the Palms last night attracted UFC fighter Tito Ortiz and Jenna Jameson, Hulk Hogan, Jason Hervey, Joe Daddy Stevenson, Kendall Grove, Forrest Griffin and World Series champion New York Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain. Part of the excitement of the night was the return of controversial fighter Kimbo Slice battling Houston Alexander, as their bout was a late addition. Slice was victorious ... Read more...
Holly Madison’s weekend: toy drive, birthday cake and TV series
Platinum blonde bombshell Holly Madison kicked off two weeks of celebrations leading up to her Dec. 23 birthday with a full weekend. It included the Peepshow headliner’s children’s toys drive at the Strip’s new Hard Rock Cafe on Friday, with Mike Tyson and family dropping by to help. Then it was her first festivities at Jet in The Mirage, where she was presented with a pink convertible birthday cake. Tonight, she’ll celebrate again with the premiere of her new E! ... Read more...
It’s Robin and Robin backstage at the MGM Grand
It was the final stop as he ended his 80-city Weapons of Self-Destruction Tour. Award-winning comedian and actor Robin Williams had planned an earlier concert date in Las Vegas, but he had to cancel because of open-heart surgery. Robin talked with me, before his MGM Grand performance last night, about his health issues a little more seriously than his onstage jokes about a cow heart valve being transplanted in his chest, and we’ll have the full story right here at ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: 2010 Miss Rodeo America crowned at The Orleans
Congratulations to Kelli Jackson, who was crowned the 2010 Miss Rodeo America today at The Orleans as part of the National Finals Rodeo events. Last year’s Miss Rodeo America, Meagan Ridley, crowned Kelli, who is Miss Rodeo Mississippi, the new winner. It was the 55th annual pageant. Our local rocker Vince Neil could change his band Motley Crue’s hit song “Girls, Girls, Girls” into “Cowgirls, Cowgirls, Cowgirls.” These lovely ladies in their fine riding splendor definitely made for the prettiest ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: David Gray at the Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip
British singer-songwriter David Gray was the guest at a benefit for the Four Corners Food Drive at the Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip on Thursday night. The event included a 45-minute performance from the “Babylon” singer, and David signed and donated a guitar at the fan meet-and-greet. Our contributing photographer Scott Harrison was at the Hard Rock Cafe for our photo gallery. Last night, David was scheduled to perform at the NASCAR Champions Week gala dinner honoring Jimmie Johnson ... Read more...
Second Pole Position Raceway opens today in Summerlin
Start your engines … again! Pole Position Raceway officials will open a 50,000-square-foot indoor speedway in Summerlin today. It’s Pole Position Raceway’s second Las Vegas facility. “Everyone at Pole Position Raceway appreciates how well the Las Vegas community has embraced the indoor karting experience,” said Kurt Busch, NASCAR champion and company shareholder. “To be able to expand to a second location in Las Vegas in our current economy is an incredible achievement!” The second Pole Position Raceway is opening two ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Sammy Hagar officially opens Cabo Wabo Cantina
Sammy Hagar rocks the red carpet at Cabo Wabo Cantina tonight with a grand opening fiesta and performance with his band The Wabos. Complimentary tickets were given out to the first 400 fans who lined up this morning for the giveaway. Before Sammy’s performance at 9 p.m. in his first U.S. outlet of the successful Mexican playground, he’ll add his signature collection to the memorabilia there and also give me a tour, which we’ll report next week with our photo ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: 25th anniversary National Finals Rodeo begins
The fun has just begun! It was the debut day of 10 competitions for the 25th anniversary of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center. In nine more days, we’ll know who are the greatest cowboys in the world. Last night was the first sellout performance as the 51st year of National Finals Rodeo got underway. The rodeo was rocking the rafters, from roping to barrel racing to bucking the broncos. This is excitement at its ... Read more...
Two options for weekend running: Great Santa Run and L.V. Marathon
After the speedsters of NASCAR roaring up and down the Strip, Las Vegas Boulevard will be closed again, but this time for a more genteel pace. Some 25,000-plus runners will be competing in the Las Vegas Rock and Roll Marathon broken into a half marathon and the full-length foot race. First, though, is tomorrow’s attempt by Opportunity Village to break the world record for the largest Santa gathering with the Great Santa Run at Town Square. NASCAR champion Kurt Busch ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Tiger Woods tales prompt tabloid, TV show invasion
With Tiger Woods’ “confession of transgressions,” Tigergate has become a major news story and not just the property of trashy tabloids and greedy gossips. It’s sparked an invasion of Sin City by TV show field producers and mainstream media investigating the VIP hostess business at our Strip nightclubs. To date, former Tao hostess and Turnberry Place condo owner Rachel Uchitel, now being repped by pit bull lawyer Gloria Allred (they were on CNN this morning, no less!), The Light Group ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: Miss Rodeo America Pageant’s first round at The Orleans
More than 25 women are competing for the 2010 Miss Rodeo America Pageant crown at The Orleans Showroom during this year’s National Finals Rodeo events. Our contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was on hand for the first round, which featured last year’s winner, Maegan Ridley, and the MJ2 singers of Las Vegas. Judges will score the lovely ladies again today and tomorrow, with the coronation set for Saturday morning at The Orleans. The winner will then participate nightly in the events ... Read more...
Country superstars ramp up excitement as NFR begins 10-day run
The National Finals Rodeo really revs up tonight with the first of 10 consecutive nights of competition as the cowboys wrestle the horses and bulls to compete for the $5.75 million prize purse. Call this the World Series of Cowboys. Call it the Super Bowl of the rodeo world. As of today, forget that Sin City label because we are the real Cowboy Town now! It’s also the start of the Cowboy Christmas Gift Show at the Las Vegas Convention ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: America’s Tallest Christmas Tree stands at M Resort
It stands at an amazing 109 feet in height, and the white fir traveled 900 miles from Oregon to The M Resort on the south end of the Strip. Now it will take a full week for the resort staff to decorate it with tens of thousands of lights and ornaments before the official lighting ceremony on Dec. 12 in the Villagio del Sole outdoor entertainment and events plaza. “It will be an amazing sight to see when decorated, and ... Read more...
Strip to close for NASCAR victory lap; Tony Stewart hosts awards
For the first time ever, the Las Vegas Strip will be closed today for a NASCAR victory lap. Plan ahead for the traffic congestion for an hour this afternoon — 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. — because the racecars will travel at just 15 mph in procession led by four-time consecutive and reigning NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson. This victory lap of the Top 12 drivers gets underway with the traditional “Gentlemen, Start Your Engines” and the waving of the green flag ... Read more...
Crystals opens with Tiffany breakfast, Eva Longoria Parker’s Beso
The opening day for Crystals, the palatial promenade at CityCenter, starts with “Breakfast at Tiffany” and ends with Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria Parker launching her Beso restaurant and Eve nightclub. The world’s largest retail shopping district at a staggering 500,000 square feet is jaw-dropping. It’s 100 times more eye-popping than televangelist Robert Schuller’s Crystal Cathedral on his Hour of Power in Garden Grove, Calif. It’s so large that air traffic control at McCarran could route a tourist flight to ... Read more...
NASCAR events include Jimmie Johnson roast, Strip victory lap
The first-ever NASCAR Champions Week in Las Vegas got underway this afternoon with the charity roast of four-time consecutive Sprint Cup winner Jimmie Johnson by other star racecar drivers. Our contributing photographer Tom Donoghue is out at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and we’ll post all those photos in a gallery later. Kevin Burke of Defending the Caveman was a last-minute emcee replacement for Carrot Top due to the unexpected death of his grandmother. Roast tickets for the Blackjack Club event ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Three Las Vegas chefs on CBS’s The Early Show
Bon Appetit’s 2010 Vegas Uncork’d, the four-day culinary festival, will be held over Mother’s Day weekend in May at Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Wynn/Encore, Caesars Palace and The Venetian/Palazzo, and three Las Vegas chefs will be guests on CBS’s The Early Show tomorrow to preview the event scheduled for May 6-9. Paul Bartolotta of Wynn, Bradley Ogden of Caesars Palace and Rick Moonen of RM Seafood in Mandalay Bay, who flew out at 6 a.m. today after attending last ... Read more...
CityCenter President and CEO Bobby Baldwin’s $8.5 billion bet
Longtime Las Vegas mogul Bobby Baldwin’s resume stretches far back from his current job as CityCenter president and CEO and includes being World Series of Poker champion in 1978 and president of The Golden Nugget in the 1980s, as well as helping to open The Mirage and Bellagio. Yesterday, Bobby premiered CityCenter. Bobby chats with me about the $8.5 billion CityCenter and how this might be only the beginning for the Entertainment Capital of the World. Robin Leach: So the ... Read more...
Exclusive: An interview with MGM Chairman and CEO Jim Murren
Now that the $8.5 billion CityCenter is opening on the Strip this week — from Vdara yesterday to Crystals and Eva Longoria Parker’s Beso tomorrow to Mandarin Oriental on Friday — you’d think that MGM Chairman and CEO Jim Murren could relax just a little. (MGM owns CityCenter with Dubai World). Not so, as Jim chatted with me about CityCenter, its 12,000 employees, its more than 6,000 rooms and the future that might very well include expanding in the neighborhood. ... Read more...
Cher celebrates 100th show with cake and night out at Pure
Superstar and pop icon Cher celebrated her 100th show at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace last night. Before the performance, a Cher logo cake was served backstage in honor of the milestone. After their performance, the musicians, dancers and aerialists who make up the cast joined with the technical crew for the festivities. They all kicked back for a special performance by the Las Vegas Pussycat Dolls at a private event inside the Pussycat Dolls Lounge at Pure in Caesars ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Ladies win Miss Playboy Club November, December
Pop sensation Matt Goss and Pussycat Dolls creator Robin Antin hosted The Playboy Club festivities at the Palms, and they named two lucky ladies as Miss Playboy Club November and Miss Playboy Club December. Las Vegas’ Brittani Cal-Williamson was chosen for November, while actress/model Raven “Alexis” Armenta from California won for December. Partying at a VIP table with Matt and Robin was actress and former MTV VJ Downtown Julie Brown and May 2006 Playboy Playmate Alison Waite. *I’d never heard ... Read more...
Six big days in town: CityCenter, NFR, NASCAR, Great Santa Run, marathon
The next 144 hours go into the record books as the biggest, the brightest, the best and the most glittering and glamorous in the history of Las Vegas. It’s highly doubtful that this spectacular week of gala events and openings will ever be repeated in Las Vegas history. It all started this morning at 10, as MGM’s head honcho Jim Murren cut the red ribbon on the new 57-story, nonsmoking, nongaming, 1,495 all-suite Vdara Hotel and Spa at CityCenter. It ... Read more...
Cher celebrates 100th show; Barry Manilow officially moves to the Strip
Congratulations to superstar Cher on her 100th performance tonight at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace. She’s proof that at age 63, you do get better with age, just like a fine red wine. I still remember as if it was just yesterday when I sat in on her first recording session at Atlantic Studios on Broadway in New York City when late ace producer Jerry Wexler invited me to meet “two new kids who will make it really big.” They ... Read more...
Photo Gallery: NFR celebrates 25 years in Las Vegas and 51st year
It’s known as the biggest and richest rodeo in the world: The National Finals Rodeo celebrates its 25th year in Las Vegas with 10 days of thrilling events as it starts its 51st year. Oklahoma City hosted the NFR for 20 years until legendary gaming king Benny Binion worked to bring it to Las Vegas in 1984. It was simple math, really. Whereas Oklahoma came up with a $900,000 prize package, Las Vegas simply doubled it to $1.8 million — ... Read more...
Photos: Tiger keeps Lindsey hidden in L.V. amid engagement rumors
Amid online buzz of buying engagement rings, golf great Tiger Woods was all smiles as he walked hand-in-hand with Olympic skiing champion girlfriend ...
Celebrity preview: Woods, Bieber, Swift, Prince, Madonna and Kid Rock
It’s one of the fiercest and most competitive entertainment weekends Las Vegas has ever seen, even with Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and their country ...
Star Surveillance: Phelps, Zeta-Jones, Damon, Avicii, DeLoach, Roday and Gruffudd
Twenty-two-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps stayed on in Las Vegas after Labor Day Weekend to continue partying at Tuesday night’s Lost ...
Strip Scribbles: From ‘America’s Got Talent’ to the Palazzo for local acts?
“America’s Got Talent” judges have been tough on Las Vegas acts, as the top-rated NBC series edges closer to next week’s finals. But there’s a silver ...
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