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Luxe Life Blog • Archive for December 2010
Photos: Florence and the Machine draws star-studded crowd at Marquee
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor The grand opening weekend of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas kicked off last night with the premiere of Marquee Nightclub and Dayclub, and celebrities toasted the new hotspot on The Strip, while the exclusive soiree featured a performance by Britain’s Florence and the Machine. The star-studded crowd included couples Jay-Z and Beyonce, Cameron Diaz and Alex Rodriguez, Haylie Duff and Nick Zano, Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan, Mel B and Stephen Belafonte and Ellen ... Read more...
Photos: Ryan Sheckler celebrates 21st birthday at Moon in the Palms
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Pro skateboarder and reality TV star Ryan Sheckler celebrated his 21st birthday at Moon in the Palms last night, and appearances and performances by Snoop Dogg and LMFAO were among the night’s birthday surprises. Sheckler, star of MTV’s Life of Ryan, and his friends celebrated with Ketel One and Red Bull cocktails, and LMFAO appropriately performed their club anthem “Shots.” He was presented with a half-pipe birthday cake made by Caked Las Vegas and ... Read more...
Star surveillance: Celebrities hit Las Vegas early for New Year’s Eve
It’s going to be a romantic New Year’s Eve for actress Cameron Diaz and New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez. The couple arrived in Las Vegas yesterday to celebrate the holiday weekend and was inseparable throughout The Strip. They were seen holding hands and arm in arm at Sugar Factory in Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops opposite The Cosmopolitan, where they’re staying for tonight’s Jay-Z and Coldplay concerts to open its new nightclub Marquee. My pal Vegas magazine co-owner Jason ... Read more...
Multimillion-dollar $howdown: Rap moguls battle for NYE supremacy
It’s a multimillion-dollar showdown of hip-hop superstars on New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas, with two top music moguls — Jay-Z and Diddy — lined up opposite each other. They’re battling Nelly, Ludacris and Jay Sean, and right in the middle trying to wrest their crown as king will be a lineup of very beautiful girls. Rihanna leads the femme fatales into the $10 million war of party fun with Kim Kardashian, Holly Madison and a plethora of Playboy Playmates. ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Back to the days of champagne wishes and caviar dreams?
As we KO 2010 and kick off 2011, there are signs the fizz is back in the bubbly and no longer flat and that the days of caviar, truffles and foie gras are returning. Slow signs, but nonetheless an improvement that makes some believe that this weekend’s festivities will be a party like it’s 1999 rather than the doom and gloom of 2008. Let’s hope it’s the splurge that doesn’t sputter! Let’s hope it’s an extravagance that will prove endless. ... Read more...
A&E year-in-review: memorable celebrity moments in Las Vegas
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor What a year of celebrity and arts and entertainment reporting by Mr. Vegas DeLuxe Robin Leach and VegasDeLuxe.com in Las Vegas! This list is by no means all-inclusive, but rather a look back at some of the more memorable and noteworthy celebrity moments in The Entertainment Capital of the World in 2010. January Diddy officially opens Vanity at the Hard Rock Hotel. The annual Consumer Electronics Show features Lady Gaga, John Legend, Stevie Wonder ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Vince Neil says spirit of daughter saved him from suicide
Hometown rock star Vince Neil has candidly confessed that after the death of his 4-year-old daughter Skylar, he was on the verge of suicide but credits her spirit with saving him. He revealed the ghostly appearance on The Biography Channel’s Celebrity Ghost Stories. Skylar died in 1995 after losing a painful and lengthy battle against cancer: “After we buried her, I sedated myself with pills and alcohol. I couldn’t take it. For months, I really tried to kill myself. I ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Clark County Library is celebrating January as Mob Month
It’s another “only in Las Vegas” story: a monthlong library series on the Mafia, with gritty tales behind the scenes of living a mob lifestyle. Our merry Mayor of mirth Oscar Goodman is taking part recalling his days as a defense lawyer for “da boys.” It kicks off Jan. 4 with gangster Andrew DiDonato, who admits that he spent the majority of his life as a loyal street soldier for the infamous Gambino family in New York, committing countless crimes ... Read more...
Ninety — yes, 90 — facts about the 90th anniversary Miss America Pageant
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor When the 2011 Miss America Pageant returns to Planet Hollywood on Jan. 15 with its live telecast on ABC, the event celebrates its 90th anniversary, as well as marks the milestone as the fourth longest-running live event in TV history. To commemorate the Miss America Pageant’s return to network television, at least 40 of the 66 living Miss Americas will be at the event, making it the largest single gathering of Miss Americas in ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Comedy is king in a quiet week between holidays
Observational humorist Jerry Seinfeld wraps his two nights of shows at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace tonight, as in-your-face insult comedian Brad Garrett starts a 3-day run at his Tropicana comedy club. If you haven’t seen Brad in action, definitely put his comedy on your must-see list. He makes no apologies for his updated Don Rickles humor, but it’s all done with love and affection. Please don’t expect to see his warm and fuzzy Everybody Loves Raymond character Robert Barone ... Read more...
Newly engaged Hugh Hefner had talked of marriage in October
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor The news of 84-year-old Playboy mogul Hugh Hefner’s engagement to his 24-year-old main squeeze Crystal Harris was no surprise to VegasDeLuxe.com and Mr. VegasDeLuxe.com Robin Leach’s readers. While in Las Vegas in October to watch Playboy model Claire Sinclair’s performance in Crazy Horse Paris at MGM Grand — Sinclair is the girlfriend of The Hef’s son, Marston — Hefner, Harris and Hefner Jr. all spoke of possible nuptials for the May-December romance. At the ... Read more...
Photos: ‘Mr. Christmas’ returns to Las Vegas Hilton in holiday tradition
At 83 years of age, legendary singing superstar Andy Williams is still keeping a Christmas tradition alive. Known as “Mr. Christmas” by his staff and the employees of the Las Vegas Hilton, Andy returned last night for two evenings of his beloved Christmas show. Contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was on duty, and thanks to him for this great Christmas Eve photo gallery. “He still has all the magic of yesteryear, and the sold-out crowd was on its feet for a ... Read more...
Photos: The X Burlesque Girls send Season’s Greetings
They are saucy, sassy and definitely sexy. But at this time of the year, they’re also Santa’s stylish and high-spirited helpers, and they posed for this special Matt Stabile photo shoot to extend Season’s Greetings to all of our VegasDeLuxe.com readers. They are the X Burlesque topless beauties at the Flamingo, and one eyeful here makes it easy to understand why 5,000 people showed up to greet them for a special appearance at the Caesars Palace across from Detroit in ... Read more...
Celebrity forecast: The Christmas quiet before the New Year’s Eve storm
As Las Vegas hibernates to celebrate the holiday season, this is the quietest weekend of the entire year. Call it the peace and calm before the storm, but two superstars are keeping the show business excitement aglow: Andy Williams wraps his two-night holiday extravaganza at the Las Vegas Hilton, and comedy king Jerry Seinfeld arrives for his two nights at Caesars Palace. We give a warm welcome to our Asian friends who arrive for their celebrations and to take advantage ... Read more...
Photos: Holly Madison’s Holly-days, birthday extravaganzas in Las Vegas
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Blond bombshell. Star of The Girls Next Door, Peepshow at Planet Hollywood and Holly’s World. The Ambassador of Las Vegas. Las Vegas’ Sweetheart. And birthday girl. Holly Madison celebrated her birthday yesterday — she was born on Dec. 23 — and it’s been a monthlong celebration that kicked off at Tao. But Madison’s birthday is not the only reason to toast the Las Vegas Strip star. Madison has embraced her new home of Las ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: VegasDeLuxe.com celebrates its second anniversary
VegasDeLuxe.com reached its second anniversary last month, so we’ll take just a moment to wish ourselves a “Happy Birthday.” Esteemed Editor Don Chareunsy joins me in thanking all of you loyal readers for your support — and especially to our contributing photographers who have provided us with so many exciting action photographs. Thanks also to all the nightclub and restaurant operators in town who not only follow us but also tip us off to all the celebrity visits and parties. ... Read more...
Andy Williams continues his holiday performances at the Hilton
It simply wouldn’t be Christmas without superstar singer Andy Williams’ holiday show at the Las Vegas Hilton. The legendary entertainer continues his long-standing tradition tonight and tomorrow. I saw his Christmas performance two years ago there, and it is truly enjoyable family entertainment that makes the holidays come alive for everybody — young or old and whatever faith they follow. It’s a festive sing-along as Andy, in his trademark sweater, hosts under the twinkling lights of a festooned fir tree. ... Read more...
Photos: Happy Holidays from Zumanity at New York-New York
It’s regarded as the sexiest of Cirque du Soleil’s shows on The Strip, and Zumanity also grabs a title as one of The Strip’s sexiest spectaculars. But when it comes to the holidays, even the cast can add some extra outfits to assist Santa Claus with his sleigh ride on Christmas Eve. As with all continuing Cirque shows, there are changes with cast members and dance and aerial routines. It’s been a while since VegasDeLuxe.com had a photo gallery of ... Read more...
Photos: Tiffany Masters’ holiday party of vivacious Vegas vixens
Tis the season to be very jolly if you are a naughty Santa. BTW, over champagne, I wondered why he never gave Mrs. Claus a first name! Las Vegas socialite and party planner Tiffany Masters knew the vivacious vixens of Vegas would find the sexiest outfits of all. Even on a cold winter’s night, they were dressed to warm hearts. They came bearing mistletoe, gifts and body parts when she threw her 5th Annual Vegas Nightlife Socialites Party at Gold ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Rain wipes out Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest
The heavy rain the past five days has had a devastating financial effect on Opportunity Village’s annual Magical Forest fundraiser. With the downpour forcing the closure of the forest, the charity is already down more than $250,000 from this time a year ago. I was among the volunteers helping to open this year’s outdoor Winter Wonderland. It’s the first time that the Magical Forest has closed for three consecutive days because of wretched weather. The rain also short circuited equipment ... Read more...
The true and high co$t of the 12 day$ of Chri$tma$: $96,800
It’s one of the most favorite and beloved Christmas carols, but in these tough economic times, you have to reach the conclusion that nobody anywhere in the world is giving this amount of affection on Christmas Eve. On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, 12 drummers drumming, 11 pipers piping, 10 lords a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two ... Read more...
Photos: Criss Angel surprises Boys & Girls Club with magic kits, $100 bills
Mindfreak magician Criss Angel continued his holiday gift-giving generosity yesterday handing out dozens of $100 bills when he launched his Magic Jam initiative at one of our local Boys & Girls Clubs. Criss started locally with his nationwide gift of $1 million worth of his Magic Kits to the Make-A-Wish and Boys & Girls Club charities, as VegasDeLuxe.com reported Monday. While at the club yesterday, he decided to do some unexpected close-up magic tricks for the spellbound youngsters. Those who ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Hubert Keller to film Season 3 of TV show at Vegas PBS
Mandalay Bay celebrity chef Hubert Keller will record Season 3 of his hit cooking show Hubert Keller: Secrets of a Chef on a new set at PBS here next month to air nationwide in the spring. The tapings begin an exclusive 5-year partnership with Vegas PBS, Hubert and award-winning producer Marjorie Poore. Each annual series will feature 26 half-hour episodes taking viewers step-by-step through his recipes. The camera shoots will take place on a new, custom kitchen TV set, and ... Read more...
Photos: Carrot Top celebrates a triumphant five years at the Luxor
“I never thought it would last this long,” said an ecstatic Carrot Top last night at his private VIP party celebrating his fifth anniversary headlining at the Luxor. “And then to realize I’m also marking my 25th year in comedy, that makes it doubly amazing.” Carrot Top pulled out photos for the celebration of his debut appearances in Las Vegas in 1985 headlining at the original MGM Grand, then named Bally’s. “It’s been great to give up most of the ... Read more...
Terry Fator’s all-nighter for Good Morning America 3 a.m. Bellagio show
Terry Fator didn’t even bother going to sleep after attending comedian headliner Carrot Top’s fifth anniversary orange carpet and performance last night at the Luxor with his new bride Taylor Makakoa. “We’re simply not going to bother going to sleep,” said Terry, as he explained that he had to leave home at 2:30 this morning in order to appear several times on the live broadcast of ABC’s Good Morning America from the Bellagio Conservatory. “We have to be there at ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Pauly Shore’s cable TV special to be filmed at the Palms
Comedian Pauly Shore wants to throw the ultimate party and concert during the upcoming AVN Awards, and he’s going to have porn princesses on hand for the cable TV special being filmed at the Palms. Pauly’s wild and outrageous program Vegas Is My Oyster is set for Jan. 9 at The Pearl in the Palms a day after the AVNs for best sex scenes are awarded. Pauly said, “I’ve lined up a showcase that mixes comedy from some of the ... Read more...
Criss Angel donates $1 million in magic kits to launch youth program
Mindfreak magician Criss Angel continues to celebrate his birthday with yet another stunning charitable gift, the latest one benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The Luxor headliner and star of Cirque du Soleil’s Believe is donating $1 million worth of his magic kits — 150,000 units in all — to launch his global online Magic Jam Initiative that we first mentioned last week here at VegasDeLuxe.com. “I think we can really use magic in ... Read more...
Photos: The future Mrs. Tony Romo’s connection to Las Vegas
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Who is Candice Crawford, besides injured Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo’s fiancee? The 24-year-old stunner is the younger sister of actor Chace Crawford, star of Gossip Girl on The CW — so we know that good looks run in that family. Crawford also is the 2008 Miss Missouri USA and competed at the 2008 Miss USA Pageant here at Planet Hollywood, placing in the Top 10. Contributing photographer Tom Donoghue put together this photo ... Read more...
Carrot Top celebrates fifth anniversary at the Luxor tonight
For five years, outrageous comic Carrot Top has dazzled audiences with his crazy zany props, and audiences have always left asking if there’s anything he can’t use to grab a knockout punchline. For five years, he’s delivered a nightly 90-minute show at rat-a-tat speed, firing on all cylinders in a nonstop barrage of humor — and no two shows have ever been alike. Congratulations from all of us at VegasDeLuxe.com to Carrot Top, real name Scott Thompson, for five years ... Read more...
Celebrity recap: Slash at Viva Elvis, Vanessa Hudgens at Pure
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor It was all about music this past normally quiet weekend before Christmas. Rock superstar guitarist Slash started his holiday break in Las Vegas with his family at Cirque du Soleil’s Viva Elvis at Aria in MGM’s CityCenter on Saturday night (his larger-than-life black hair was slicked back into what looks like a super cool ponytail). He took his family and friends backstage after the seventh Cirque du Soleil spectacular show on The Strip ended ... Read more...
Photos: Vanessa Hudgens celebrates 22nd birthday at Social House, Pure
Actress, singer and Disney star Vanessa Hudgens celebrated her 22nd birthday yesterday with dinner at Chef Joe Elevado’s Social House in Crystals in MGM CityCenter, then danced the night away at Pure in Caesars Palace. Contributing photographer Scott Harrison was onsite when Hudgens walked the red carpet at Pure, and Denise Truscello shot the birthday girl at Social House and inside the Caesars Palace hotspot. Hudgens was presented with red velvet cupcakes at Social House and an elaborate birthday cake ... Read more...
Photos: The Judds’ Last Encore at Mandalay Bay Events Center
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Country duo The Judds, comprised of mother Naomi Judd and daughter Wynonna Judd, brought their Last Encore Tour, celebrating 25 years of big hits and holiday classics, to Mandalay Bay Events Center last night, and contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was onsite for this VegasDeLuxe.com photo gallery. Their set list (as a duo and in Wynonna’s successful solo career) included “Give a Little Love,” “She Is His Only Need,” “No One Else on Earth,” “Don’t ... Read more...
America’s Got Talent winner Michael Grimm to play Green Valley Ranch
By Kyle Hansen, Las Vegas Sun After winning America’s Got Talent and touring the country, Michael Grimm is coming home for Christmas and a special concert tomorrow at Green Valley Ranch. It will be the first Las Vegas area performance for the 30-year-old singer-songwriter since he won the TV show in September and went on tour with other contestants for the show. He’s calling the event “Home for the Holidays.” “And home it is,” he said. “I’ve been in Vegas ... Read more...
Golden Girl, Menopause star Susan Anton says being 60 is great fun
Back in 1979, she was dubbed “The Golden Girl” and starred in the film of the same name. Today, she’s still a blond bombshell, and you’d never guess that she’d happily admit to being 60. When Susan Anton ran in the stadium 31 years ago in The Golden Girl, I talked with her there between camera takes. Neither of us could believe where the time has gone in between when we chatted recently about her bringing that still gorgeous glamour ... Read more...
Photos: Stealing Angels boast quite the lineage of American icons
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Country music, get ready for a fresh new group, as the trio Stealing Angels soared during the finals of the recent 52nd Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center, and contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was onsite for the performance by the act with quite the lineage of American icons. Donoghue reported that on the final night of the NFR, he had the pleasure of working with Caroline Cutbirth, Jennifer Wayne and ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: UNLV student wins a fortune on Wheel of Fortune
UNLV student Hillary Light nearly missed her flight to L.A. to compete on America’s favorite TV gameshow. It’s a good thing she raced to the departure gate last minute because she won Wheel of Fortune’s biggest bonus-round prize of $100,000 on last night’s broadcast! “This changes my life!” screamed Hillary, an undergraduate student studying political science who will now take exams to apply for law school. She was so overcome by the grand prize that she asked to sit down, ... Read more...
Paris Hilton volunteers at animal shelter, adopts Chihuahua
Pop culture icon Paris Hilton took on an altogether different role this week: She got down — and dirty — caring for abandoned and lost animals at our Animal Foundation shelter. She’s the newest celebrity face at the campus! Paris was hands on and asked for no special treatment or favors. She was on her knees cleaning up behind the dogs and carrying out their pooper-scooper droppings. The multi-millionaire hotel heiress, actress, singer and entrepreneur cleaned out kennels in addition ... Read more...
New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas: Super pyrotechnics, superstars and $$$
For the 12th consecutive year, the citywide New Year’s Eve party will light up the skies. America’s Party 2011 will ring in the New Year with the theme of the pyrotechnics display as Party: Las Vegas. VegasDeLuxe.com previously reported that Fireworks by Grucci will have its firing locations on The Strip and from Fremont Street, with rooftop locations including MGM Grand, Aria, Planet Hollywood, Caesars Palace, Treasure Island, The Venetian and Stratosphere. Now VegasDeLuxe.com can reveal that some 50,000 effects ... Read more...
Celebrity forecast: Vanessa Hudgens turns 22 minus ex Zac Efron
With tourists vanishing as if in a magic trick to complete the last weekend of holiday shopping, our Strip entertainment package gets as slim as we’d like to be after Christmas turkey and the trimmings. It’s all about Season’s Greetings as we jump right into the yuletide festivities with our Nevada Ballet Theater’s annual production of The Nutcracker, plus Boyz II Men and Clint Holmes invite you to their holiday shows. Non-holiday music isn’t left out entirely from the mix ... Read more...
New $60 million Marquee nightclub is a 3-in-1 tri-level spectacular
At $60 million — $4 million alone for the DJ booth, and its tri-level, 40-foot LED screen costing another $500,000 — the new Marquee nightclub and dayclub at The Cosmopolitan, which had its soft opening last night, is a three-level, 60,000-square-foot stunner. Marquee automatically redefines global nightlife and changes the Las Vegas nightlife landscape. It’s the ultimate nightclub with two other nightclubs inside it. Last night as The Cosmopolitan opened to its first guests and moments after The Killers singer ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Barry Manilow to serenade Miss America contestants
Superstar entertainer Barry Manilow will host the 53 2011 Miss America Pageant contestants in a unique performance of his headliner show at the Paris. The award-winning singer-songwriter will welcome them to Las Vegas the day after their Jan. 6 official arrival and rose ceremony with Mayor Oscar Goodman. Barry, nominated this week for a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, also will have the ladies onstage for a special serenade. Incidentally, Barry had to postpone his Valentine’s Day ... Read more...
American Idol Season 10 taping is a wrap at The Mirage
Last night wrapped what was a three-day shoot at The Beatles Love by Cirque du Soleil for the upcoming Season 10 of American Idol on Fox. Sixty contestants, whittled down from 325 who made it to the Hollywood Week round, arrived at The Mirage on Sunday and began rehearsing for this season’s Beatles episode taped Monday and Tuesday on the Love stage. Set pieces, video footage and special effects from Love were incorporated into the taping, including the inline skaters ... Read more...
Kevin Spacey on Jack Abramoff: ‘I found him to be very charming’
Advance reviews of Kevin Spacey’s new film Casino Jack are unanimous in praise for his portrayal of disgraced and jailed Washington, D.C., lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Some even call it Kevin’s performance of a lifetime. Kevin admitted: “In a sense, Casino Jack was made out to be the greediest devil incarnate that ever walked the streets.” The film opens nationwide tomorrow, and the two-time Academy Award-winning actor brought it to Las Vegas for a screening last week. In between posing for ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Holly Madison throws intimate Holly-days party for BFFs
Photographer Denise Truscello was invited by Peepshow platinum princess Holly Madison to record the Holly-days celebration with her best friends forever from the Planet Hollywood spectacular and her E! Entertainment reality TV series Holly’s World at Buca di Beppo. Angel Porrino, Laura Croft, Josh Strickland and Sophia Monica joined Holly, and they feasted on calamari, caprese salads and spaghetti marinara all topped off with shots of lemoncello. Holly has been giving back to the community this holiday season, and VegasDeLuxe.com ... Read more...
Exclusive: Elaine Wynn talks about her lasting legacy for children
Yesterday morning, as we reported here at VegasDeLuxe.com, resort hotel mogul Elaine Wynn gave a $5 million donation to set up an arts education studio at the new Smiths Performing Arts Center that is under construction at the downtown Symphony Park. Right after the announcement, I was able to talk one-on-one with our hospitality queen. Robin Leach: This wonderful gesture, this wonderful gift, how does it make you feel to be able to donate an initial $5 million? Elaine Wynn: ... Read more...
It’s Hollywood Week at The Mirage for Season 10 American Idol hopefuls
Tonight, 40 of the still-surviving new Season 10 American Idol contestants watch a performance of Cirque du Soleil’s The Beatles Love at The Mirage. Call it a reward because 60 hopefuls arrived here Saturday, and after auditions in duets and trios, 20 were eliminated. Idol host Ryan Seacrest and new judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, plus returning judge Randy Jackson, were at The Mirage theater yesterday as production of the first-ever Hollywood Week on the road was wrapped. It ... Read more...
Photos: New aerials of The Strip include The Cosmopolitan
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor It was a match made in heaven, as the saying goes! Contributing photographer Tom Donoghue loaded up his Nikon cameras aboard a Maverick sightseeing helicopter to take a unique look at Las Vegas from above. The first stop was the new $3.9 billion Cosmopolitan, which has its soft opening today. Check out the extensive coverage by our colleagues at Las Vegas Sun and Las Vegas Weekly online and in print, and we’ll have full ... Read more...
Photos: Paris Hilton hosts Playmate’s birthday party at Pure
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Paris Hilton is back in Las Vegas, this time filming for her new reality TV series on Oxygen, and looking as gorgeous as ever. Last night, after a schedule that included skydiving and a night out at Crazy Horse 3, as VegasDeLuxe.com reported yesterday, Hilton hosted former Playmate of the Month Jennifer Rovero’s birthday celebration at Pure in Caesar Palace. The blond bombshells sizzled in short and sexy black dresses, and contributing photographer Erik ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Elaine Wynn donates $5 million for children’s arts education
Hotel director and philanthropist Elaine Wynn has donated $5 million to establish The Elaine Wynn Studio for Arts Education at the downtown Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Symphony Park. It’s the largest contribution from any individual. Donald D. Snyder, chairman of the board, said, “The Elaine Wynn Studio will serve as a source of inspiration and exploration for schoolchildren across the Las Vegas community. This contribution exemplifies Mrs. Wynn’s decades-long commitment to enhancing life for all Las Vegans ... Read more...
American Idol Season 10 contestants hit Love’s stage at The Mirage
Sixty contestants in the new Season 10 of Fox’s American Idol debuting in January will perform songs by The Beatles on the Cirque du Soleil Love stage at The Mirage. The aspiring music stars will perform for new judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, along with returning judge Randy Jackson — but not a live audience. Details of the showcase to take place in the next 72 hours will be revealed this afternoon at a highly restricted, minimalist 15-minute press ... Read more...
Garth Brooks says he’ll perform less shows at the Wynn next year
Country king Garth Brooks dropped something of a bombshell talking with Larry King last night on Larry’s final week of anchoring his long-running CNN talk show. Garth said he was cutting back on his performances in the Encore Theater at the Wynn next year. But let’s unravel that from the executive hotel suite! Garth’s contract calls for a minimum of 12 weekends a year, but in his first year — from December 2009 through November 2010 — he actually performed ... Read more...
Paris Hilton’s TV schedule of daiquiris, strippers and Color salon
Singer, actress and entrepreneur Paris Hilton has had a jam-packed 4 days of filming her new Oxygen reality TV show here in Las Vegas, taking part in everything from skydiving to checking out the topless dancers at Crazy Horse 3 until the wee hours of the morning. Paris and her three gal pal posse, including Allison Melnick, also were spotted at Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina at Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops laughing over Cabo Wabo’s signature Vita Loca frozen ... Read more...
Aziz Ansari performs at the Palms, parties like a comedy star
By Ethan Stone, contributor Actor and comedian Aziz Ansari started and punctuated his Saturday performance at The Pearl in the Palms with Kanye West. Sporting a gray tuxedo jacket with black lapels, the 27-year-old marched onstage to West’s new hit song “Power.” But he also poked fun at his rap buddy when he told the audience that West is trying to start a new trend by requiring his entourage to wear suits. Ansari pointed out that West is behind the ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Rehearsals begin for Celine Dion’s new show at Caesars
Celine Dion’s return to Las Vegas on March 15, with a new show of Hollywood movie themes and her own hits, is getting closer, and her 31 musicians began the first real rehearsals today. Celine arrives here during the first week of March after at-home recuperation on Jupiter Island, Fla., from the recent birth of her twin sons. The superstar singer will have her own rehearsals at least 10 days before the premiere, with a special advance benefit showcase March ... Read more...
Photos: Criss Angel makes it rain — $100 bills — at LAX for his birthday
It comes along only once, and it’s as magical as the milestone 1,000th performance of Mindfreak illusionist Criss Angel’s Cirque du Soleil show Believe at the Luxor. The planets were aligned because the 999th and 1,000th show fell exactly on the entertainer’s birthday. No sooner did he cut the giant celebration cake wheeled onstage in his theater at the end of the 1,000th show than he raced off to nearby nightclub LAX to cut up a second one and rain ... Read more...
Photos: Jamie Foxx celebrates new CD, birthday at The Playboy Club
It was a busy 44th birthday weekend in Las Vegas for Oscar- and Grammy-winning actor and singer Jamie Foxx. Joined by family and friends, Jamie jointly celebrated the release of his fourth album, Best Night of My Life, and his birthday in The Playboy Club at the Palms last night. His weekend started out in the sprawling Hardwood Suite, name so because it’s the size of a basketball court, at the Fantasy Tower of the Palms. He fulfilled an Entertainment ... Read more...
Photos: Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Steven Tyler at Sinatra show
The star-studded opening weekend of Twyla Tharp’s Sinatra: Dance With Me continued last night, as superstars Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony and Steven Tyler joined the celebrated choreographer and director at Encore Theater in the Wynn to celebrate what would have been the Chairman of the Board’s 95th birthday. Contributing photographer Erik Kabik, who was on duty for a second night, told VegasDeLuxe.com: “For the second time in 24 hours, it was an A-Lister night for Sinatra: Dance With Me at ... Read more...
Photos: Sinatra show sparkles as bright as Wynn engagement ring
Dazzling and stunning! Sparkling and brilliant! Eye-popping and captivating! And I haven’t even begun to talk about the heart-shaped diamond engagement ring that hotel mogul Steve Wynn showed me last night on his fiancee Andrea Hissom’s hand. I’m talking about the platinum premiere of Twyla Tharp’s masterpiece Sinatra: Dance With Me that Steve underwrote and staged at his Encore Theater in the Wynn that is the resident home of Garth Brooks. More on that ring later. The show, nightly through ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Great Santa Run raises over $300,000 for O.V.
There’s no mystery about the more than $300,000 raised for Opportunity Village from the Great Santa Run last weekend, but it’s still unknown whether the tabulation of 5,190 registrants is enough to claim a Guinness Book of World Records. Among the guests who took part at Town Square were Mayor Oscar Goodman and his showgirls, Holly’s World reality TV star Laura Croft and Zowie Bowie’s Chris Phillips. The turnout was larger, but babies in strollers and Santa outfit-decorated dogs aren’t ... Read more...
NFR photos: Trevor Brazile clinches second Triple Crown in four years
Last night was the 10th and final round of the 52nd Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center, and contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was onsite, as he has been from the very beginning of the competition, to capture the Super Bowl of the rodeo world and history being made. Our friends at ProRodeo.com, the NFR’s official Web site, reported the following: Trevor Brazile smiled from ear to ear, pumped his fist to the crowd and walked out ... Read more...
Exclusive photos: Steve Wynn, Andrea Hissom and engagement ring
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Hotel mogul and billionaire Steve Wynn and his fiancee Andrea Hissom attended last night’s world premiere of Twyla Tharp’s Frank Sinatra-inspired Sinatra: Dance With Me at Encore Theater in the Wynn, and, with contributing photographer Erik Kabik on duty at the performance and reception, it would only make sense that Mr. Vegas DeLuxe Robin Leach would persuade the newly engaged couple to pose for these exclusive photographs with their engagement ring. Leach was the ... Read more...
NFR photos: One day of competition remains at the Thomas & Mack
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Round 9 of the 52nd Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center is in the books now, and two names have dominated the competition: Trevor Brazile and J.W. Harris. According to NFR’s official Web Site, Brazile has eclipsed the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association single-season earnings record — as well as secured a record eighth all-round title in Round 2 — and Harris won his third world title in a row in ... Read more...
Photos: Twyla Tharp’s Dance With Me a tribute to Frank Sinatra
Members of Frank Sinatra’s family will celebrate what would have been the American icon’s 95th birthday this weekend at the Wynn with tomorrow night’s premiere of the new Twyla Tharp spectacular Sinatra: Dance With Me. The Chairman of the Board’s family gave permission for the original recorded masters of Sinatra’s voice from his archives and music catalog to be backed by a live, onstage 17-piece big band as 14 of the world’s finest dancers are choreographed in the soaring dance ... Read more...
NFR photos: Bulls take over with two more days of rodeo action
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor The bulls were in full control of Day 8 of the 52nd Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center, and contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was onsite for all the action that saw animal defeat human ride after ride. Donoghue reported, “The bulls had it all last night. They threw a shutout against the cowboys — final score bulls 15-0 over the cowboys!” Cody Ross of the World Series champion San Francisco ... Read more...
Criss Angel continues to give, give and give during his birthday week
This has been some birthday week for illusionist Criss Angel, as he simultaneously marks his 1,000th Cirque du Soleil Believe show. He throws a double celebration tomorrow night at the Luxor home of Believe and afterward at the nearby nightclub LAX. But it’s been his extraordinary generosity to the community the past few days that proves the better to give than receive motto he lives by — instead of him receiving birthday gifts, he’s been giving them away. Over the ... Read more...
Celebrity forecast: Country stars, Ne-Yo, Andrea Bocelli, Dave Matthews
Monty Python always made it quite clear: “And now for something completely different.” There were never truer words for this weekend’s entertainment rundown in Las Vegas. The cowboys and cowgirls are still in town, as their 52nd Wrangler National Finals Rodeo reaches the highpoint, and all the country headliners are still singing for their suppers — but somehow there’s Italian opera , a legendary singer-songwriter-poet and a new pop ballet adding to the unlikely mix. Grammy Award-winning hometown hero — ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Madame Tussauds, mayor unveil Lady Gaga wax figure
Eight wax models of superstar singer Lady Gaga were unveiled today at Madame Tussauds locations around the world, including our museum here at The Venetian. Mayor Oscar Goodman even put on a “Poker Face” and declared it Lady Gaga Day. The first 100 fans who arrived in Gaga outfits were ushered in for complimentary admission. It cost the wax sculptors $2.5 million to stage the eight replicas of the pop phenomenon in London, New York, Berlin, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Shanghai, ... Read more...
Exclusive: Holly Madison talks candidly about romance with rocker
For the first time, Peepshow star Holly Madison has talked about her new romance and how she’s kept it under the radar for six months. “It’s serious enough that neither of us are seeing anybody else,” she told me. “We kept it out of the public spotlight because we had no reason to flaunt it and get caught up in a media circus.” Holly and pop punk rocker Jack Barakat posed together at Lavo in the Palazzo and Tao in ... Read more...
Exclusive: Two TV shows to shoot here, plus Bollywood’s Hangover
Director Todd Phillips’ comedy The Hangover, shot entirely in Las Vegas on a $35 million budget, became a $500 million worldwide box office success, and the sequel is already in the can. So it is inevitable that Bollywood filmmakers from India would crank out their own version. The Indian movie stars and filmmakers have invaded Las Vegas this week and have been shooting Stand by Me at Fremont Street, Hoover Dam and Boulder City. They brought in cameras and crews ... Read more...
NFR photos: Think pink, Charlie Daniels, Pat Boone on Day 7 at rodeo
Legendary 1950s singer Pat Boone picked up a country fiddle during his visit to Day 7 of the 52nd Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center, and contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was on hand for the musical moment. Pat, whose meat company is one of the main sponsors of the NFR nightly parades and bucking bronco contests, also performed the national anthem. Last night was Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night, and the cowboys and cowgirls stood ... Read more...
Photos: Lingerie Football League uniforms revealed at New York-New York
They are certainly the sexiest and most sizzling sports uniforms ever designed for players to do battle on the field. These are the next-to-nothing, barely there outfits that the East and West conferences of the Lingerie Football League will wear Super Bowl weekend when they meet for the live MTV-televised Lingerie Bowl VIII at the Thomas & Mack Arena. Gorgeous former Baywatch beauty Angelica Bridges was joined yesterday by seven sexy athletes at New York-New York casino to model the ... Read more...
Exclusive photos: Claire Sinclair moves to town, channels Bettie Page
Playboy cover girl and centerfold model Claire Sinclair says that she fell in love with Las Vegas when she was here for a weeklong guest appearance with Crazy Horse Paris at MGM Grand in October. So much in fact she’s moved here and landed an assignment as the face and spokesmodel for the Bettie Page fashion line and its flagship store at Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile. Bettie was a 1950s pinup beauty often featured in Playboy. Fans of Claire have ... Read more...
Lingerie Football League expands with Las Vegas franchise
Top executives from the Lingerie Football League officially announced today the expansion with a Las Vegas franchise and details of the Eighth Annual Lingerie Bowl at the Thomas & Mack Center on Super Bowl Sunday on Feb. 6. Members of the new Las Vegas team led by former Baywatch beauty and Fantasy headliner at the Luxor Angelica Bridges unveiled the specially designed uniforms for the East West conference finals. Angelica will probably play quarterback and be named captain of the ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Louis Prima Jr. marks father’s 100th birthday on Fremont Street
Louis Prima Jr. turned back the clock last night at the Fremont Street Experience when he re-created his father’s amazing musical legacy as the King of Swing and the man who single-handedly created the lounge act business of Las Vegas in the 1950s and kept it alive until his death. When alive, Louis Prima, wife Keely Smith and Sam Butera had decades of sold-out shows at casino resorts here and often had members of Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack in the ... Read more...
Exclusive: ‘I’m not going anywhere. This is my home,’ Barry Manilow says
Superstar entertainer Barry Manilow, on the eve of starting his second and current final year of his contract at the Paris, isn’t thinking twice about renewing it. “I am having the best time here in Vegas,” he told me happily backstage. “I’m here to stay. In fact, I can say I’m here forever! I couldn’t be happier about working at the Paris.” Barry, who flew to Norway this morning to play and sing at the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize concert ... Read more...
Photos: Criss Angel lives up to namesake with donation to toy drive
Mindfreak magician Criss Angel lived up to his namesake when he drove up in his black Rolls Royce for a surprise stop at the KLUC 98.5 FM Annual Toy Drive yesterday. Contributing photographer Erik Kabik was onsite and captured this exclusive photo gallery for VegasDeLuxe.com. Criss was joined by his mother Dimitra and his Aunt Stella, who taught the Luxor headliner his very first card trick. KLUC radio personality Chet Buchanan, who spends 12 days every December camped atop a ... Read more...
NFR photos: Action heats up on sixth day of competition at Thomas & Mack
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor The sixth day of the 52nd Wrangler National Finals Rodeo yesterday at the Thomas & Mack Center saw the competition really heat up among the cowboys and cowgirls, and contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was arena side for more of the action from the world’s top rodeo athletes. From the hits and the misses to the full rides and violent dismounts, Donoghue shot it all and will continue to shoot it all through Saturday’s championship ... Read more...
Breaking news: Joy Behar leads 2011 Miss America Pageant judges panel
The seven national judges for the Jan. 15 Miss America Pageant are being named this morning and include controversial comedienne, The View host and political commentator Joy Behar, Dancing With the Stars professional dancer Tony Dovolani, country star Mark Willis and actress Marilu Henner. The live 3-hour ABC program will broadcast from Planet Hollywood after a weeklong visit to The Strip by the 53 contestants. Vegas DeLuxe has learned that the judges headed to Las Vegas and their Miss America ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Voting begins for 2011 Miss America Pageant finalist
Ahead of tomorrow morning’s news of the judges being named for the 2011 Miss America Pageant at Planet Hollywood on Jan. 15, the public now has the opportunity to vote for a finalist. As part of the interactive participation of viewers of the live ABC special, one contestant will become a finalist based solely on advance TV viewer voting. Each one of the 53 contestants has recorded a fun video, which you can now watch at MissAmerica.org/VideoContest, on the Facebook ... Read more...
Photos: Carrie Underwood is queen of American Country Awards with 6 wins
For the second time in just 8 months, American Idol Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood has won Artist of the Year. In fact, at the debut of the American Country Awards last night at MGM Grand Garden Arena, she proved to be a one-woman juggernaut, scooping up the lion’s share with six of the guitar trophies. It was the night that our Las Vegas became Nash Vegas, and Carrie, along with other winners, kept saying, “Christmas has come early this ... Read more...
XS and Tryst aim for new record in KLUC 98.5 FM toy drive
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor DJ Chet Buchanan and his Morning Zoo team have kicked off their annual toy drive, with Buchanan 24 hours a day for 12 straight days this 12th consecutive year atop a 30-foot-high scaffolding platform to collect toys and gifts for less fortunate kids and families. Nightclub employees, who donated more than $68,000 in gifts last year’s event, are aiming to set a new record this year. Employees of XS in the Encore and Tryst ... Read more...
Louis Prima Jr. celebrates what would’ve been father’s 100th birthday
Louis Prima is hailed as the man who started lounge entertainment in Las Vegas and kept it alive for an amazing 40-year career. Today, he would have turned 100, and his son Louis Prima Jr. celebrates with his own concert on downtown’s Fremont Street Experience tonight. Our friends at the Las Vegas News Bureau dug into the archives for these two photographs of Louis with wife Keely Smith and Sam Butera performing at the Sahara Hotel in March 1956, and ... Read more...
Photos: Vince Neil iced from Skating With the Stars, but leaves injury free
Hometown rocker Vince Neil was eliminated from last night’s Skating with the Stars, but he was left standing with his dignity and injury free. The same couldn’t be said for the other contestants who wound up in a hospital and injured. Vince may have said goodbye after racking up the lowest scores of the night alongside next-to-go reality TV star Bethenny Frankel — each received 36 out of a possible 60 — but he was gracious in defeat, and the ... Read more...
Photos: Wrangler NFR reaches halfway point at the Thomas & Mack
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor The fifth day of the 52nd Wrangler National Finals Rodeo yesterday at the Thomas & Mack Center marked the halfway point of the annual competition, and contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was onsite for more of the exciting action from the world’s top cowboys and cowgirls inside the arena. Donoghue, who shot the 2011 Miss Rodeo America Pageant at The Orleans over the weekend, is in it until the end, which is Saturday’s championship finale ... Read more...
Photos: It’s the most wonderful wintertime of the year at the Bellagio
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor The holidays have officially arrived at Bellagio’s Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, as the wondrous Winter Wonderland has replaced the fabulous fall display. Tomorrow is the official media day for photographers, but the Bellagio has given VegasDeLuxe.com and contributing photographer Tom Donoghue a sneak peek at the holiday display. The centerpiece of this year’s festive display is a 42-foot Shasta Fir ablaze with more than 7,000 twinkling lights and adorned with more than 1,800 red, ... Read more...
NFR photos: Celebrating the red, white and blue on Day 4
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor The fourth day of the 52nd Wrangler National Finals Rodeo yesterday at the Thomas & Mack Center was all about patriotism, and contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was onsite to shoot the red, white and blue action. Country singer Lee Greenwood belted out “Gold Bless the USA,” and newly crowned 2011 Miss Rodeo America McKenzie Haley of South Dakota was introduced to the rodeo fans. Donoghue, who shot the 2011 Miss Rodeo America Pageant at ... Read more...
Vince Neil is back on thin ice tonight on Skating With the Stars
Bruised, banged and battered but determined to stave off another nail-biting possible elimination. That’s the inside status report on Las Vegas resident and Motley Crue rocker Vince Neil as he gets ready for tonight’s Skating With the Stars on ABC and the second elimination. It’s been a difficult week for Vince rehearsing here after last Monday’s near elimination when he wound up in the bottom two opposite actress Sean Young, who was the first contestant to be sent home. Vince ... Read more...
Exclusive: Barry Manilow to perform at Nobel Peace Prize ceremony
Music superstar Barry Manilow is ignoring Chinese pressure and protests over the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize Award to imprisoned activist Liu Xiaobo. Our Paris headliner, who closed his run of 2010 shows last night, flies to Norway on Wednesday ahead of the ceremonies in Oslo, Norway, on Friday and Saturday. Barry will close the official Nobel Peace Prize concert after three other performers, including violinist Joshua Bell. Last night, Barry, who will be backed by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra ... Read more...
Exclusive: Star chef Gordon Ramsay to open restaurant on The Strip
Controversial star chef Gordon Ramsay is headed to The Strip with his first Las Vegas restaurant. Vegas DeLuxe has learned exclusively that the larger-than-life TV kitchen king has signed a deal with Caesars Entertainment. I can confirm that he will open the Gordon Ramsay Steakhouse, taking over the current space occupied by Les Artistes at the Paris. That restaurant will shut down at the end of next month, and by June 1, Gordon will be ready to celebrate the grand ... Read more...
New American Country Awards at MGM Grand airs tonight on Fox
Country music fans will be out in full force today for the premiere of Fox’s American Country Awards broadcasting live at 5 p.m. from MGM Grand Garden Arena for the East Coast, and country star Trace Adkins has double duty as host and performer. Other scheduled performers for the ACAs include Alan Jackson, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Josh Turner, Keith Urban, Lee Ann Womack, Rascal Flatts, Reba McEntire, Steel Magnolias, Toby Keith and Uncle Kracker. Attendees and presenters include Bret ... Read more...
Tito Ortiz returns to fighting; Jenna Jameson says relationship strong
“I’m proud of us for making it through, and I’m proud that we’re still so in love.” That’s what MMA star Tito Ortiz and former adult film star Jenna Jameson, the mother of their twin boys, told me when I chatted with them on the 2010 Fighters Only World Mixed Martial Arts Awards red carpet before the third annual awards show at The Pearl in the Palms. Robin Leach: You’re now retiring, right? Tito Ortiz: Hell no, I’m 36 years ... Read more...
Randy Couture talks about his MMA and big screen careers
I chatted with UFC star and 2010 Fighters Only World Mixed Martial Arts Awards host Randy Couture on the red carpet before the third annual awards show at The Pearl in the Palms. Robin Leach: How long do you keep doing this before the lure of movies and all the other nonsense takes you away from the … ? Randy Couture: I’ve kind of been in that transition for a while now. At 47, I’m pretty rational, my competitive wars ... Read more...
NFR photos: Day 3 includes Ty Murray and Jewel at the Thomas & Mack
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor The third day of the 52nd Wrangler National Finals Rodeo was yesterday at the Thomas & Mack Center, and contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was onsite once again to capture all the action. Rodeo cowboy legend Ty Murray and his singer-songwriter wife Jewel were among the attendees of another sold-out crowd of more than 17,100 at the arena. Yesterday was a busy day for Donoghue, who also shot the 2011 Miss Rodeo America Pageant at ... Read more...
Photos: Miss Rodeo South Dakota is crowned Miss Rodeo America
The 2011 Miss Rodeo America Pageant crowed its winner last night at The Orleans on the third day of 10 days of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo headquartered at the Thomas & Mack Center. Miss Rodeo South Dakota McKenzie Haley was crowned Miss Rodeo America by 2010 Miss Rodeo America Kelli Jackson. Miss Rodeo California Markie Battaglia was first runner-up, and Miss Rodeo Utah Martina Wardle was second runner-up. Twenty-eight states were represented in this year’s pageant. Robin Leach has ... Read more...
Photos: A star-studded 2010 NASCAR Awards at the Wynn
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor The 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards at the Wynn last night ended the three-day Champions Week in style, with celebrities dressing to the nines to celebrate a successful year, especially for five-time champion Jimmie Johnson, who was accompanied by his wife Chandra Johnson. Monte Carlo comedy impressionist headliner Frank Caliendo hosted the awards, and Rascal Flatts, Martini McBride and Colbie Caillat entertained the attendees. Among the guests: cast members from Viva Elvis at ... Read more...
NFR photos: Trevor Brazile clinches 8th all-around world title on Day 2
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor A sold-out crowd of 17,197 at the Thomas & Mack Center last night witnessed rodeo history, as Trevor Brazile clinched his record eighth all-around world title. The Decatur, Texas, cowboy finished second in team roping and sixth in tie-town roping in Round 2 of the 52nd Wrangler National Finals Rodeo to secure the world title. Brazile earned $16,665 in the two events to eclipse Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Ty Murray and become the ... Read more...
Weekend of Great Santa Run, L.V. Marathon runners, plus Bret Michaels
Records are set to be shattered this weekend as two sets of runners take to The Strip — and the streets of Las Vegas! More than 30,000 — and possibly 35,000-plus — including the world’s elite marathon runners will set off at 6:15 a.m. Sunday after I’ve given them the official welcome before the starter’s pistol is fired for the Las Vegas Marathon. Reality TV star and Poison rocker Bret Michaels performs for the runners in a free concert at ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Holly Madison celebrates first of many parties
Peepshow headliner and Holly’s World reality TV star Holly Madison doesn’t turn 31 until Dec. 23, but she’s determined to turn the festivities into a monthlong celebration. They began last night at Tao in The Venetian, and contributing photographer Scott Harrison and videographer Richard Corey were on hand for the red carpet fun. Her The Girls Next Door co-star Bridget Marquardt flew in for the kickoff party, and Playboy Playmate Jayde Nicole, who is launching her LV Model Agency, added ... Read more...
Victory Lap photos: Burning rubber, blowouts and wild wheelies
NASCAR officials had been told that only one of the Top 12 drivers would be permitted to burn out on The Strip during yesterday’s Victory Lap. The honor went to Jimmie Johnson, now five-time consecutive champion. At the last moment, though, our County Commissioners and the Las Vegas Police and Highway Patrol officers relented and let all 12 go for the gold — or billow smoke, in this case. Fans turned out in the thousands for the shuttered Strip spectacular. ... Read more...
Photos: Rodeo action kicks off at Thomas & Mack with Reba McEntire
More than 170,000 cowboys and cowgirls invaded Las Vegas yesterday as the city really goes country. It’s not just about the 10 championships for the Top 15 money winners at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Arena that kicked off yesterday and continues through Dec. 11. It also is very much about the nongaming impact of more than $50 million that they’ll spend while here — and hopefully double that with blackjack and craps! It’s also ... Read more...
Celebrity forecast: NASCAR and country stars and Great Santa Run
It’s a weekend packed with high-speed action in the bullring and away from the racetrack, plus a lot of comedy and clowns thrown in for good measure. Circle the rope to lasso all the stars, and support UFC President Dana White’s fundraiser for two injured motorcycle stunt riders. As if that’s not enough, there also are the Las Vegas Marathon, with more than 35,000 expected participants, and another attempt at the Guinness Book of World Records with Opportunity Village’s Great ... Read more...
Holly Madison celebrates birthday at Worship Thursdays at Tao
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Peepshow and Holly’s World blond bombshell Holly Madison celebrates her birthday at Tao’s Worship Thursdays tonight. It’s an early celebration — and why not? — as her birth date is listed as Dec. 23. The world was introduced to Madison in the pages of Playboy and on E! Entertainment’s The Girls Next Door, and in the more than 1 1/2 years she has starred in Peepshow at Planet Hollywood, she has fully embraced her ... Read more...
Engagement ring from Steve Wynn is ‘stunning’; spring wedding plans?
Despite a veil of silence officially being wrapped around Steve Wynn and Andrea Hissom’s engagement, I’ve managed to learn some of the secrets. I can safely confirm that the engagement ring is “stunning,” a blue heart-shaped sapphire held in a clutch of diamonds. It is said to be worth well more than $1 million, but I have been unable to pin down the exact amount. I am reliably told that Andrea was thrilled when Steve proposed and that slid the ... Read more...
Three days of NASCAR excitement get underway with Top 12 drivers
NASCAR’s top speed stars have arrived in Las Vegas for Champions Week, three days of excitement that got underway yesterday out at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with Fanfest, where crowds of enthusiasts got up close for autographs and photographs with their favorite drivers. There also were two fundraiser events. In the first-ever Go-Kart race Chasers for Charity, NASCAR Rookie of the Year Kevin Conway won, defeating Luxor headliner Carrot Top and San Francisco Giants star Aaron Rowland. Then all Top ... Read more...
Photos: MMA stars celebrate awards at The Pearl in the Palms
It was tougher on the red carpet than inside The Octagon for the superstar mixed martial artists, as they had to fight international sports reporters, TV cameras, radio microphones and frenzied photographers — and that doesn’t include the thousands of fans at the Palms trying to get up close to their action heroes. My one funny observation from the jam-packed media facilities was that it was the first time we’d seen many of these fighters out of shorts and athletic ... Read more...
Photos: 28 glamour girls add beauty to the brawn of the bull riders
Unlike the Miss America and Miss USA pageants, the all-American beauties who participate in the Miss Rodeo America Pageant endure five around-the-clock days of intense physical competition. It began with horsemanship at the equestrian center at South Point, where the 28 contestants performed rope work and riding skills for the judges. Then followed the personality interviews by the judges, and contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was added to judge yet another category: photogenic qualities. “These are real all-American beauties,” Tom told ... Read more...
Photos: It’s only hours away until NFR officially begins
Tomorrow marks the official start of the 10 days of Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center. As we are now just “hours away,” contributing photographer Tom Donoghue, who will be ringside for all the spills and thrills of the bucking broncos, was there yesterday for the “practice sessions,” as more than 400 bulls, steers and horses prepared to match their talent against the rough-and-tough cowboys and cowgirls. Senior Editor John Katsilometes is embedded in this year’s ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: MGM Resorts wins 28 AAA Four and Five Diamond Awards
Congratulations to the MGM Resorts International family for receiving an incredible 28 AAA Four and Five Diamond Awards for its resorts and restaurants. Aria and Mandarin Oriental at MGM’s CityCenter, opened just a year ago, won Five Diamonds, and Sage at Aria was named CityCenter’s first Four Diamond restaurant. “The AAA awards are the gold standard by which all resorts and restaurants are measured, providing a trusted source to help travelers determine where to stay and dine,” said COO Corey ... Read more...
NASCAR’s Top 12 racers cruise The Strip in Victory Lap tomorrow
NASCAR fans will have the up-close thrills — and smells — of racecar burnouts and doughnuts on The Strip tomorrow, which will be closed in the afternoon for a Victory Lap parade led by five-time champion (this season alone!) Jimmie Johnson. The excitement starts just after 2 p.m. outside Planet Hollywood, and I’ll take on duties as emcee to introduce Mirage headliner Terry Fator, who will sing the national anthem. Then I’ll have the privilege of introducing the Top 12 ... Read more...
Sports, Hollywood and music stars collide at World MMA Awards
Celebrities from the entertainment and music industries join the world of sports stars tonight to celebrate the Third Annual Fighters Only World Mixed Martial Arts Awards. Even the cast of The History Channel’s Pawn Stars — our very own Las Vegas heroes — will be appearing. UFC champion and The Expendables star Randy Couture hosts the awards at The Pearl in the Palms with Molly Qerim from Versus. A star-studded red carpet that’s open to the public starts at 5 ... Read more...
Tao Group and Rape Crisis Center enter partnership in Las Vegas
Our Tao Group, which has the restaurant and nightclubs Tao in The Venetian and Lavo in the Palazzo, as well as Marquee in The Cosmopolitan ...
Photos: Wet ’n’ Wild water park is ready to make a splash in Las Vegas
Families — adults and children — across the Valley are waiting with bated breath for the opening of Wet ’n’ Wild Las Vegas water park, and the wait ...
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