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Luxe Life Blog • Archive for June 2011
Criss Angel talks search for next Mindfreak, new site MagicPlace.com
Illusionist Criss Angel has revealed full details of his multimillion gamble on a magic broadcasting network that’s as sophisticated as any major cable TV operation. He’s wrangled celebrities for its initial launch by August and also intends to find the next Mindfreak star. That is if 16-year-old Internet lip-syncing sensation Keenan Cahill doesn’t kill him first — and take his place as the ultimate prime minister of magic! In an exclusive interview, Criss told me about his search for the ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Jackie Evancho’s first full-length album debuts at No. 2
Tiny Jackie Evancho, the young singer who stunned audiences on last year’s America’s Got Talent and finished second to hometown hero Michael Grimm, has released her first full-length album Dream With Me. Her rushed Christmas EP went platinum — this one debuted on the Billboard 200 album charts at No. 2 behind an EP by Eminem. Jackie, now 11, appeared at Mandalay Bay in her first public shows after AGT on hit man David Foster’s PBS special David Foster & ... Read more...
Miss Nevada to be crowned Saturday for the 2012 Miss America Pageant
Now that the 2012 Miss America Pageant is set to air on ABC from Planet Hollywood on Jan. 14, the Miss Nevada Organization plans to crown its titleholders during this weekend’s state pageant. Twenty-eight young women from across The Silver State will compete tomorrow and Saturday for the titles of Miss Nevada and Miss Nevada Outstanding Teen. Once selected at Mesquite’s Casablanca resort casino, the new titleholders begin preparations to represent Nevada at their respective pageants. Fourteen young women vie ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: The Mirage is adding a stingray attraction in the fall
Construction has begun this week on a stingray attraction to be added to Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage. I exclusively confirmed yesterday that Stingray Cove opens this fall as part of an ongoing upgrade to the dolphin experience, where tourists can be a trainer for the day. Later, there will be experience levels set up for the enhanced dolphin swim, with an added emphasis on education. I am reliably told that the dangerous, poisoned ... Read more...
Whispers & Rumors: Paris, Pamela, Dia Frampton, Murray Sawchuck
Here are four fascinating Wicked Whispers & Racy Rumors: *For the first time, Las Vegas magician Murray Sawchuck has revealed how and why he was voted off as a semifinalist on last season’s NBC reality TV competition America’s Got Talent. In an 18-minute interview on last night’s syndicated radio show Las Vegas Backstage Now, Murray told co-hosts Michele LaFong and Bob Cummings and producer Clinton Billups: “It was my turn to go. … I’m telling you information I’ve never shared.” ... Read more...
Photos: Backstreet’s Nick Carter is back after health issues, drug fight
Two of the biggest boy bands in pop music history are united for an all-out music assault on The Strip this Fourth of July weekend, and handsome Nick Carter said it’s amazing that his longtime Backstreet Boys fans have become mothers — and now are bringing their daughters to see them. As he began his journey to Las Vegas for Sunday’s show with New Kids on the Block at Mandalay Bay Events Center and the after-party at Chateau Nightclub & ... Read more...
Photos: Sold! Five $1 million Maxximus LNG 2000 cars at the Wynn
One extraordinary and incredulous gem of a story caught my attention recently, and I went to see the $1 million car for myself before any other journalist. Unveiled at the exclusive World Oilman’s Poker Tournament at the Wynn, the Maxximus LNG 2000 masterpiece was not only instantly sold on the spot to a well-heeled Texas oil mogul, but orders for four more were promptly booked. Now that’s a mega-hit, but then remember, it’s the world’s most innovative and fastest natural ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Reggie Bush, Jenny McCarthy, Holly Madison party at EDC
After her nightly Peepshow performances at Planet Hollywood, electronic dance music fan Holly Madison attended all three nights of the Electric Daisy Carnival at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, two of them with her Playboy pal Jenny McCarthy. Both blondes wore flower child fashions, with Jenny in a pink tutu-type dress with flowers, while Holly had daisies woven through her hair. They had the best views from the VIP stage hosted by XS at the Encore and Marquee at the Cosmopolitan. ... Read more...
Motley Crue rocker Vince Neil to receive lifetime achievement award
Hometown rock legend Vince Neil, currently out on tour with his band Motley Crue, Poison and The New York Dolls, will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement in Rock ’n’ Roll Award in August. The presentation will be made in the main showroom of the Las Vegas Hilton as part of the Vegas Rocks! Magazine Awards on Aug. 21. A raft of rockers will be on hand to salute Vince, and I’m told that there will be a huge red ... Read more...
EDC Day 3 photos: It’s a wrap with Swedish House Mafia, Avicii, Alesso
By Anisa Buttar Incredible world-class performers and more than 80,000 passionate music lovers created the perfect vibe to end Las Vegas’ first Electric Daisy Carnival and the 15th overall. People in full-length Marilyn Manson-style black coats and chains danced alongside girls and boys of all colors and sizes barely contained by their underwear. Not one discerning look or scoff was heard. EDC — here in Las Vegas (the official count is more than 230,000 over the three days at Las ... Read more...
Photos: DJ Pauly D plans his new MTV spinoff based at the Palms
Within two hours of landing in Las Vegas from Italy, where he wrapped Season 4 filming of MTV’s hit Jersey Shore, DJ Pauly D is enthusiastically telling me about plans for his own reality TV series to be shot on and off the Strip. First, though, he has to film Season 5 of Jersey Shore for the next 10 weeks. After a whirlwind 48 hours at the Palms that began last Friday to start his new DJ residency, he flew ... Read more...
Photos: Shaq’s retirement weekend at Moon at the Palms, Sugar Factory
The NBA’s gentle giant Shaquille O’Neal began his retirement celebration at the Palms over the weekend with a family-style dinner by Chef Geno Bernardo at his restaurant Nove Italiano. Shaq, an Italian fan, ploughed through Nana’s Meatballs, shrimp, Federal Hill Calamari, Spaghetti Bolognese and Chicken Parmesan. For dessert, Geno served up Nove’s dessert platter and mascarpone cheesecake. Before leaving to meet the media and privately with a group of high rollers, Shaq signed Geno’s famous shakedown door and posed for ... Read more...
Photos: DJ Pauly D kicks off Palms residency at pool, Rain and Moon
Jersey Shore star Pauly D flew all the way to Las Vegas from shooting Season 4 episodes in Milan, Italy, to start his new residency and join a globally acclaimed roster at the Palms over the weekend. A red, white and green carpet was even rolled out for the Italian stallion. Pauly flew back to New Jersey yesterday to start filming Season 5 after weekend-long sets that attracted thousands to the Palms Pool for Ditch Friday, Rain and then Moon ... Read more...
Britney Spears celebrates after-party at Club Nikki grand opening
We posted our report and extraordinary Tom Donoghue photo galleries of the Britney Spears concert at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday night — one of 33 U.S. cities — when our esteemed Editor Don Chareunsy deemed that the Femme Fatale stop was “a nonstop, electrifying, up-tempo, full-throttle spectacular. Thanks also to Justin M. Bowen of the Las Vegas Sun for his photo gallery. The audience included Jersey Shore star and Palms resident DJ Pauly D, who watched the armada ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Miss America Pageant is returning to Planet Hollywood
Days after the rival Miss USA Pageant left town, Vegas DeLuxe can confirm that the 91st Miss America Pageant will be at Planet Hollywood on Jan. 14 after three nights of preliminaries starting Jan. 10. There were reports that Mississippi tourist groups had been trying to lure the pageant there. Miss America Chairman Sam Haskell III made the Las Vegas date a firm go ahead this afternoon, which we broke on Twitter ahead of the official announcement. Miss America has ... Read more...
Photos: Smith Center is Ribbon of Life’s new home in 2012
The 25th Annual Golden Rainbow Ribbon of Life show drew a healthy crowd of 1,100 to Paris Theater on Sunday, surpassing last year’s attendance and raising more than $140,000 even before the take from the silent auction was tallied. But the post-show buzz was already about the venue for next year’s show, which will be held at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts. The announcement was made near the end of the production by KLAS Channel 8 anchor and ... Read more...
Photos: Britney Spears stronger than yesterday, sizzles at MGM Grand
By Don Chareunsy Who needs the Electric Daisy Carnival when you have Britney Spears? The pop princess made a stop on her Femme Fatale Tour at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday night, with Nicki Minaj (Nicki — she’s so hot right now — Nicki) as her opening act, and from start to finish, Spears electrified the audience and the arena with a nonstop up-tempo and full-throttle 90-minute spectacular laden with pyrotechnics, crystal-clear video images, bump-and-grind choreography and some of ... Read more...
EDC Day 2 photos: Bart B More, Gaiser, Above & Beyond, Boys Noize
By Anisa Buttar Electric Daisy Carnival Day 2 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway brought a much larger and festive crowd. Ravers, hippies and plain party lovers of all kinds gathered together, creating a loving, powerful and indestructible positive vibe. All ranges of dance culture were represented, but the contemporary rave culture was strong. Popular themes included Super Mario, elaborate candy bracelets, Hello Kitty and anything furry. The Netherlands’ new electro star Bart B More devastated fans with his heavy bass ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Punk rockers, porn stars eat posh in video food series
Punk rock food critic Al Mancini is about to launch his second video food series next week, and it comes with “out of the ordinary” surprises. One of the three respected authors of Eating Las Vegas: The 50 Essential Restaurants, Al has filmed people from his alternative, non-foodie life to the top level of the food world and vice versa. It’s a unique concept and certain to provoke comments from viewers, certainly controversial one way or the other. Al has ... Read more...
Photos: A big Rush of nostalgia at MGM Grand Garden Arena
By Michael Squires Rush has become a nostalgia act in the best sense. That was obvious last night at MGM Grand Garden Arena, as the Canadian rock trio brought its Time Machine tour to Las Vegas. Without an album to support, the band offered a 3-and-a-half-hour tour of its massive catalog, spanning 18 albums and 37 years. The crowd, including many of its most devoted fans from around the world who are visiting Las Vegas for today’s RushCon fan convention, ... Read more...
EDC Day 1 photos: Richie Hawtin, Gartner, Manufactured Superstars
By Anisa Buttar The 15th Annual Electric Daisy Carnival has arrived in Las Vegas; music, lights, rides and, of course, the 250,000 beautiful people. A feast for the senses, body and mind fully endorsed by the previous and current mayor, this three-day party solidifies Las Vegas as The Electronic Dance Music Capital of America. Denver house music duo Manufactured Superstars dropped house anthems like “Show Me Love,” as well as contemporary favorites like Cee Lo Green’s “Forget You” (the unedited ... Read more...
Photos: DJ Pauly D to shoot TV spinoff here, begins Palms residency
Jersey Shore heartthrob DJ Pauly D, real name Paul Delvecchio, confirmed today that he will shoot his own MTV spinoff series here in Las Vegas headquartered at the Palms. Pauly flew here today after changing planes in New York from Milan, where the cast wrapped filming Season 4 of the top-rated show. Pauly said he will fly out Sunday — after debuting his new DJ residency at the Palms with performances today and tomorrow at Palms Pool & Bungalows and ... Read more...
Photos: Electric Daisy Carnival wraps preparations for tonight’s opening
With less than three hours to go, final preparations are well underway for tonight’s Las Vegas premiere of the 15th Annual Electric Daisy Carnival. It looks empty now, glancing at Tom Donoghue’s photo gallery, but over the next three nights — from 8 p.m. to sunrise tonight, tomorrow and Sunday — this will be the scene of the largest electronic dance music festival in North America. Some are predicting an all-time-record turnout of as many as 250,000 fans through the ... Read more...
Photos: Shaq’s retirement party at Palms, Warren Moon’s Sports Dream Bowl
Two giants of the sports world dominate the Las Vegas party scene this weekend: Shaquille O’Neal hosts his official retirement party tomorrow night at George Maloof’s Moon in the Palms, while Warren Moon hosts more than 30 top sports stars in a bowling charity fundraiser to benefit underprivileged kids searching for financial education support from the Urban Youth Scholarship Fund. Shaq is still the man, with 19 NBA seasons, 28,596 points and four NBA championship rings to his credit. The ... Read more...
Gavin DeGraw at Red Rock Resort: Unedited and a little Sweeter
In a new album promotional tour, Gavin DeGraw will be rolling into Las Vegas tonight ready to remove the censors and the restraints and give fans an unbelievable performance. “Right now, we’re just driving and going all over the place kind of promoting the record,” DeGraw said. The platinum-selling singer, songwriter and musician releases his new album, Sweeter, on Aug. 9. Until then, it’s continuous touring with his band and pumping up the fan base for what is yet to ... Read more...
Photos: Full-contact Ultimate Jousting Championship at South Point
It’s a 400-year-old sport, and the Ultimate Jousting Championship has just been reborn at South Point’s arena. Photographer Tom Donoghue, who shot this photo gallery, said: “This is full-contact, heavy armored jousting — just like the old days of long-ago history. You’re going to get hurt — the only question is when and how bad!” The reigning world champion of the sport is Charlie Andrews, and he won the debut event of the first UJC season, which will take place ... Read more...
Playmates Holly Madison vs. Jayde Nicole in new Twitter tangle
Less than a week after lambasting Playboy cover model Crystal Harris for dumping Hugh Hefner, his former girlfriend Holly Madison has fired more shots in another Twitter war of words. This time she’s taken direct aim at Jayde Nicole, the 2008 Playmate of the Year who has been in terrible tangles with Holly and her pals on Season 2 of Holly’s World. Adding fuel to this new catfight is the fact that Holly is now dating the same Las Vegas ... Read more...
Celebrity preview: Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj, Pauly D, EDC in spotlight
Even though most eyes will be focused on and most people — maybe as many as 250,000+ — will be partying at the Electric Daisy Carnival from 8 p.m. to sunrise for three consecutive nights, “Femme Fatale” Britney Spears and Jersey Shore hunk DJ Pauly D could steal some of the thunder of the world’s biggest electronic dance music party with aerialists, stilt walkers, carnival rides, 13 interactive art installations and “the most impressive ever” nightly 15-minute fireworks pyrotechnics display. ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: ‘I thought they would protect me better,’ Miss USA says
2010 Miss USA Rima Fakih wasted no time nor minced words about her wrestling and partying activities during her year’s reign when she returned home to Detroit after the 2011 Miss USA Pageant this past weekend. She told local radio DJs that it wasn’t her idea to wrestle on the reality TV series Tough Enough, but she had to go up against 11 MMA fighters because the Miss USA Organization wanted the publicity. Rima told me last week before she ... Read more...
Rebecca Romijn, Jerry O’Connell, Britney Spears to party at Tropicana
Actress and ex-supermodel Rebecca Romijn admits that if it wasn’t for a Las Vegas trip, she might never have met and married her second husband, actor Jerry O’Connell. They also are now the proud parents of twin girls. “We were at the pool of the Hard Rock Hotel. I was at my cabana, and he was at another one nearby. He did a very good job of coming over and talking to me, and the rest is history,” she told ... Read more...
2011 NHL Awards photos: Canucks rule, star-studded night, photo first
It’s the sports photo the experts said would never happen. For the second time in three years, Boston Bruins star Tim Thomas, who put up a shutout in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Vancouver Canucks eight days ago, won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s best defensive player. Tim and Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo make no secret of their dislike for each other and on the ice are even worse rivals. Last night, though, at the ... Read more...
Tiesto, David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia headline Electric Daisy Carnival
By Anisa Buttar All ranges of electronic dance music from minimalist trance to throbbing hardstyle will be spread among six stages and three nights at the largest dance music festival on this continent, Las Vegas’ first Electric Daisy Carnival this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The eclectic international lineup includes top mainstream artists, underground icons, up-and-coming stars and Tiesto, David Guetta and Swedish House Mafia as the headliners. Tiesto’s legacy in EDM continues to grow, and ... Read more...
‘Triumphant’ Phantom celebrates fifth anniversary at the Venetian
Phantom — the Las Vegas Spectacular at the Venetian celebrates its fifth anniversary tomorrow night, and I talked with Tony Award-winning lead actor Anthony Crivello about his personal highlights at the magic milestone. Anthony has played the dark and mysterious Phantom every night since the show opened in 2006, nearly 1,900 performances, which have meant a total of 80 days in the makeup chair transforming into the character. Anthony told me: “Each anniversary is a special event, but what is ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Hell’s Kitchen filming at Paris has L.V. presence
Las Vegas stars are appearing in the two seasons of filming of celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay’s long-running Fox hit Hell’s Kitchen at the Paris. Planet Hollywood headliner Holly Madison turns up in Season 9, and Luxor headliner Carrot Top is in Season 10. Gordon had Rio headliner magicians Penn & Teller and the gorgeous Jubilee! dancers from Bally’s trick two cheftestants while unveiling a tough judging contest onstage at Barry Manilow’s theater at the Paris yesterday, as we reported exclusively ... Read more...
Photos: Holly Madison celebrates magazine cover with party at Nikki Beach
Peepshow and Holly’s World star Holly Madison adds another success story to the feathers in her cap: The blond beauty was chosen as the cover model for the quarterly international fashion magazine Runway. Tonight, she’ll host a party to celebrate the summer issue at the new hotspot Nikki Beach at the Tropicana. A fashion fan frenzy is set with designers, photographers and artists who make up Runway’s advanced fashion coverage via print, social media and emerging technologies. In advance of ... Read more...
Photos: Boston Bruins deliver Stanley Cup for today’s NHL Awards at Palms
Palms head honcho George Maloof breathed a sigh of relief yesterday as the victorious Boston Bruins checked into his casino resort. The NHL champions safely delivered The Stanley Cup, the highly valued and coveted trophy they won by defeating the Vancouver Canucks last week. Moments later while baggage without skates and padding was sent up to suites, George placed The Stanley Cup with the other 15 NHL trophies that’ll be presented tonight at the 2011 NHL Awards at The Pearl ... Read more...
Star Surveillance: Motley Crue, Susan Lucci, Andy Cohen, New Boyz
Flavor Flav and Carrot Top were with yours truly in the sound booth at Red Rock Resort for the first performance in the casino’s new amphitheater by hometown hero Vince Neil and Motley Crue. After the incredible Saturday night show with Poison and The New York Dolls, we joined Vince, Vinnie Paul and Bret Michaels in Rocks Lounge to check out Franky Perez’s set and toast the successful outdoor concert. E!’s Fashion Police co-host and 2011 Miss USA Pageant commentator ... Read more...
Photos: Bachelorette parties for Vanessa Minnillo at Lavo, Marquee
By Don Chareunsy Actress Vanessa Minnillo celebrated her upcoming wedding to singer Nick Lachey with a bachelorette weekend in Las Vegas. The party began at Lavo at the Palazzo with dinner, followed by dancing at the upstairs boutique nightclub. After a round of shots, shots, shots and the Italian feast, the bride-to-be and her friends took over a VIP table, where they danced to the sounds of DJ Politik. The future Mrs. Lachey jumped into the DJ booth, taking the ... Read more...
Exclusive: Gordon Ramsay to film ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ at new L.V. restaurant
Controversial celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay’s TV cameras are at the Paris now filming for the new Season 9 of his top-rated Fox series Hell’s Kitchen, with the premiere set for July 19. Simultaneously in taking over Barry Manilow’s Theater de Paris showroom for the Las Vegas-themed challenge episode, Gordon is officially announcing his new deal for his first Las Vegas restaurant, a unique steakhouse brand to replace Les Artistes. Gordon’s decision to finally bring one of his hit restaurants to ... Read more...
2011 NHL Awards draws sports and Hollywood stars to the Palms
There’ll be no skating on thin ice tomorrow when the star-studded 2011 NHL Awards begin late afternoon at the Palms. Time differences with Canada and the East Coast mandate a red carpet start at 2:30 p.m. and a 5 p.m. live satellite broadcast for host comedian actor Jay Mohr and entertainers Dierks Bentley and Far East Movement from The Pearl. There’s a delicious irony in the early times because the sun will be beating down at an expected 109 degrees ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Who’s hot, who’s not in 2nd edition of 50 Essential eats
Restaurant critics and authors John Curtas, Max Jacobson and Al Mancini wrapped up their final list for Eating Las Vegas: 50 Essential Restaurants at a weekend secret meeting after seven months of discussion. I’ve learned that seven restaurants have been added to the second edition — and thus seven have been kicked off the coveted lists. I also know that the Top 10 has almost been decided — and also with several shakeups and new entries. The biggest shock in ... Read more...
Photos: Playboy’s Miss July has big dreams and Hollywood plans
Since the July “Runaway Bride” issue of Playboy was released last week, centerfold beauty Jessa Lynn Hinton’s life has changed dramatically overnight. The 27-year-old Las Vegas model and stunner is already in high demand and shuttling back and forth to Hollywood in meetings about guest TV spots. Jessa plans to sign with a high-powered manager and agent this week. They’re predicting that she’ll be the next Jenny McCarthy — incidentally a fellow Playmate — and she’s doing a slew of ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Why no The Real Housewives of Las Vegas?
Bravo program chief Andy Cohen has explained for the first time in a one-on-one video interview why we won’t be seeing The Real Housewives of Las Vegas joining his roster of hits with the ladies from Orange County, New York, Atlanta, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., Miami and Beverly Hills (did we forget anyone?!). Andy, who co-hosted the 2011 Miss USA Pageant at Planet Hollywood on Sunday night, broadcast his Watch What Happens Live with 2011 Miss California USA Alyssa Campanella ... Read more...
Miss USA photos & videos: Record ratings, new deal and path to victory
Alyssa Campanella, the redheaded, green-eyed, 21-year-old newly crowned Miss USA 2011 from Los Angeles, flew from Las Vegas to New York City yesterday to begin her yearlong reign. After winning against 50 gorgeous rivals at the Theater for Performing Arts in Planet Hollywood, she left behind a trail of remarkable reasons to celebrate — and her car that she’d driven through the desert to get here. Hair guru to the stars Michael Boychuck, of Color at Caesars Palace and AMP ... Read more...
Photos: 2011 Miss USA and 2010 Miss USA celebrate at Paris, Palms
It was a party befitting royalty — beauty queen royalty! New Miss USA winner Alyssa Campanella of California led her fellow contestants and pageant judges, officials and sponsors in the celebration at her official after-party at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at the Paris last night. The contestants came directly from the Planet Hollywood telecast on NBC ready to wind down and party after months of pageantry work. They took over Chateau’s beautiful terrace to party under the stars with Alyssa ... Read more...
Daytime Emmys photos: Pat Sajak, Marie Osmond, Oprah and Vanna
The woman who has spiced “All My Children” for more than 40 years surveyed the audience at the Las Vegas Hilton Theater and announced, “Daytime TV is alive and well! Just look at all the talent in this building!” There was a roar for Susan Lucci, forever wed to the idea that millions of fans will watch TV during the daylight hours long after her own show ends in September, the show falling victim to business decisions that trump what ... Read more...
Live blog: Miss California Alyssa Campanella crowned Miss USA 2011
By Don Chareunsy and Robin Leach The 2011 Miss USA Pageant at the Theater for Performing Arts at Planet Hollywood gets underway at 6 p.m. PT for a live East Coast telecast (it airs tape delayed on NBC on the West Coast at 9 p.m. PT), and this year’s telecast is co-hosted by E! Entertainment’s Giuliana Rancic and Bravo’s Andy Cohen, with color commentary by Kelly Osbourne and Susie Castillo. The 51 hopefuls have been in town for two weeks ... Read more...
Star Surveillance: Bruno Mars, Holly Madison, UFC star, Miss USA
Singer Bruno Mars and Janelle Monae co-headlined Thursday night at The Pearl in the Palms as part of their joint North American tour Hooligans in Wondaland. Among the songs for the sold-out crowd: Bruno’s No. 1 hits “Grenade” and “Just the Way You Are” and Janelle’s “Tightrope.” … Peepshow and Holly’s World star Holly Madison returned from consoling ex-boyfriend Hugh Hefner’s called-off wedding in L.A. to attend Yappy Hour — for dogs and their owners — at Rumor on Thursday. ... Read more...
Photos: TV stars party ahead of today’s Daytime Emmy Awards
Today’s the big day for soap opera and gameshow fans with the 38th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards at the Las Vegas Hilton, but last night it was time for the, ahem, bold and the beautiful and the young and the restless to party. The red carpet at the new Club Nikki and Nikki Beach at the Tropicana was ablaze with actors and actresses who deal with daily trials and tribulations of broken romances — well, at least in the scripts, ... Read more...
Superstar Celine Dion celebrates 30 years in entertainment today
Congratulations to Caesars Palace headliner Celine Dion as she celebrates 30 years of her show business career today. Here’s a YouTube video of her very first television singing performance: It’s a dream that really did come true for the global superstar phenomenon. When she was just 14 years old, she told her family that she dreamed of becoming an international star and wanted to just sing all the time. It was in 1982 — my, the time flies! — that ... Read more...
Photos: The Flaming Lips ignite the night at Boulevard Pool
By Don Chareunsy It was a rock show with Friday night lights, balloons, confetti, a costume grizzly bear and a unique frontman in Wayne Coyne — donning a (faux?) fur scarf in the 90-degree heat — as The Flaming Lips ignited the night at a jam-packed Boulevard Pool at the Cosmopolitan last night, and photographer Erik Kabik was onsite for a super fun photo gallery for Vegas DeLuxe. The alternative band from Oklahoma City formed 28 years ago and found ... Read more...
Photos: ‘Runaway Bride’ Crystal Harris trades wedding gown for bikini
By Don Chareunsy Playboy’s “Runaway Bride” Crystal Harris traded her presumably white wedding gown for a black bikini with an apropos see-through leopard-print wrap as she soaked up the sun at Wet Republic at MGM Grand this afternoon, the exact day of her now-called-off wedding to Playboy founder and legend Hugh Hefner. Thanks to Erik Kabik for the Vegas DeLuxe photo gallery on the arrivals carpet and to Richard Corey for his video posted on YouTube. The wedding was called ... Read more...
Holly Madison blasts Crystal Harris’ ‘disgusting’ visit to Las Vegas
Peepshow star headliner Holly Madison made no attempt to hide her displeasure about Crystal Harris’ decision to party here in Las Vegas today at Wet Republic at MGM Grand on the very day she would have been at The Playboy Mansion in Holmby Hills, Calif., getting married to Playboy founder and mogul Hugh Hefner. She used Twitter immediately after I posted the Wet Republic news to exclaim: “That’s disgusting, and whoever booked her is tacky — a new low!!!” (Incidentally, ... Read more...
Photos: Khloe’s birthday includes Lamar, Rob, Kim, Kris Humphries
It was a night of love and romance for two of the Kardashian sisters as they took over the town for a 27th birthday celebration that delivered a victory as Las Vegas fans for the first time saw Kim Kardashian with her fiance New Jersey Nets star Kris Humphries. Birthday girl Khloe was with Los Angeles Lakers star and husband Lamar Odom, and the birthday group also included brother Rob Kardashian Jr. at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at the Paris ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Garth Brooks is new Songwriters Hall of Fame member
Country superstar and Wynn headliner Garth Brooks was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame last night at a star-studded, glittering ceremony in New York City. Garth not only sang a duet with piano man Billy Joel, but wife Trisha Yearwood was on hand to serenade him, too. Wearing matching black cowboy hats, Billy and Garth’s duet on “Shameless” was hailed as the unforgettable highlight of the night of incredible performances. The song written by Billy was a big hit ... Read more...
Rodney Carrington at the Mirage: ‘Fans can expect a big ball of hilarity’
By Nikki Villoria With guitar in hand, stand-up comedian, actor and country singer Rodney Carrington is taking the stage at the Mirage tonight and tomorrow. A Las Vegas stage might be intimidating for some, but for Carrington, it’s just another opportunity to make an audience lose the ability to think as a result of excessive laughter. What was once a step to overcome fear has landed him a full-time career. “I got started when I was in college. I was ... Read more...
2011 Miss USA: Judges, stars named for Sunday’s 60th anniversary event
Peepshow headliner Holly Madison is one of the celebrities walking Sunday’s red carpet for the 60th anniversary 2011 Miss USA Pageant with 35 Miss USA titleholders. Holly joins the reigning 2010 Miss Universe Jimena Navarrette and 2010 Miss USA Rima Fakih, who will turn over the crown at the Planet Hollywood competition to the new winner. Also making appearances will be British platinum-recording rapper Tinie Tempah, who will perform on the NBC telecast, and 98 Degrees founder and singer Jeff ... Read more...
Celebrity preview: Khloe, Vanessa, Heidi, Miss USA and Daytime Emmys
It’s a TV network ratings war in Las Vegas between NBC and CBS. Just a mile separates superstar singers Celine Dion, Marie Osmond and Gladys Knight, who are siding with Susan Lucci at the Las Vegas Hilton for the 38th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards (starting at 5 p.m. PT), and the 51 hopefuls of the 60th anniversary 2011 Miss USA Pageant at Planet Hollywood (starting at 6 p.m. PT), with host Giuliana Rancic and backstage commentator Kelly Osbourne as added ... Read more...
Miss USA photos: Bikini, evening gown competition ‘fierce’ at prelims
Competition at last night’s Miss USA Pageant preliminaries was so intense that the 10 judges huddled for 10 extra minutes after the two-hour bikini and evening gown presentations before turning in their verdicts. Those are now locked away until the 15 semifinalist picks are announced on Sunday’s NBC telecast of the 60th anniversary pageant at Planet Hollywood. The panel of fashion experts, casting executives and magazine editors also included veteran Las Vegas publicist Wayne Bernath, who represented master magician Lance ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Pawn Stars cast hits the road for show tour
There’s no question that everybody from Lady Gaga to hometown favorites Motley Crue have their fanatical fans. But whoever would have guessed that the unlikely and decidedly non-rock star guys who comprise the hit Pawn Stars on The History Channel would become bigger than some rock stars?! Now Richard, Rick and Corey Harrison and Austin “Chumlee” Russell are off on the road and on tour. This weekend, they bring their Gold and Silver Road Show to Swinomish Casino in Anacortes, ... Read more...
2011 Miss Nevada Sarah Chapman counts down to Sunday pageant
2011 Miss Nevada USA Sarah Chapman, a day school principal in Henderson and at 27 one of the most senior contestants in this year’s competition, takes the stage at Planet Hollywood in 72 hours for the 60th anniversary 2011 Miss USA Pageant hosted by Andy Cohen of Bravo and Giuliana Rancic of E! Entertainment. Sarah told me: “It’s been an incredible two weeks of events, rehearsals and interviews leading up to the Sunday pageant. Very long, grueling days but I ... Read more...
2010 Miss USA Rima Fakih: ‘I’m the lucky girl who was given a golden key’
Only 72 hours remain on the countdown clock before Rima Fakih, the girl from Dearborn, Mich., who sold her car to fund her own entry into the 2010 Miss USA Pageant, relinquishes her crown to the new winner at the 2011 Miss USA Pageant at Planet Hollywood and airing on NBC. Rima talked with me about the highlights of her 12-month reign, which ends Sunday at exactly 7:55 p.m. PT. “I’ll never forget all the traveling. I went to seven ... Read more...
Holly Madison visits The Playboy Mansion to comfort heartbroken Hef
By Don Chareunsy Peepshow blond bombshell Holly Madison is at The Playboy Mansion in L.A. tonight on the heels of the breakup of Playboy mogul Hugh Hefner, 85, and his 25-year-old fiancee Crystal Harris. Their semi-formal wedding was scheduled for this Saturday at The Mansion, and Madison traveled to Southern California on her weekly one day off from Peepshow at Planet Hollywood to presumably console her onetime boyfriend. A friend of Madison’s confirmed to Robin Leach this evening that Madison, ... Read more...
Miss USA photos: It’s swimsuit parade at tonight’s pageant preliminaries
It was a night of extraordinary glamour for the 51 Miss USA Pageant contestants when they were joined by reigning 2010 Miss USA Rima Fakih, reigning 2010 Miss Universe Jimena Navarrete of Mexico — both of whom won their crowns here in Las Vegas last year — and 2007 Miss USA Rachel Smith, who hosts ABC’s On the Red Carpet. All of them met at hair guru Michael Boychuck’s salon Color at Caesars Palace last night to unveil limited-edition, Miss ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Hugh Hefner says, ‘The breakup is a heartbreaker, but …’
From the files of … Wicked Whispers & Racy Rumors The Hugh Hefner-Crystal Harris breakup has been well documented in my tweets (@robin_leach), and his former girlfriend turned Peepshow headliner and Holly’s World star Holly Madison has broken her silence with a cryptic tweet: “Dodged the Bullet.” Said the Playboy mogul, who has celebrated his birthday at the Palms the past few years: “The breakup is a heartbreaker, but better now than after the marriage.” Several other Playmates emailed me ... Read more...
It’s top TV exposure for Las Vegas and its celebrities and VIPs
Chef Mary Sue Milliken from Border Grill at Mandalay Bay competes in tonight’s Top Chef Masters finals on Bravo after winning four of the nine elimination challenges, the most of any cheftestant this Season 3 and accumulating $40,000 for her chosen charity Share Our Strength. Will she be crowned champion and win the $100,000 for her food bank charity? The chefs have to prepare an amazing dinner party, and surprise guests include Mary Sue’s own chef-partner Susan Feniger, TCM runner-up ... Read more...
Miss USA photos: Rima Fakih defends partying; 51 evening gown pics
It’s coming down to crunch time at the 2011 Miss USA Pageant. Rehearsals continued at maximum power yesterday, and the hair and makeup professionals are geared for the onslaught of pressure for tonight’s preliminary competition. The 51 contestants will pose, preen and parade as if it’s the Sunday competition. Las Vegas radio DJ Chet Buchanan is hosting the preliminaries at Planet Hollywood. It’s a great run-through for the contestants and the cameramen before Sunday’s NBC telecast with hosts Giuliana Rancic ... Read more...
Star Surveillance: Eddie Cibrian, LeAnn Rimes, Paris Hilton, Jay Cutler
Actor Eddie Cibrian and his wife singer LeAnn Rimes dined at N9NE Steakhouse in the Palms last night and then partied in The Playboy Club, where Eddie sat at Hugh Hefner’s table, as he will be starring in the new NBC series Playboy Club this fall. Earlier in the day, the couple enjoyed an 80-minute couples massage at Drift Spa in the adjoining Palms Place. Showgirls from Jubilee! at Bally’s were special guests on Al Roker’s Weather Channel show Wake ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Centerfold in Crystal, Hef wedding issue is L.V. Playmate
The July issue of Playboy magazine begins distribution Thursday with the now-out-of-date headline “Introducing Mrs. Crystal Hefner.” Hugh Hefner and Crystal Harris’ romance went kaput just four days before this weekend’s wedding, as we reported all morning on Twitter (@robin_leach). Crystal has a 12-page, 14-photo spread in the magazine showing her topless and fully naked at various Playboy Mansion locations. The cover shot of her wearing Hef’s captain’s hat and red dressing gown and holding his trademark pipe is going ... Read more...
Shania Twain exclusive, Part 2: Her game plan for Caesars Palace show
On Sunday, the first song Shania Twain has written solo in six years, “Today Is Your Day,” was released as her new single. She worked with fellow Canadian hit-maker David Foster on the record. Her new album is already in the works, but now she has other dates to add to her 16-month calendar, as Shania discussed in Part 1 of her exclusive interview with Vegas DeLuxe posted yesterday. Our conversation with the country music superstar continues today: Robin Leach: ... Read more...
Celebrity recap: Pawn Stars star, Playboy face-off, Sir Paul, birthdays
By Don Chareunsy It’s already been a jam-packed and jubilant June for a legend in the world of rock ’n’ roll and a legend in the world of — pawn shops. Sir Paul McCartney arrived in The Entertainment Capital of the World last week to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the The Beatles Love by Cirque du Soleil at the Mirage, and he was joined by fellow The Beatles and Cirque du Soleil dignitaries including Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon, Olivia ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Zak Bagans’ Paranormal Challenge begins Friday
Hometown hero Zak Bagans, lead investigator on the hit Travel Channel series Ghost Adventures, has developed a second reality TV series dealing with the paranormal that debuts Friday on The Travel Channel. Paranormal Challenge features two teams of ghost hunters — professional paranormal investigators — located in a haunted house competing in a four-hour countdown challenge to gather the most evidence of a bizarre activity. Zak told me: “They are professional paranormal teams from across the country who we carefully ... Read more...
Miss USA photos: Fadil Berisha’s high fashion shots of the 51 hopefuls
The 2011 Miss USA Pageant high fashion photo shoots by photographer Fadil Berisha are still likely to stoke pro and con comments this year, but the sexy photos are far less risque than last year’s that caused a firestorm of controversy with their racy lingerie and fishnet stocking images. There’s no question that Fadil is an extraordinary lord of the lens, and he captures the edgy, erotic looks in all of his models. However, detractors will ask if the all-out ... Read more...
Exclusive: A happy Shania Twain: ‘My voice is stronger today than ever’
It was incredibly only two months ago that superstar Shania Twain finally committed herself to the new two-year, 120-show run at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Even when the world’s bestselling female country artist traveled here last fall to check out The Colosseum, she couldn’t make the decision instantly because of a next-day visit to doctors treating her for major vocal problems. Shania also admitted that she’d arrived overwhelmed and scared, but after watching Cher’s show, she was dancing while ... Read more...
Miss USA photos: Hula Hoop contest, Best Buddies and Human Nature
Rehearsals began Saturday for this Sunday’s 60th anniversary 2011 Miss USA Pageant at Planet Hollywood and airing on NBC, and we’ll post the first shots today right here at Vegas DeLuxe. Meantime, the 51 contestants spent their last few hours at play before this week’s intense and relentless judges’ questioning, the preliminary pageant Wednesday and grueling rehearsals for the telecast itself. Miss USA officials confirmed Saturday that legendary and veteran broadcaster Dick Clark’s production company will be the executive producer ... Read more...
Photos: Battling blonds Kendra vs. Holly — who’s the winner?!
Call it the Saturday Smackdown! And the winner is … ? Best friends and former The Girls Next Door reality TV co-stars Holly Madison and Kendra Wilkinson-Baskett found themselves tough (but really friendly) rivals yesterday competing for fans and photographers at double-duty events in Las Vegas. Happy Birthday greetings to Kendra for her 26th, and big congratulations to Holly on the publication of her debut book The Showgirl Next Door. Both beautiful blonds had competing and simultaneous daytime and nighttime ... Read more...
Photos: Billie Jean King serves aces; Teller on high wire at Absinthe
Every day here at Vegas DeLuxe, we pour through dozens of emails of celebrity photographs from a fantastic team of photographers. The pictures are always great, and occasionally something especially special stands out. This weekend, two of them really had us doing a balancing act and hit the ball out of the court! When tennis legend and ace Billie Jean King gave the commencement speech to Andre Agassi’s 2011 graduating class at his College Preparatory Academy here, she displayed that ... Read more...
Photos: The great Sir Paul McCartney at MGM Grand Garden Arena
By Don Chareunsy It’s been a jam-packed three days for Sir Paul McCartney in The Entertainment Capital of the World, with all three including rousing standing ovations for the music legend. On Wednesday, with fiancee Nancy Shevell at his side, the prolific and successful singer-songwriter and Beatles legend celebrated the fifth anniversary of The Beatles Love by Cirque du Soleil at the Mirage in an evening that also included Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon, Olivia Harrison, Dhani Harrison, Sir George Martin, ... Read more...
Miss USA photos: Racy, high fashion portraits; L.V. sightseeing; parties
There’s still an erotic and exotic edge to the new 2011 Miss USA Pageant photographs of the 51 contestants. Despite last year’s outraged headlines, this new collection is still all about plunging necklines, bare shoulders, thigh-high slits, sexy makeup and outrageous hairstyles. Vegas DeLuxe received a first look at photographer Fadil Berisha’s glamour shots, and although they’re toned down from his racy lingerie and stockings that ignited a storm of controversy last year, this year’s photos will still raise eyebrows. ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Shania Twain’s OWN series finale with L.V. news is Sunday
Superstar Shania Twain, our new Caesars Palace resident headliner, answers her own show’s big question as she brings “Why Not? With Shania Twain to its season finale Sunday on the Oprah Winfrey Network. It also is the day that the first song she’s written solo in six years, “Today Is Your Day,” is released as her latest single. Shania made headlines this week with the official confirmation of rumors we reported as early as January that she is joining the ... Read more...
Photos: Engaged Kim Kardashian’s ring — carved from ice, 500 pounds
The Minus5 Ice Lounges at Mandalay Bay and Monte Carlo always like to go big, and in honor of Las Vegas regular Kim Kardashian’s recent engagement to New Jersey Nets star Kris Humphries, the ice carvers created a stunning replica of her 20-plus-carat engagement ring. Made entirely from ice, it weighs nearly 500 pounds and will be on display at the two ice bars all year long. Admire it while sipping a Kim-inspired Belvedere cocktail named Ice, Ice, Baby? featuring ... Read more...
Holly Madison celebrates L.V.-themed book The Showgirl Next Door
Playboy mogul Hugh Hefner’s one-time No. 1 girlfriend Holly Madison has certainly captured and captivated Las Vegas since she left The Playboy Mansion. The beautiful, bubbly blonde landed her starring role in Peepshow at Planet Hollywood and became the toast of the town with her charity work and nightclub hosting duties. Holly’s career exploded with her hot reality TV series Holly’s World, which has been renewed for its third season on E! Entertainment, with filming due to resume in September ... Read more...
Celebrity preview: Kendra vs. Holly; Sir Paul at MGM; comedy kings
Blond bombshells Holly Madison and Kendra Wilkinson Baskett are best buddies from their E! Entertainment reality TV series The Girls Next Door, as Hugh Hefner’s former girlfriends, and its offshoots Kendra and Holly’s World. But this weekend, they are (playfully) competing with each other for the spotlight with parties that’ll have photographers racing across town to get shots of both beauties. The Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney flew in Wednesday on a three-day whirlwind visit that began with the fifth-anniversary ... Read more...
Miss USA photos: Reigning queen Rima Fakih under fire for partying
2010 Miss USA Rima Fakih is in hot water with New York tabloids and Fox News whipping up headlines of her high-spirited behavior involving a late-night party before flying to Las Vegas. Meantime on Wednesday, Flamingo headliner magician Nathan Burton successfully levitated her above the resort casino’s Go Pool. “It’s the first time I did anything like that,” Rima, from Dearborn, Mich., told me after Nathan successfully raised her 10 feet in a lounge chair. “I was very nervous, but ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Allison Melnick to celebrate birthday with Hilton sisters
Nightlife queen Allison Melnick returns to Las Vegas this weekend to celebrate her birthday, and best gal pals Paris Hilton, Nicky Hilton and Jennifer Rovero will be along for the fun. Allison lived here when she filmed the reality TV show The Club and hosted Beacher’s Madhouse with Jeff Beacher. “I love Vegas!” she told me. “Every year, I come to Vegas to celebrate my birthday with Jason Strauss and Noah Tepperberg — they’re my best friends, so they throw ... Read more...
Photos: Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono share spotlight at Love celebration
It was a Love reunion with Sir Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono and son Sean Lennon and Olivia Harrison and son Dhani at Cirque du Soleil’s fifth-anniversary celebration of The Beatles Love at the Mirage last night, while Ringo Starr appeared from Europe via video to kick off the gala celebration. The red carpet at the Mirage was jam-packed with celebrities, many who were, surprisingly, seeing the spectacular show for the first time. Even Sean told me he hadn’t seen it ... Read more...
Mary Sue Milliken wins 4th challenge, makes Top Chef Masters finals
Mandalay Bay Chef Mary Sue Milliken of Border Grill won last night’s Elimination Challenge on Top Chef Masters, and it guaranteed her a spot in next week’s Bravo reality TV series finals. Young Chef Naomi Pomeroy received her honorable discharge after failing in the segment cooking for servicemen returning from a tour of duty in Afghanistan. It was Mary Sue’s fourth win this season, bringing her total donation to $40,000 for her designated charity Share Our Strength. If she wins ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Will Mary Sue Milliken make Top 3 on Top Chef Masters?
Tonight is the big decider on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters, and crunch time will determine whether Mandalay Bay Chef Mary Sue Milliken from Border Grill makes the finals or has to pack up her kitchen knives. My TV insider hunch is that it’s going to be an all-female finale with the final three cheftestants for the first time! In the Quickfire Challenge, the chefs lead young proteges on how to create an identical dish simultaneously, the difficulty being that in ... Read more...
Photos: Tim McGraw is better than he used to be at The Joint
By Jay Marie Country superstar Tim McGraw made a stop on his Emotional Traffic Tour last night at The Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel and performed for a packed house, and photographer Erik Kabik was onsite for a photo gallery for Vegas DeLuxe. Clad in his signature tighter-than-tight black leather pants, a tight black T-shirt, black cowboy boots and his black Stetson, McGraw performed many of his top hits — he’s had more than 30 No. 1 singles on ... Read more...
Shania Twain confirms her show to begin at Caesars Palace in 2012
It’s official! Country superstar Shania Twain confirmed that she’s headed to Las Vegas as a Strip resident with her debut show Still the One at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace beginning in December 2012. Shania made the official announcement moments ago in a live Internet broadcast from Nashville, where she’s rehearsing for the first time in seven years at the Country Music Television Awards. Shania’s noontime press conference confirms our earlier exclusive Vegas DeLuxe stories in early January and again ... Read more...
Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono lead celebration for Love anniversary
After 2,000 shows for 4.3 million people, the Cirque du Soleil Beatles show Love commemorates its fifth anniversary tonight at the Mirage, and Yoko Ono, Sir Paul McCartney and Olivia Harrison will lead a superstar turnout for the celebration. Ringo Starr, who is currently on tour in Europe, was unable to break away for a crazed round trip across the Atlantic, so he has recorded a video that will be shown before the performance. Paul, who is staying on in ... Read more...
2011 Miss USA photos: NBC begins filming 51 hopefuls in Las Vegas
It was a jam-packed second day in Las Vegas for the 51 2011 Miss USA Pageant princesses. In addition to the newest arrivals shooting their official high-fashion photographs, there were more wardrobe fittings and hair and makeup sessions. The official swimsuit photographs are now posted on MissUSA.com, among them 2011 Miss Nevada USA Sarah Chapman in her Kandy Wrappers bikini. This year’s hosts have been announced, and they are Andy Cohen of Bravo and Giuliana Rancic of E! Entertainment, while ... Read more...
Backup singer Elise Duguay says Celine Dion ‘makes all the difference’
After a seven-week break, superstar singer Celine Dion resumed her headline run of shows at Caesars Palace tonight, and her backup singer Elise Duguay, who is considering moving to Las Vegas full time, first met Celine in 1987 and has spoken candidly about their nearly 25-year relationship. The interview backstage in Celine’s guest lounge at The Colosseum painted an intimate portrait of their professional and personal lives. Elise told me: “I never wanted to be a star myself. I never ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: 15 minutes of fame onstage with Barry Manilow
It’s a remarkable new talent contest and a first in showbiz history. Superstar entertainer Barry Manilow is going to give one person 15 minutes of fame on the Strip alongside him onstage in his headliner show at the Paris. Barry, who celebrated his 100th performance there over the weekend, wants people who think they have what it takes to perform with him onstage to send him YouTube audition videos — details are at BarryManilow.com. He’ll review and provide the winner ... Read more...
2011 Miss USA photos: Arrivals, Buca di Beppo and Rima Fakih’s film career
Forty Miss USA Pageant winners will return for the 60th anniversary pageant at Planet Hollywood on June 19, and Paula Shugart, the president of the parent Miss Universe Organization, promises many other highlights. Paula said that this is the fourth consecutive year that Las Vegas has hosted the Miss USA Pageant, and she wants it to continue here for many years to come. Yesterday at Planet Hollywood’s official welcoming ceremony, she told me: “The caliber of our 51 contestants this ... Read more...
Pawn Stars’ Rick Harrison on childhood battles, his best find, fame
Hometown reality TV star Rick Harrison of The History Channel’s Pawn Stars candidly revealed his childhood struggles and the overwhelming fame that’s come from starring in the top-rated cable series. He tells all in his new book License to Pawn: Deals, Steals and Life at the Gold & Silver, which is being released today by Hyperion. Yesterday morning, Rick appeared in New York with George Stephanopoulos on ABC’s Good Morning America showing video segments when the anchor joined the pawnshop ... Read more...
Star Surveillance: Criss Angel, Mark Ballas, Anthony Pettis, Tony Parker
Congratulations to superstar entertainer Barry Manilow, who celebrated his 100th performance at the Paris by taking his background singers, band and several friends to Chateau Nightclub & Gardens, also at the Paris, and then onto Tryst at the Wynn. … Dancing With the Stars pro dancer and two-time champion Mark Ballas attended Jabbawockeez’s MUS.I.C. at the Monte Carlo, where he was pulled onstage in the improv section to the delight of the cheering audience. George Maloof’s Palms was a magnet ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Gordon Ramsay plots gastropub; Gene Simmons’ Mini-Golf
Two new attractions are headed to Las Vegas, and naturally Vegas DeLuxe is first with the news. Fiery Chef Gordon Ramsay has confirmed our earlier exclusive reports that he’s headed to the Strip with a new restaurant concept. Tonight on his new Season 2 of Master Chef on Fox, he reveals that he’s opening a gastropub here with Caesars Entertainment. Rumors are rampant that he’s either taking over an existing restaurant at Caesars Palace or will remake Les Artistes at ... Read more...
Shania Twain to confirm Caesars Palace run on Wednesday?
Country superstar Shania Twain herself fueled speculation today that she’s about to announce a new Caesars Palace headline residency show in less than 48 hours. It would confirm Vegas DeLuxe rumors that we first exclusively reported as far back as January and as recently as a few weeks ago. Today, Shania posted a countdown clock on her Web site and then invited all of her Twitter followers to join her Wednesday at noon PT on ShaniaTwain.com for a big announcement. ... Read more...
2011 Miss USA photos: Fun in the sun at Palms Place; welcome ceremony
All weekend long, the 51 2011 Miss USA Pageant hopefuls arrived at their Planet Hollywood headquarters, and they now face grueling 16- to 18-hour days of judges’ interviews, photo sessions, preliminary contests, makeup and fitting sessions, plus filming top spots around town for the June 19 2-hour broadcast on NBC. The first to check in at the hotel that will be home for the next 14 days was naturally 2011 Miss Nevada USA Sarah Chapman (Vegas DeLuxe posted a two-part ... Read more...
‘Parents of the children are rooting for me,’ 2011 Miss Nevada USA says
Editor’s note: Last Thursday, we posted Part 1 of Vegas DeLuxe’s interview with 2011 Miss Nevada USA Sarah Chapman, in which she discussed her love for Las Vegas, being one of the oldest contestants at age 27 (the age limit for the Miss USA Pageant) and her job as the director of a pre-school in Henderson. Here is Part 2 of the interview ahead of today’s official welcoming ceremony at Planet Hollywood. I had to ask Sarah about the possibility ... Read more...
Photos: Carmen Electra’s sizzling striptease at PCD Saloon opening
Hollywood bombshell Carmen Electra wowed and dazzled with her 30-minute burlesque show to officially open Robin Antin’s Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Saloon at Planet Hollywood early this morning. Carmen first purred and posed provocatively on the red carpet at Gallery Nightclub at midnight dressed in a stunning Stella & Jamie with Christian Louboutin stilettos, while Robin wore a white Les Pommettes gladiator-themed mini-dress, Giuseppe rhinestone-studded heels and a Chanel belt and clutch. An hour later dressed in amazing, curve-hugging costumes, Carmen ... Read more...
Exclusive: Pawn Stars is renewed for 4 seasons by History Channel
It’s the biggest reality TV series renewal in television history — 80 episodes over four seasons — and hometown heroes and Pawn Stars cast members are thrilled. I’ve learned that beloved treasure-spotter Rick Harrison flew to New York early today to launch a publicity blitz for his new book License to Pawn out Tuesday by Hyperion. Rick also will appear on Fox & Friends tomorrow morning, plus The Don Imus Show and Good Morning America. He also has a 30-city ... Read more...
Photos: Rosario Dawson rules the Love Universe at Tao
Actress Rosario Dawson hosted an exclusive cocktail reception last night at Tao in the Venetian to launch Love Universe, a lifestyle jewelry collection, and model Linda Vojtova and jewelry designer Genevieve Jones were on hand to present their Love Universe-branded collections. The evening also spotlighted Love Pledge, which encourages people to commit 1 percent of their annual earnings and 1 percent of their annual time to philanthropic causes and charitable organizations of their choice. Rosario wore Love Universe bracelets in ... Read more...
Photos: Sasha Grey turns DJ at Nikki Beach at the Tropicana
By Don Chareunsy Adult entertainment superstar turned non-porn actress turned budding rock star Sasha Grey played DJ and host at Nikki Beach at the Tropicana for daytime revelers Thursday afternoon, and Erik Kabik was onsite for the sun in the fun — er, fun in the sun — too much fun! Grey, whose post-adult career includes HBO’s Entourage (as Vincent Chase’s latest love interest) and Academy Award winner Steven Soderbergh’s The Girlfriend Experience, wore a surprisingly demure pink top, a ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: 15 poker players sign up for $1 million buy-in One Drop
It’s a year away, but 15 poker players have already agreed to pony up $1 million apiece to buy into the water charity tournament The Big One by One Drop being added to the 43rd Annual World Series of Poker in July 2012. One Drop is expected to generate one of the largest prize pools in WSOP history outside the Main Event. Signed up as of yesterday’s stunning announcement are Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte; Bobby Baldwin, four-time WSOP ... Read more...
Dutch DJ Sander Kleinenberg to spin at Encore Beach Club and XS
By Nikki Villoria A new trance-house album isn’t the only thing hitting U.S. shores in the near future, as Dutch DJ Sander Kleinenberg is pulling into Las Vegas this month and bringing his digital dance beats to the Wynn. “I had the pleasure of DJ’ing there a few months back … loved it! A nightclub in front of you, and a sexy pool behind you … great mix,” Kleinenberg said. Co-produced with Josh Gabriel, Kleinenberg’s new album 5K is a ... Read more...
Nitro Circus Live — ‘the greatest live-action sports show’ ever
The stunning stunts and choreographed FMX, BMX and skate displays planned for tomorrow night’s Nitro Circus Live are billed as “the greatest live-action sports show of all time.” The explosive North American tour roars with its premiere here at MGM Grand Garden Arena, and it will be filmed by 3D cameras for a 2012 movie release. Travis Pastrana, 17-time X Games medalist and current FMX gold medalist, headlines the show along with the current X Games gold medalists in all ... Read more...
Carmen Electra opens Pussycat Dolls Saloon tomorrow with striptease
Bombshell beauty and Playboy cover girl Carmen Electra is set to officially open the sizzling Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Saloon with a striptease tomorrow night at the new Gallery Nightclub in Planet Hollywood, and the 4,500-square-foot, rhinestone-covered venue is another big winner for PCD founder Robin Antin. “Carmen is synonymous with sex appeal,” Robin said. “She’s an amazing dancer and performer, and we’re thrilled she’s our special guest entertainer for the grand opening.” Robin, a guest judge on the new Season ... Read more...
Celebrity preview: Burlesque beauties battle for striptease supremacy
After last weekend’s MDW 2011 insanity at the packed party pools and crowded clubs, it’s nice to quiet down a little this weekend, and there’s a diverse bag of entertainment, from country to cool jazz and even new and old-time burlesque instead of wall-to-wall hip-hop artists and world-renowned DJs. If last weekend was a skin fest all about bikinis, this weekend is another one but all about burlesque. There’s a slight drop-off in Party Patrol action, and that allows the ... Read more...
Photos: Miss Nevada USA Sarah Chapman’s ‘huge love for Las Vegas’
The first of the 2011 Miss USA Pageant hopefuls arrived today for the contest that celebrates its 60th anniversary this year at Planet Hollywood. 2011 Miss Nevada USA Sarah Chapman, a pre-school principal in Henderson, welcomed them to the Strip and helped them acclimate as the others arrive all weekend long. Their official three-week schedule of rehearsals, video promos and filming Las Vegas tourist footage — which Vegas DeLuxe will cover from start to finish — starts Monday with a ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Terry Fator welcomes his 500,000th guest to the Mirage
A lucky couple from Atlanta had a big surprise when they picked up their tickets to see Terry Fator’s Ventriloquism in Concert at the Mirage: They discovered that they were the 500,000th guest, and it naturally turned into a celebration. Members of Terry’s staff along with Mirage Vice President Franz Kallao greeted and presented them with a prize package that included four nights in a penthouse suite, restaurant and spa credits, limousine service and more. The couple was escorted backstage ... Read more...
Daytime Emmys, Miss USA Pageant face off in Las Vegas on June 19
For the second consecutive year, the annual Daytime Emmy Awards will air on CBS from the Las Vegas Hilton, but this year it’s pitted against the 2011 Miss USA Pageant on NBC — also broadcasting simultaneously from Las Vegas, but at Planet Hollywood on June 19. Strip headliners and TV stars have lined up to present and perform at the Emmys. Even though daytime dramas have become an endangered species this year, producer David McKenzie, in charge of the 38th ... Read more...
David Copperfield, Part 2: A tour of his Caribbean hideaway Musha Cay
When master illusionist David Copperfield isn’t creating magic spectacles at his secret Las Vegas warehouse and memorabilia museum for his shows at MGM Grand, he can be found at his super-exclusive hideaway island in the Bahamas. It took him 20 years of producing TV specials and touring the world to create the biggest challenge of his life: paradise! David’s 150-acre main island at Musha Cay in Copperfield Bay includes 700 other acres of out islands and 40 sugary sand beaches. ... Read more...
Grudge Matches relive poker history for the ‘what if’ WSOP legends
What if Chris Moneymaker hadn’t won $2.5 million in his first World Series of Poker tournament? What if his high-stakes rival Sammy Farha had beaten him in the final table of two? That was in 2003. What if unstoppable Johnny Chan in 1989 had pulled off a three-peat at the WSOP to cement his legacy instead of falling to the then-youngest-ever Main Event champion Phil Hellmuth Jr.? Starting today, we might learn the answers to those questions in a battle ... Read more...
Border Grill’s Mary Sue Milliken wins a third time on Top Chef Masters
Chef Mary Sue Milliken won another $10,000 on last night’s episode of Bravo’s Top Chef Masters, bringing her total winnings so far — and only two episodes remain — to $30,000 for the food charity Share Our Strength. Mary Sue, who is the chef-partner at Border Grill in Mandalay Bay, could head into the June 15 finale if she isn’t eliminated — or wins a fourth time! — next Wednesday. Mary Sue and the other four chefs faced two challenges: ... Read more...
Photos: All You Need Is the Love Festival at Palms Pool & Bungalows
By Don Chareunsy The Third Annual Love Festival took center stage during MDW 2011 at the Palms, with highlights including performances by hip-hop artists Tinie Tempah and Yelawolf, DJ sets by residents Paul Oakenfold and Morgan Page and global music talent such as Paul Van Dyk (Vegas DeLuxe posted an interview with PvD by Nikki Villoria last week), Chromeo, DJ Reza, Treasure Fingers and more. The Love Festival and the Palms also turned into Celebrity Athlete Central. Trai Essex of ... Read more...
Star Surveillance: Chelsea Kane, Stephen Colletti, Shaun Phillips, more
Mary Wilson of The Supremes fame watched Jersey Boys at the Palazzo, and One Tree Hill star Stephen Colletti and Disney darling Chelsea Kane (recent second runner-up to runner-up Kirstie Alley and winner Hines Ward on Dancing With the Stars) watched Phantom: Las Vegas Spectacular at the neighboring Venetian. Mary was photographed with Jersey Boys stars Deven May, Peter Saide, Rick Faugno and Jeff Leibow, plus John Salvatore, her yoga instructor who also portrays hit-maker Bob Crewe. Phantom’s Anthony Crivello ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Playboy photogs ISO models at Nikki Beach
Three top Playboy photographers who have shot nearly 150 covers during their combined 70 years with Hugh Hefner’s magazine are the lens men behind Shoot the Centerfold Top Model Search at Nikki Beach at the Tropicana as part of a two-day photographers’ seminar on glamour pictorials. Seven centerfolds add to the excitement, three of whom will be posing. Models ages 21 and older are invited to Nikki Beach this weekend, and cash and prizes await the winners who also are ... Read more...
Paris Hilton’s The World According to Paris premieres tonight on Oxygen
TV viewers, and even Paris Hilton’s closest friends and fans, will be stunned when her new reality TV series The World According to Paris premieres tonight on Oxygen. It’s the real Paris — no punches pulled, and no holds barred. The catfights with her girlfriends are all caught on tape. Even a love spat with Las Vegas boyfriend Cy Waits is there for all to see. Several segments were filmed here: sky-jumping from a plane, partying on the Strip and ... Read more...
Photos: Season 2 of Glee ends; Glee Live! tour begins
By Don Chareunsy It’s been one week since the Season 2 finale of Fox’s Glee (12th place, Ryan Murphy — really?!). Withdrawal, Gleeks? Fear not, as Glee Live! In Concert! launched at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on May 21 and wraps its 16-city tour at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y., on June 18. The tour includes all of the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning Glee stars: Lea Michele (Rachel Berry), Cory Monteith (Finn Hudson), Amber Riley (Mercedes Jones), ... Read more...
MDW 2011 photos: An aerial tour of resort party pools in Las Vegas
By Don Chareunsy Summertime and the living is easy — in Las Vegas. Photographer Tom Donoghue took a Maverick Helicopter tour of Las Vegas’ resort party pools during Memorial Day Weekend 2011 and provided a unique perspective on The Pool Party Capital of the World. Donoghue’s adventures in the sky and pool hoppin’ included Tropicana, Mandalay Bay, Hard Rock Hotel, Flamingo, MGM Grand, Aria, Paris, Planet Hollywood Towers, Planet Hollywood, Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Mirage, Wynn, Encore and Palazzo. Can ... Read more...
Photos: Kendrick Lamar drinks Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan
Kendrick Lamar’s laid-back vibe had the crowd singing along throughout the warm evening. His setlist included “Money Trees,” “Swimming Pools ...
Photos: Old Vegas razzle-dazzle makes The Scintas top Downtown act
Even without their sister Chrissi, The Scintas scored big at Wednesday night’s grand opening of their residency show at The D Hotel in Downtown ...
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