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Photos: Criss Angel’s buried alive in cement stunt at Mirage is shut down
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Star Surveillance: Jenny McCarthy, Ice-T, Coco, Frank Marino, ‘Hangover’
‘Michael Jackson One’ is Cirque’s best and includes snow at Mandalay
Celebrity preview: Brooks, ‘Pawn Stars,’ Sheen, Brown, Diddy, Sinclair
Superstar DJ Memorial Day Weekend kicks off battle of the nightclubs
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Strip Scribbles: Axwell at Eclipse, Santana, ‘Being Oscar,’ Jerry Lewis
Debbie Reynolds: More of Liberace the showman in HBO’s ‘Candelabra’
Photos: Criss Angel’s buried alive in cement stunt at Mirage is shut down
Preview: Cirque’s ‘Michael Jackson One’ opens tonight at Mandalay Bay
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Luxe Life Blog • Archive for March 2011
CinemaCon Day 3: 3D and 4D, plus at-seat service, at the movies
By Mark Adams, Las Vegas Weekly Technology is advancing so quickly in this day and age that it’s often difficult to keep up with the latest trends. The movie theater industry is no different, and that was evident yesterday at CinemaCon, the official convention of the National Association of Theater Owners. With the price of Coke at the concession stand comparable to the ticket at the box office, therein lies the motivation for industry innovation. While ticket sales mostly go ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Vin Diesel films reality TV series in Las Vegas
Before he became an action movie superstar, Vin Diesel was a nightclub bouncer, and while on the Strip this week for CinemaCon at Caesars Palace, Vin’s been filming a reality TV series about those pre-Hollywood experiences. Tonight, he is presented with the award for Action Star of the Year for his The Fast and the Furious films, with the all-star reunion of Fast Five in theaters April 29. After last night’s CinemaCon presentation to Cameron Diaz as Female Star of ... Read more...
Photos: Sports, movie stars ready to play golf for Michael Jordan benefit
It’s now official that legendary NBA superstar Michael Jordan will have his celebrity golf tournament here in Las Vegas for three years. He confirmed that news last night in the debut of this year’s 10th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational. He began the day at the prestigious Shadow Creek Golf Course — never before opened to the public — and wrapped it with a welcome celebration at Haze at Aria. Fans were out in force to cheer on some of ... Read more...
CinemaCon Day 3 photos: Drew Barrymore surprises Cameron Diaz
Gorgeous actress Cameron Diaz jetted in and out of Las Vegas yesterday to pick up her award for Female Star of the Year at CinemaCon at Caesars Palace, and actress and Charlie’s Angels co-star Drew Barrymore was there to surprise her with the presentation. Location shoots for the Coen Brothers remake of the crime comedy Gambit opposite Oscar winner Colin Firth made it impossible for Cameron to attend tonight’s closing gala awards, so she received the advance special treatment. She ... Read more...
Photos: Mob Experience VIP opening with Pamela Anderson, Mob families
If you make it through the maze of amazing Mafia exhibits at the new $26 million Las Vegas Mob Experience at the Tropicana, actor James Caan will thank you for your role — and then turn you over to a crime boss who will order his two machine gun-toting lieutenants to rub you out! I got whacked in a hail of bullets 30 minutes into my tour of the 20,000-square-foot space last night. It’s a realistic special effect at death’s ... Read more...
Photos: CinemaCon offers technological advances for movie time
By Nikki Villoria, Vegas DeLuxe contributor Film fanatics are the first to the theaters, and theater fanatics are the first to CinemaCon. The four-day event, held at Caesars Palace, isn’t for the average moviegoer, but rather those involved in the movie theater experience. CinemaCon is the official convention of the National Association of Theater Owners, and with a multitude of attractions and vendors set up for viewing, attendees have a plethora of information and film previews to keep them busy ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Celine Dion is the greatest singer in all the world
As The Colosseum headliner Celine Dion celebrates her 43rd birthday today, the superstar singer goes into the record books for an extraordinary achievement. She becomes the first solo artist to eclipse attendance at March Madness games. In fact, for two weeks in a row, Celine’s ticket sales have been No. 1 over all other venue attractions. How do you top that birthday gift?! It’s a private, non-working family birthday tonight as she has the week off at Caesars Palace due ... Read more...
CinemaCon Day 2 photos: Booming box office; Cameron Diaz today
The movie business is booming. In fact, global box office receipts climbed 30 percent over five years to a record high $31.8 billion last year. The domestic U.S. box office climbed 15 percent to $10.6 billion. Those were the blockbuster numbers released yesterday by National Association of Theater Owners President John Fithian to more than 6,000 CinemaCon delegates at Caesars Palace. Larry the Cable Guy, Hugh Jackman, Colin Farrell, Amy Adams, Jerry Bruckheimer, Rob Marshall, Jason Segel, Bryce Dallas Howard ... Read more...
Photos: Michael Jordan’s 10th charity golf tourney attracts celebrity lineup
NBA legend and superstar Michael Jordan plans a first-ever win at his 10th annual celebrity invitational golf tournament in Las Vegas over the next four days but admits that he can only achieve his goal if his partner comes through for him. Michael hosted a Q&A on the 9th hole with media this morning at the prestigious Shadow Creek Golf Course in advance of the tournament, which features some of the greatest names in sports and entertainment. Thanks to contributing ... Read more...
Celebrity recap: Wyclef, Twilight stars, Flo Rida, Kourtney and Vanessa
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor While pop superstars Lady Gaga at MGM Grand Garden Arena, Britney Spears at Rain at the Palms and Fergie at The Bank at the Bellagio, along with The Girls Next Door favorite and Dancing with the Stars contestant Kendra Wilkinson, basked in the celebrity spotlight over the weekend, there was plenty of star wattage to go around in The Entertainment Capital of the World. Flo Rida at Paris Rapper Flo Rida dined at Sugar ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Ka celebrates 3,000th show at MGM Grand
Tom Cruise, Britney Spears, Brad Pitt, Lady Gaga and Steven Spielberg are among the many celebrities who’ve watched Cirque du Soleil’s Ka, which just celebrated its 3,000th performance. Tom has seen it three times and Britney twice since its premiere in February 2005 at MGM Grand. The long list also includes Eddie Murphy, Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Paula Abdul, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Barbra Streisand, James Brolin, Michael Buble, Tyra Banks, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Ricky Martin, Usher, Joan Collins, ... Read more...
Robin Antin discusses new ‘Wild Wild West’ Pussycat Dolls Saloon
When the new nightclub The Gallery opens at Planet Hollywood on April 15 with Kourtney Kardashian celebrating her 32nd birthday — and the new Pussycat Dolls Saloon a month later — the emphasis will be on provocative design and erotic revelry, complete with voyeuristic imagery to explore deep sensual fantasies. Each room of the new 20,000-square-foot club will expose new secrets within its fused contemporary and vintage Gothic designs. The club is unlike any other here because Robin Antin, founder ... Read more...
CinemaCon Day 1 photos: Jack Black, Chris Hemsworth, Avatar sequels
Actors Jack Black and Chris Hemsworth were the surprise guests at last night’s Paramount Studios red carpet sneak-screening previews at Caesars Palace for the debut event to kick off 2011 CinemaCon. More than 6,000 movie industry professionals are here for the four days of the National Association of Theater Owners convention. Chris was here to preview his new actioner Thor from Marvel Comics, and Jack showcased his upcoming sequel Kung Fu Panda 2 with director Jennifer Yuh Nelson and DreamWorks ... Read more...
Photos: Matt Goss celebrates anniversary, signs Caesars star book
Everybody in the audience at the first anniversary of British singer Matt Goss’s show was presented with a complimentary glass of Moet Chandon Imperial to toast his milestone. Caesars Palace President Gary Selesner surprised the star and his guests in the resort’s Gossy Room when he strolled onstage to make the unexpected presentation in the middle of the performance. After a brief congratulations speech by Gary, Matt was presented with an engraved pen. Then he was invited to sign “The ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: ‘Gangster’ actors preview Las Vegas Mob Experience
Actor James Caan previewed the Las Vegas Mob Experience at the Tropicana today in advance of tomorrow’s gala opening. The interactive attraction chronicles the rise and fall of organized crime in Las Vegas, and James has a continuing role in the attraction through the use of technology. James joins fellow actors Frank Vincent, Mickey Rourke, Steve Schirripa and Tony Sirico in the form of technological apparitions to serve as virtual celebrity gangster guides. During his visit today, James also met ... Read more...
Four days of CinemaCon: stars, studio execs, summer blockbusters
More than 6,000 motion picture industry professionals have arrived in Las Vegas for the inaugural edition of CinemaCon at Caesars Palace. Previously known as ShoWest, it’s the convention of the National Association of Theater Owners, the largest exhibition trade organization in the world representing more than 30,000 movie screens in all 50 states and additional cinemas in 50 countries. Hollywood is pulling out all the stops with its superstars and top executives for the next four days of meetings and ... Read more...
Photos: Kendra Wilkinson hosts at Wet Republic at MGM Grand
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor The Girls Next Door and Kendra star and Dancing With the Stars Season 12 contestant Kendra Wilkinson kicked off the start of the pool season at Wet Republic at MGM Grand yesterday. The wife of NFL free agent Hank Baskett arrived with family and friends, including her brother Colin Wilkinson and friend and assistant Eddie Bochniak. With the weather not at summer temperatures yet, Wilkinson opted for a shorter-than-short cream jumper that showed off ... Read more...
In L.V. this week: Sports, country, Hollywood and winemaking stars
If you thought this weekend of Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Fergie, Garth Brooks et al was so big that it could never be duplicated, think again. It’s difficult to believe, but this week, the all-star invasion of Las Vegas attains top-tier status yet again. Four days of CinemaCon It all begins tomorrow when the first CinemaCon (formerly ShoWest) meetings for more than 6,000 motion picture industry professionals begin. It’s the official convention of the National Association of Theater Owners, the ... Read more...
Photos: Britney Spears stuns twice at MTV taping at Rain at the Palms
It was the return of Britney Spears to the power of three. Brit wowed, dazzled and delighted her fans at two MTV tapings at Rain at the Palms last night and early this morning. Three because she performed three songs from her new album Femme Fatale that drops next week. Three because she changed into three sparkling outfits. And three because she danced three fierce choreographed numbers with newfound and electrifying energy. Plus, “3” is one of Britney’s most recent ... Read more...
Photos: Fergie celebrates her 36th birthday at The Bank at the Bellagio
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor The Black Eyes Peas singer and six-time Grammy winner Fergie celebrated her 36th birthday last night at the Bellagio. The evening began with the fabulous Fergie and her hunky actor husband Josh Duhamel at a specially prepared dinner by Chef Akira Back at his restaurant Yellowtail. After dinner, Duhamel retreated to their suite, while Fergie made a quick outfit change before heading to The Bank to party the night away with her family and ... Read more...
Photos: Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball at MGM Grand Garden Arena
Even though pop music’s reigning queen started her show nearly 50 minutes late last night at MGM Grand Garden Arena, her Little Monsters didn’t care at all. They screamed, whistled, cheered, hollered, clapped and waved as she performed to a nearly nonstop standing ovation. As always, Lady Gaga was outrageous, funny and personable and littered her between-song conversations with the F-bomb, exhorting her fans to ignore criticism and putdowns and express themselves any way they wanted. She encouraged them to ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Britney Spears to surprise with 2nd not-so-secret show
The world awaits Tuesday’s release of the new Britney Spears album Femme Fatale, but some 2,000 Las Vegas fans will hear three of the tracks tonight at the Palms not once but twice. MTV cameras will shoot Britney at Rain at 8 p.m. and then again at midnight. The first show is strictly for MTV’s invited fans and guests, but regular revelers can attend the midnight festivities. Here’s the YouTube video of Britney’s last No. 1 hit “Hold It Against ... Read more...
Tonight at Lady Gaga: a sea monster, fires and a countrified ‘Born This Way’
Tonight’s ticket for Lady Gaga’s performance at MGM Grand Garden Arena admits the concertgoer to the Monster’s Ball, which will include a revamped version of her No. 1 smash hit “Born This Way” to defy critics accusing her of ripping off Madonna. America’s reigning pop princess and provocateur has several surprises in store, including her battle with a huge sea monster with evil eyes, terrifying teeth and treacherous tentacles. Obviously, since she’s performing “Paparazzi” at that time, that’s her view ... Read more...
Photos: Holly Madison is an American in Paris
Peepshow and Holly’s World star Holly Madison, vacationing in Paris, is spending today at Disneyland outside the French capital. On Wednesday, Las Vegas photographer Denise Truscello and she produced this gorgeous photo gallery chronicling her trip to date. The black-and-white is my favorite and reminiscent of a Parisian postcard from the 1920s. The ladies should put it on sale at every street kiosk in Paris for tourists to mail back home. Sincere thanks to Denise and Holly for sending the ... Read more...
Celebrity forecast: Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Fergie and Earth Hour
With Lady Gaga, Britney Spears and Fergie all competing for the same spotlight this weekend in Las Vegas, no wonder the Strip will go dark with the overload of superstar power. To be honest, though, it’s not the celebrity wattage that will cause the blackout. Las Vegas, along with more than 4,000 cities in 128 countries, marks Earth Hour and turns off the neon for one full hour Saturday night. The Strip will really be dimmed when some 25 resort ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Zak Bagans at Madame Tussauds, lands new series
The nightlong infra-ray TV shoot that ghost hunter and paranormal private eye Zak Bagans filmed at Madame Tussauds at the Venetian premieres April 8 to kick off the all-new episodes of his top-rated Travel Channel series Ghost Adventures. Here’s a look via YouTube at his tour of Preston Castle, now an infirmary, in nearby Ione, Calif.: Additionally, our hometown expert on the extraordinary has landed a second program, Paranormal Challenge, premiering June 17 on the Travel Channel. Zak created the ... Read more...
Photos: The Hotel at Mandalay Bay, Trump Hotel have gone to the dogs
Two wonderful stories of Las Vegas hotels going to the dogs! Contributing photographer Tom Donoghue shot our first gallery at the now dog-friendly The Hotel at Mandalay Bay. Now every dog has its day! As one of only a few dog-friendly properties on the Strip, there are amenities that cater to even the worldliest puppy. Our four-legged friends are greeted with a special welcome letter, tasty treats and doggy relief bags. The pets enter their elegantly appointed suite on the ... Read more...
Holly Madison and Claire Sinclair’s French vacation
Ooh la la! Playboy Playmates Holly Madison and Claire Sinclair are having the time of their lives on a weeklong trip to Paris and the French countryside. C’est fantastique et formidable! Last night, as we reported earlier in the week, Claire took Holly to see the topless cabaret Crazy Horse Paris — a French institution since the 1950s — on the Avenue George V between the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Claire guest starred at the MGM Grand ... Read more...
Photos: Donny Osmond: ‘We didn’t know we would go past eight shows’
“Fantastic,” screamed Donny Osmond. “Yeah! Now we’re at 500, and we didn’t know we would go past eight shows. Now we’re at 500, and we plan to make it another 500 in Las Vegas — and even more.” Last night, Donny and sister Marie Osmond celebrated the 500th show milestone at their Flamingo showroom, and President Rick Mazer wheeled onstage a beautiful 500-decorated cake. “I thought I would have to save my breath to blow out 500 candles,” Donny laughed. ... Read more...
Photos: Absinthe has 2,500 mirrors, Dom pong for $600 a round
At just 9 feet wide, it’s one of the smallest circular stages ever pieced together under a Big Top, but danger and decadence await when the naughty and nice, exotic and erotic and wild and wacky Absinthe previews tomorrow. It’s an adult playground for acro-cabaret or vaudevillian striptease, and it’s wicked and wondrous acts are outlandish and outrageous — and right in your face and really close-up for your eyes. Just like its namesake once-outlawed alcohol, Absinthe is one part ... Read more...
Up-and-coming singer Tino Coury has a big fan in Eva Longoria
By Nikki Villoria, Vegas DeLuxe contributor After breaking into the music industry last year, Tino Coury is creating a name for himself and also catching the attention of celebrities, including Eva Longoria, who says she’s his biggest fan. “My first single hit the Top 40 charts and went No. 11 on Billboard, and ever since, it’s been a crazy ride for me,” Coury said on the red carpet for Longoria’s 36th birthday party. The up-and-comer not only walked the red ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Madame Tussauds honors the great Elizabeth Taylor
Officials at the Venetian’s Madame Tussauds promptly decided this morning to put their $300,000 wax figure of Elizabeth Taylor back on display. To mark her tragic passing this morning, they decided it would go on display immediately in front of the wax museum. A tribute book will be positioned alongside for fans to write their condolences. We posted a tribute to the great Hollywood screen legend this morning that includes a photo gallery of her visits to Las Vegas. The ... Read more...
Donny & Marie: 500 Flamingo shows; plus, new contract and changes
Donny and Marie Osmond mark tonight’s 500th milestone show with not only a huge candle-covered onstage cake, but also with news of contract extensions and changes to the hit production at the Flamingo. Donny and I talked this morning. Robin Leach: First of all, congratulations, 500 shows. You must have some memorable highlights since you started? Donny Osmond: It was September of 2008 with eight test shows at the Hollywood Theater in MGM. We realized, “Wait a minute, we may ... Read more...
Photos: Screen legend Elizabeth Taylor dies of heart failure at age 79
Hollywood screen legend Elizabeth Taylor was not only an English-born beauty who became the first $1 million movie star, but she also was the queen of the global industry. Her illustrious 60-year career included two Academy Awards from more than 50 films. From Cleopatra to Butterfield 8 to Cat on a Hot Tin Roof to Suddenly Last Summer, her films were masterpieces. She starred alongside two-time husband Richard Burton, Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift and Spencer Tracy. In more recent years, ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Britney Spears to film at the Palms on Friday
If pop princess Britney Spears films her new MTV special at the Palms on Friday — as planned for now — it will be thanks in part to the efforts of 22-year-old UNLV student Jordan Miller. This means that Britney will be in competition against Lady Gaga, who is in concert at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Friday. Jordan, a journalism and media studies major, runs Britney’s top fan Web site BreatheHeavy.com, with more than 7 million page views. He ... Read more...
Beauty & the beast photos: Playmate Jaclyn Swedberg, Dennis Rodman
Here at VegasDeLuxe.com, we receive an avalanche of photographs from our hard-working contributing photographers, and two sets recently arrived simultaneously that promptly made me chuckle over beauty and the beast. Intrepid photographer Scott Harrison shot beautiful Miss April Playmate Jaclyn Swedberg and former NBA bad boy Dennis Rodman over the weekend, and the lensman captured the best of both figures. Jaclyn held an autograph signing and photo session with fans at the Palms, and the bountiful beauty was even brought ... Read more...
Holly Madison’s E! THS: Hef, pregnancy tries, split and Criss Angel
Platinum blond bombshell Holly Madison reveals stunning secrets in next week’s E! True Hollywood Story, including for the first time talking candidly about her attempts at in-vitro fertilization with Playboy king Hugh Hefner. The Peepshow headliner and Holly’s World star also talks about the toll it took on their relationship and how it led to “a painful breakup.” Hef guest stars on the E! Entertainment special, and Holly and he talk about the split. Holly also talks about the rebound ... Read more...
Photos: Terry Fator’s second anniversary and contract renewal
It was exactly as he promised to VegasDeLuxe.com in advance. Mirage headline entertainer Terry Fator vowed to deliver an all-new production to celebrate his second anniversary over the weekend at the casino hotel, and that’s exactly what he did. Even before the show’s finale, Mirage President Felix Rappaport walked onstage with a surprise presentation and not only confirmed the new five-year contract renewal we’d exclusively reported earlier, but also added: “Heck, not just a total of 10, but maybe even ... Read more...
Photos: Birthdays for Mark McGrath, Rob Kardashian, Kathy Hilton
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Amid the celebrations over the weekend at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens and Sugar Factory American Brasserie at the Paris and for March Madness, Spring Break and St. Patrick’s Day, there were a handful of birthday parties, too, in The Entertainment Capital of the World. Rob Kardashian at Jet Keeping Up With the Kardashians star Rob Kardashian celebrated his 24th birthday at the Mirage with dinner at Stack before heading over to Jet. Kardashian partied ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Barry Manilow eyes Elvis Presley milestone
Congratulations to superstar Barry Manilow, who celebrates his first anniversary of shows at the Paris this weekend. As he starts his second year of sensational sellout shows there, it means that he will tie the seven-year residency record of Elvis Presley. Barry was at Elvis’ former stomping grounds the Las Vegas Hilton for five years before he jumped to the Strip. Barry is hoping to do better with the string of consecutive years of Las Vegas performances. His two-year Paris ... Read more...
Photos: Sugar Factory, Chateau have become home away from Hollywood
It’s taken only three weeks for the Strip’s newest daytime and nightlife entertainment emporium to become the hottest spot for celebrities. Hollywood’s hotties and hunks have taken over Sugar Factory American Brasserie and Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at the Paris as their new den of dining, dancing and decadence. There were so many stars there the past 72 hours, you could legitimately call it Celebrity Crush Hour, as the sprawling complex became a platinum party playground. Eva Longoria, Jermaine Dupri, ... Read more...
Photos: Eva Longoria’s all-pink birthday with beau Eduardo Cruz
It was a fantasy Hollywood night of pink glitz and glamor when gorgeous actress Eva Longoria celebrated her 36th birthday at her restaurant Beso and nightclub Eve on Friday night. The partying continued all weekend long when she watched Cirque du Soleil’s O at the Bellagio for the first time and then checked out the new Sugar Factory American Brasserie and the new nightclub Chateau at the Paris. To celebrate the first night, Nuvo Sparkling Liqueur painted the club red ... Read more...
Photos: Bon Jovi gives rock a good name at MGM Grand Garden Arena
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor N.J. rockers Bon Jovi, led by heartthrob frontman, singer, songwriter, musician and actor Jon Bon Jovi — is there a sexier 49-year-old rock star out there who can still rock leather pants and a sleeveless shirt onstage? — performed to a sold-out crowd at MGM Grand Garden Arena at MGM Grand last night, and contributing photographer Erik Kabik was up close for this VegasDeLuxe.com photo gallery that will put a smile on every Jon ... Read more...
Photos: Juanes at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Latin American recording superstar Juanes rocked The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel on Friday night, and contributing photographer Scott Harrison was up close for this VegasDeLuxe.com photo gallery. The Colombian heartthrob, full name Juan Esteban Aristizabal Vasquez, sported a faded red T-shirt to show off his tattoos and black skinny jeans onstage. He has sold more than 12 million albums and has won a Grammy Award and 17 Latin Grammy Awards, more than ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Zowie Bowie’s show Vintage Vegas is returning
Zowie Bowie’s show Vintage Vegas that headlined at the Monte Carlo last year is returning now that the dust has cleared from the breakup of singing partners Chris Phillips and Marley Taylor. Chris confirmed that Marley will join him as a guest star when the Sunday night shows begin April 10 at Ovation at Green Valley Ranch. “Vintage Vegas really was my love and my passion,” Chris told me. “We’ve got a hip, cool all-star band in place, and Jersey ... Read more...
Celebrity forecast: Bon Jovi, George Clinton, Juanes and Aaron Lewis
Music rules this weekend, with everything from the rock and roll fun of Bon Jovi to the hip-hop funk of George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic. They are in a head-to-head showdown on the Strip, while Colombian superstar and 17-time Latin Grammy winner Juanes performs his hits at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel, and Staind’s Aaron Lewis is at Green Valley Ranch. Comedians Don Rickles and David Spade also go head-to-head with Jay Leno at the Mirage and ... Read more...
Will Eva Longoria be joined by boyfriend Eduardo Cruz at birthday?
When Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria blows out the candles on her decadent 3-foot-tall birthday cake tonight, she will certainly be wishing for a better year than this past one. Tonight’s guest list includes up-and-comer Tino Coury singing “Happy Birthday” to Eva, her good friend Mario Lopez, David Spade, Matt Goss, Robin Antin, Human Nature, Anthony Cools, Nathan Burton, Jabbawockeez, Josh Strickland and celebrity DJ Sky Nellor. It’s also heavily whispered that Eva’s 26-year-old beaufriend Eduardo Cruz, brother of Oscar-winning ... Read more...
Celine Dion’s show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace: ‘It’s pure joy’
Three top executives with Celine Dion’s new show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace reflected on opening night for members of the world’s press corp. Perhaps Ken Ehrlich, the Grammy Award-winning director, summed it up best as he linked his thoughts to Celine’s new twin boys Eddy and Nelson: “Creating a show is like giving birth. Imagine making something from nothing and seeing it grow into its own life form right before your very eyes. It’s pure joy.” In response ... Read more...
Photos: 500 butterflies frolic in Bellagio’s spectacular spring display
To celebrate spring and warmer days that give us longer daylight hours, the Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens feature a spectacular floral exhibit filled with bright blooms and a playful carnival. Contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was there as 500 butterflies were released as the final part of the display, which will remain through May 8. “They are amazing,” Tom told VegasDeLuxe.com. “Each in their own envelope, and while some immediately wanted to flap their wings and fly into the gardens, ... Read more...
Terry Fator’s second anniversary, contract extension, plans for a family
Life has totally changed for Terry Fator, the $100 million Mirage headliner, since he began his Strip show two years ago. His wife Melinda and he split after 18 years of marriage, and he flew to Hawaii to marry his onstage partner, Las Vegas model Taylor Makakoa. Now to mark his second anniversary, he’s won a new five-year extension to the megabucks contract. Terry decided that as he celebrates the milestone tomorrow night, he also would change his hit show ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles exclusive: Criss Angel memorabilia vault, commercial
Illusionist of the Decade Criss Angel has started work on changing part of his Luxor theater lobbies to display $2 million in career highlights memorabilia. The new Criss Angel vault also will house a collection of his unique motorcycles that he’s used for Mindfreak stunts. The attraction will be an in-person, value-added highlight for VIP ticketholders. Criss, who is already in production with an amazing project to be launched this summer from Las Vegas, just completed two new Orville Redenbacher ... Read more...
Photos: Holly Madison wins beer pong battle for second year in a row
Peepshow and Holly’s World star Holly Madison and Brian “Lucky the Leprechaun” Thomas had a beer pong rematch today at O’Sheas in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, as we reported this morning. Holly beat Brian last year, and this year, it came down to the wire in a nearly 30-minute match. Once again, the blond bombshell came out on top, beating no-so-Lucky(?) for the second consecutive year. Flamingo magician headliner Nathan Burton was on hand to emcee play-by-play for the ... Read more...
Photos: March Madness game on at sports books and Lagasse’s Stadium
Sports fans can forget all about the NFL lockout and the striking stars of the gridiron for at least 90 days, as Las Vegas begins its busiest three-month season of gaming. Today marks the official start of March Madness, with teams playing a nonstop parade of NCAA basketball games heading to an Elite Eight and then a Final Four. Then the calendar follows with the NBA playoffs, Tiger Woods’ rallying effort for the Masters and the Stanley Cup playoffs, with ... Read more...
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Irish pub Ri Ra opens at Mandalay Bay
Tis the wearing of the green when everybody is Irish for the day. Happy St. Patrick’s Day, and may your luck start out with a four-leafed clover delivered by a lovely leprechaun. Begorrah! Today is appropriately the grand opening of the Irish restaurant Ri Ra in The Shoppes at Mandalay Place, and a parade with bagpipes and Irish dancers sets out at 10 a.m. from Mandalay Bay Beach. The Emerald Isle comes to life as it winds through the hotel ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Longtime Strip hotel to receive modern makeover
The modern makeover of a legendary Strip hotel is back on the drawing board, and this time, I’m reliably told, there will be no further delays or interim executives nixing the ambitious and still-under-wraps plans. . A top hotel group executive told me: “We started it, but then it was put on hold by a new executive who came in. Now that he’s returned to Hollywood, the problems have all been resolved. It’s a full green-light go-ahead now. “We’re estimating ... Read more...
Photos: A day in the life of Celine Dion — mom, wife, singer and secrets
Just two hours after her show’s triumphant premiere last night at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, superstar Celine Dion pulled back the curtain on her life. She revealed several secrets in a day in the life peek at the legendary icon about to celebrate her 43rd birthday in 14 days. I’d politely pointed out that her day doesn’t start when the curtain goes up at 7:30 each night at Caesars, nor does it end at 9 p.m. when the curtain ... Read more...
Photos: Celine Dion’s triumphant premiere wins raves from stars, fans
“It’s the best show since she started singing, and I’ve known her 30 years. Her voice is in top shape and has never been better. This was the best show of her life,” a proud Rene Angelil told me moments after the curtain came down on Celine Dion’s premiere gala show at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace last night. Husband and manager Rene added: “She has never been happier about a show. She is thrilled. I am thrilled. We couldn’t ... Read more...
Celine Dion’s show is a masterpiece of majesty, elegance, amazing duets
Editor’s note: The follow review contains spoilers, so continue reading at your own risk. A magnificent masterpiece! Those are the only words to describe the magical and memorable moment when Celine Dion drops pop princess status and takes on a monarch’s mantle as legendary icon in her new spectacular at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The curtains part at the halfway mark of the show to reveal Celine singing at rear center stage after one more of the fantastic music ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Pure to celebrate 6th anniversary tonight with mystery concert
Congratulations to Pure, which launched the mega-club invasion of Las Vegas, as it celebrates its sixth anniversary tonight with a mystery guest until the surprise midnight performance. It’s difficult to believe that Pure, just named Las Vegas Mega Club of the Year by the 2011 Nightclub & Bar Awards, is that old and yet still going as strong as ever at Caesars Palace. Pure features three nightlife experiences in its two stories of more than 36,000 square feet that’s become ... Read more...
Celine’s show: Hollywood vs. her hits; plus, is Shania waiting in the wings?
Celine Dion’s new show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, which has is gala premiere tonight, was originally planned as a total salute to Hollywood movie theme songs, but last summer, Celine and her team of show designer Yves Aucoin, sound engineer Denis Savage and conductor Claude Lemay all agreed that the plan wasn’t working, so the focus shifted to her performing her hits. As Yves said: “The singer sings real words, and the musicians play real instruments and continuously.” ... Read more...
Photos: Celine’s triumphant return triggers contract extension talk
Celine Dion’s big day has finally arrived and with it the economic recovery hopes of an entire city and one of the world’s largest hotel corporations. The global superstar returns to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace tonight, and the world will be watching her premiere via a global satellite hookup from as faraway as Australia and Europe. Expected first-night gala guests include Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber flying in from London, hometown master magicians Siegfried & Roy and talk show host ... Read more...
Celebrity wrap: Birthdays for Kellan, Dane and Danny; Packers celebrate
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Celebrations were abundant in The Entertainment Capital of the World over the weekend to commemorate everything from birthdays to Spring Break to the beginning of pool season to magazine covers to even a Super Bowl XLV victory for some NFL team from Wisconsin. Kellan Lutz’s birthday Twilight heartthrob — no, not Robert Pattinson or Taylor Lautner! — Kellan Lutz (Emmett Cullen) celebrated his 26th birthday at Pure at Caesars Palace with his dad Brad ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Larry King filming CNN special at Lou Ruvo Center
TV anchor legend Larry King is in town for three days filming a global TV special for CNN. He’s focusing his cameras on the extraordinary work by the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and its doctors, caregivers and volunteers in their fight against Alzheimer’s. Larry Ruvo founded Keep Memory Alive 15 years ago, and dozens of local celebrities and VIPs have supported its work and the entirely public-funded, Frank Gehry-designed building at Symphony Park. Larry recently turned ... Read more...
Photos: Jason Derulo, Macy Gray and Sky Blu party at Surrender
By Nikki Villoria, Vegas DeLuxe contributor Ridin’ into a jam-packed Surrender at the Encore on Saturday night, singer-songwriter Jason Derulo was anything but solo. Derulo’s chart-topping tunes were blaring more than just in his head, but throughout the air, as he performed three of his hits, including “In My Head” and “Ridin’ Solo.” The poolside venue at the nightclub was packed wall-to-wall with fans singing along to his hip-hop and R&B rhythms as he kicked off The Look Like You ... Read more...
Photos: Palms’ Barry Dakake throws out first ball at Dodgers-Cubs game
For Palms Executive Chef Barry S. Dakake, it was the ultimate thrill of his life. The culinary king of N9NE Steakhouse fulfilled a dream throwing out the first ball for the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers game at Cashman Field yesterday in perfect sunny weather and with an enthusiastic crowd of baseball fans. Barry also got to meet new Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly and posed for photographs with the Cubs’ Alfonso Soriano and Kosuke Fukudome. Deven May, who portrays ... Read more...
Gladys Knight returning to The Strip with new residency at the Tropicana
Seven-time Grammy Award winner Gladys Knight, our hometown Empress of Soul, is returning to The Strip with a new residency at the Tropicana, and her nightly commute to work will be less than a 20-minute drive! The announcement of her new shows starting April 5 and running at least through September was expected this morning. I’ve learned that her brother “Bubba” Merald Knight will open for her, and the show also will feature backup singers and a band. Gladys, who ... Read more...
Photos: It’s a wrap for Jersey Shore in L.V.; next up Italy
The stars of MTV’s Jersey Shore took over the new Sugar Factory at the Paris when Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino and Deena Cortese made a stop at the sweet spot on The Strip. The GTL creator (that’s Gym, Tan, Laundry for non-Jersey Shore fans) is going to have a lot of laundry to do, as he spent more than $1,000 on Sugar Factory apparel. His choices, which he was overheard saying were for his girlfriend — Las Vegas model Marcy ... Read more...
Photos: Cotto defeats Mayorga; a weekend of MLB matchups
The fact that the Miguel Cotto fight against Ricardo Mayorga went 12 exciting rounds wasn’t lost on the bloodied and bruised fighters or the crowd at MGM Grand Garden Arena last night. It was a beautiful exhibition of boxing, even though Ricardo had tried his best to lure Miguel into a brawl. Chalk it up to guts, stamina and rugged determination, but both fighters were still standing after 11 nonstop blistering and punching rounds. But then seconds into the final ... Read more...
Photos: DWTS champion Derek Hough teaches at the Palms
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor Three-time Dancing With the Stars professional champion Derek Hough is spending a weekend away from dance floor studios in L.A. at George Maloof’s Palms. His fun-filled weekend started at dinner at Executive Chef Geno Bernardo’s Nove Italiano, where he signed the kitchen’s Shakedown Door before continuing to Moon, where he was host for the evening and was joined by Pittsburgh Steelers star Hines Ward, a contestant on DWTS’ new season kicking off this month. ... Read more...
Photos: Mike Sorrentino’s own situation with Las Vegas model date
They met at the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show just four days ago, but Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino decided that Las Vegas model Marcy Depena, who had been hired to help promote the launch of his Devotion Vodka, was the perfect date for his hosting duties last night at the new nightclub Chateau at the Paris. The Situation and Marcy turned up looking as if they’d known each other for far more than just 96 hours. Our spywitness ... Read more...
Cotto-Mayorga photos: A rose at weigh-in leads to a thorny moment
It could have been a peace offering or an impassioned plea to take it easy — all is forgiven. But the offer of a red rose turned prickly and became a testy moment at the boxers’ official weigh-in at MGM Grand Garden Arena yesterday. Tonight’s 12-round WBA welterweight battle between champion Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico and Ricardo Mayorga of Nicaragua has been billed as Relentless, but the majority is already convinced that Miguel will whip Ricardo. Only promoter Don ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: The real Spring Break and ACM Awards voting begin
MTV’s Spring Break this past week at the Palms with Ne-Yo, Snoop Dogg, Pitbull and Jersey Shore’s DJ Pauly D and Deena Cortese proved a huge success, even though the weather was less than ideal! Our UNLV students also partied there with advertisers and tourism officials, and we’re learning that Las Vegas will probably wind up as the top destination for Spring Break revelers. STATravel and Marketing Daily are predicting that Las Vegas, South Padre Island and Miami will be ... Read more...
Fans and global media count down to premiere of Celine Dion’s show
The financial juggernaut of the Celine Dion phenomenon has begun just days ahead of her Tuesday gala premiere and official return to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. It’s created an influx of fans from around the world, with journalists, photographers and other media arriving from as far away as Canada, Europe and Asia. Requests for global coverage is so high that there will be a satellite hookup from Caesars Palace of the first-night events to TV stations as far away ... Read more...
Celebrity forecast: Jersey Shore stars headline weekend of parties
The partying never stops in The Entertainment Capital of the World that never sleeps. As sunnier and warmer days arrive, the nightlife scene starts to expand into daytime. This weekend, with the spring forward setting of Daylight-Savings Time, marks the opening of some Strip pool party pleasures. In fact, it seems as if there are more parties and stars hosting events than stage entertainment. The cast of MTV’s Jersey Shore has taken over the town in advance of their Season ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Fantasy adds two singers to Luxor lineup
Two new beauties are being added to the sexy adult revue Fantasy at the Luxor: Lily Arce and Felice Garcia will alternate in the starring role during singer Lorena Peril’s six-week hiatus. Felice, the reigning Miss Henderson, was in American Superstars and Folies Bergere show. Lily has starred in TV commercials, music videos and performed alongside M.C. Hammer, The Barrio Boyz, New Kids on the Block and Wynonna Judd. She previously starred in Sin City Heat and Sin City Kitties ... Read more...
Photos: Las Vegas parties for new Celebrity Apprentice cast
It was a take-no-prisoners premiere and a take-no-prisoners screening for four of the cast of Donald Trump’s new season of Celebrity Apprentice on NBC. The Real Housewives of Atlanta firebrand NeNe Leakes wasn’t shy about blasting Star Jones. Gary Busey wasn’t shy about taking to a pole at Surrender at Steve Wynn’s Encore. 2010 Playmate of the Year Hope Dworaczyk wasn’t shy about showing her skills as the driver of a hijacked limo. And DJ and rapper Lil Jon wasn’t ... Read more...
Wanda Sykes talks Las Vegas, raising twins and her love for standup
By Mark Adams, Vegas DeLuxe contributor Notable for starring in knee-slapper films such as Monster-in-Law opposite Jane Fonda and TV comedies such as The New Adventures of Old Christine opposite Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Wanda Sykes certainly has the humorous sidekick role down. If it’s her hilarious one-liners or funny jabs at the protagonist you enjoy, you’re in luck! Sykes will take the stage with her standup tomorrow and Saturday at The Mirage, and tickets are discounted 25 percent. The past few ... Read more...
Photos: The Real World begins; cast parties with Jersey Shore
It’s become one of the most successful and longest-running franchises in TV history, and it’s considered “the original reality TV show.” MTV’s The Real World returns tonight with its 25th season starring a cast of seven unknowns headquartered at a Hard Rock Hotel high-roller suite. Critics will slam it again, and those who decry Las Vegas as a city that rubber stamps casual sex and drunken behavior will have their criticisms confirmed. But for fans and MTV viewers, they’ll reward ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Russell Brand is named Comedy Star of the Year
British comedy actor Russell Brand, newly married to hometown pop princess Katy Perry, will receive the CinemaCon Comedy Star of the Year Award during the movie convention March 28-31 at Caesars Palace. Russell will be presented with the honor at the inaugural CinemaCon Big Screen Achievement Awards on March 31 at The Colosseum. Russell’s recent comedy Get Him to the Greek was partly filmed at Planet Hollywood, which hosted a red carpet premiere, and his credits also include 2008’s Forgetting ... Read more...
Photos: Don King and Bob Arum battle outside the boxing ring
Incomparable Hall of Fame promoters Don King and my neighbor, hometown legend Bob Arum, who have been dubbed by USA Today as “sport’s longest-running adversaries,” will battle it out in a Q&A Media Roundtable tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. on Showtime’s Web site Sports.Sho.com and TopRank.com. Much has been written about Bob and Don, and now boxing fans have the chance to see it all unfold with the exclusive online offering. Some boxing scribes have already written that the best matchup ... Read more...
Nightclub & Bar photos: Jesse Jane’s tequila; The Situation’s vodka
Pint-sized porn princess Jesse Jane packed a powerful punch when she dazzled and wowed the delegates at the three-day Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show yesterday as she launched her new line of pure and flavored Diosa Tequilas. The exhibit floor at the Las Vegas Convention Center came to a halt when Jesse appeared, and contributing photographer Scott Harrison was there to capture the action. Last night, Jesse hosted a VIP tasting party at the Augustus Tower at Caesars ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Zak Bagans wants to investigate The White House
Ghost hunter Zak Bagans is turning to fans of his Travel Channel series Ghost Adventures to win over The White House. He’s petitioned President Obama and Congress to get access to investigate ghost sightings at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. The Las Vegas on-air host and producer tells me, though, that he’s heard nothing: “After months of trying as an American citizen and a media professional with a large audience, I believe I am entitled to explore the phenomena and share my ... Read more...
One of Keenan Cahill’s birthday gifts: Playboy Club key for 2016(!)
It will be another five years before teen YouTube phenomenon Keenan Cahill can use The Playboy Club key given to him on his birthday. He turns 21 in 2016, and he’s already achieving star status thanks to his social networking skills. Executives at the Palms and 9 Group presented the singing sensation with a unique birthday bash at Nove Italiano, and Jersey Shore stars DJ Pauly D and Vinny Guadagnino helped Keenan celebrate. Executive Chef Geno Bernardo created a special ... Read more...
Nightclub & Bar convention features celebrities and Las Vegas awards
More than 28,000 nightclub and bar industry professionals have arrived for the annual Nightclub & Bar Convention, one of America’s biggest and most important nightlife and beverage industry events of the year, and celebrities in attendance include Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, Dave Navarro, Matt Sorum, Willie Gault and syndicated radio star Tom Leykis, who will give Wednesday’s keynote speech. Additionally, porn stars Jesse Jane will be on hand to launch her tequila brand, and Ron Jeremy will launch his brand ... Read more...
Celebrity recap: Mario Lopez, Snoop Dogg, Brittany Snow, Whitney Port
The stars were in alignment everywhere you turned during the 72-hour, nonstop revelry in the Las Vegas nightlife scene over the weekend. Kim Kardashian and Holly Madison kicked off the gala celebrations for the opening of the Sugar Factory candy emporium, and then the next night when singer Drake and star DJ Samantha Ronson opened the new nightclub Chateau, both at the Paris. Traffic slowed to a crawl as motorists and pedestrians alike jammed the Strip-front venues, and extra police ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Jersey Shore stars kick off MTV Spring Break at Palms
Jersey Shore stars DJ Pauly D and newcomer Deena Cortese helped launch MTV’s four-day Spring Break from the Palms last night, and there was a surprise concert this afternoon by hometown hero Ne-Yo, along with performances by Pitbull, Wiz Khalifa and Snoop Dogg. This is the first time MTV has filmed its annual Spring Break shows here since they first began in 1986. Deena nearly went sliding into a pool yesterday when she slipped on a wet stage but caught ... Read more...
Photos: Legendary Eric Clapton at MGM Grand Garden Arena
Music legend Eric Clapton and his exemplary guitar skills were on full display Saturday night at MGM Grand Garden Arena, and contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was on duty for this VegasDeLuxe.com photo gallery. The multiple Grammy-winning British guitarist, singer and songwriter has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times — as a solo artist and as a member of Cream and The Yardbirds. Los Lobos served as the opening act. Robin Leach has been a ... Read more...
NASCAR photos: Paris Hilton leads celebrity turnout at LVMS
Blond beauty Paris Hilton and boyfriend nightlife czar Cy Waits stole the show at yesterday’s Kobalt Tools Sprint Cup 400 NASCAR Series won by Carl Edwards for the second time in four years. The twosome, rumored to be getting engaged shortly, flew into Las Vegas Motor Speedway on a Maverick Helicopter from The Strip for the sold-out championship race. “I just love NASCAR,” she said. It was a star-studded turnout under sunny clear blue skies, and our contributing photographer Tom ... Read more...
Photos: Criss Angel, award winner and new Magic Hall of Fame member
Mindfreak illusionist Criss Angel has been recognized with the two highest awards in the world of magic and has become the youngest ever magician to be honored by two top organizations. Our hometown legend Lance Burton joined with World Magic Seminar’s Bob Rossi to present Criss with the World Magic Legacy Award recognizing Criss as a Living Legend for his unparalleled achievements and changing the face of magic. Criss is the youngest recipient of the award since the WMS was ... Read more...
Carl Edwards wins NASCAR race for second time in four years at LVMS
NASCAR driver Carl Edwards won the Kobalt Tools 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this afternoon, edging Tony Stewart and with racing legend Juan Pablo Montoya finished third. Sports Editor Ray Brewer has all the details of Edwards’ victory in his story on LasVegassSun.com. Thanks to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for these quick and fast photographs. Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the ... Read more...
Photos: ‘Memorable’ night for Drake at Chateau grand opening at Paris
“Memorable!” That was the one-word summary — plus an air-drawn exclamation point — from R&B superstar Drake last night as he celebrated the opening of Chateau nightclub atop the Sugar Factory at the Paris. It was the second consecutive night of fan mayhem on The Strip, as there were just as many people packing the sidewalk for Drake as were there 24 hours earlier for Kim Kardashian when she celebrated Sugar Factory’s opening. Everybody agreed that it was an over-the-top ... Read more...
NASCAR photos: Wrecks, crashes, and Danica Patrick makes history
Danica Patrick broke through the glass ceiling and made history when she recorded the highest finish ever for a female driver in a NASCAR race yesterday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Her achievement stole the spotlight from Mark Martin, who slipped past Brad Keselowski on the final lap to earn his 49th career NASCAR Nationwide Series victory in the Sam’s Town 300. Brad appeared to be cruising to the win but cut a tire on the final lap and smacked ... Read more...
Photos: Holly Madison, Mel B, Kim Kardashian at Sugar Factory debut
“Delicious!” That was the one word — with an air-drawn exclamation point — that Kim Kardashian told me as she summed up the gala opening of the candy emporium Sugar Factory at the Paris last night. Kim was presented with a one-of-a-kind $1 million diamond-encrusted Couture Pop and matching necklace covered with 125 carats of flawless white diamonds and 200 grams of 18 carat white gold. The unique lollipop is now on display in the confectionary Strip-front windows. “Now that’s ... Read more...
NASCAR photos: Qualifying laps at LVMS include record 188 mph
The final tickets for tomorrow’s prestigious NASCAR 400 should be sold out by this afternoon, and that will mark a 10-year sellout streak for the Las Vegas Motor Speedway that began with the 2002 event. And that’s including a 30 percent increase in seating over the decade. “In what are still challenging economic times, today’s turnout is a testament to the popularity of Las Vegas Motor Speedway, this great city and NASCAR’s premier racing series,” LVMS President Chris Powell said. ... Read more...
Photos: Emmitt Smith a surprise winner in first day of NBC’s Heads-Up
The fact that top poker pros Phil Hellmuth and Daniel Negreanu were knocked out of yesterday’s first round of the $1.8 million, three-day NBC Heads-Up poker tournament normally would be the headline story. But the surprise winner for the first day of play was NFL superstar Emmitt Smith in the Hearts bracket in upsetting top poker prince David Williams. He outdazzled the competition as if he was still dancing with the stars. Other favorite celebrities including Jennifer Tilly, Jason Alexander ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Mike Tyson among Las Vegas VIPs in upcoming TV shows
Boxing legend Mike Tyson was a youngster who raised racing pigeons in Brooklyn as an escape from the mean streets. That led to his fighting skills because he was bullied at school about the activity. Mike admits that the first time he punched somebody, it was because an older kid had taken one of his birds, broken its head and sprayed the blood over him! Now the former champion, 44, is working with pigeon trainers to compete in East Coast ... Read more...
Photos: Celebrities, pros battle in NBC’s $1.8 million Heads-Up
In first-round play in the NBC Heads-Up Poker Championship today at Caesars Palace, the one-on-one battles start out fast and furious. Actress Jennifer Tilly faces veteran Doyle Brunson, Vanessa Rousso battles ace player Michael Mizrachi, and top poker pros Peter Eastgate and Chris Ferguson have at each other, as do Phil Laak and Daniel Negreanu. It will be touch and go for our Twitter titan Barry Greenstein as he faces Scotty Nguyen. Emmitt Smith will probably have a tough time ... Read more...
NASCAR photos: Hauler parade rules The Strip; autographs galore
It was the night The Strip turned into Thunder Road. Horns blared, motorists flashed lights and pedestrians cheered, and NASCAR race weekend was officially underway with last night’s hauler parade that stretched the 5-mile route from South Point to the Sahara. Contributing photographers Tom Donoghue and Glenn Pinkerton and Brian Jones of Las Vegas News Bureau captured all the excitement as some 70 18-wheelers carrying NASCAR Nationwide Series racecars and equipment headed to Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The multimillion-dollar trucks, ... Read more...
Celebrity forecast: Chateau, Sugar Factory, NASCAR, The Real World
This weekend is set to be one of the biggest entertainment extravaganzas of the New Year — it’s one high-speed, 72-hour package of thrills, and not just because NASCAR stars are at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the Sprint Cup Series 400. Las Vegas also welcomes Kim Kardashian and Drake opening the highly anticipated Sugar Factory and Chateau nightclub at the Paris, plus MTV’s The Real World 25th anniversary season launches at the Hard Rock Hotel, and the cast of ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Las Vegas shows assisting with PBS fundraising
Las Vegas entertainers are center stage next week as PBS kicks off its fundraising efforts. It begins Sunday night with music mogul David Foster, who has produced, arranged and recorded with everybody from Barbra Streisand to Whitney Houston, as he presents Great Performances. The two-hour maestro’s masterpiece was filmed last October at Mandalay Bay with Martina McBride, Natalie Cole, Earth Wind & Fire, Ne-Yo, Michael Bolton, Chaka Khan, Kenny Loggins and Donna Summer. Ten-year-old America’s Got Talent sensation Jackie Evancho ... Read more...
NASCAR champion, author, comedian and television host Michael Waltrip
By Nikki Villoria, Vegas DeLuxe contributor TV host, New York Times bestselling author, NASCAR driver and touring comedian. This might sound like a list of four different people, but the reality is it’s just some of the many hats that Michael Waltrip wears every day. Making headlines for his new book In the Blink of an Eye: Dale, Daytona and the Day That Changed Everything, Waltrip, 47, recounts the events and his inner struggles with a huge personal victory and ... Read more...
Photos: Five-mile hauler parade officially kicks off NASCAR Weekend
With the NASCAR Weekend hauler parade thundering up The Strip today at 6 p.m., the 2011 race weekend festivities are officially kicked off and underway. Las Vegas Motor Speedway officials expect 50 of the 18-wheel haulers to start at South Point and make the 5-mile journey to the Sahara, where they will turn onto I-15 for the final lap out to LVMS. Dirt track racing begins there at 7 p.m. for the USAC Sprint Car and Midget racing. Today is ... Read more...
Hundreds of mermaids to make a splash on The Strip in first awards
There’s already phenomenal global interest in the first World Mermaid Awards to be held here this summer. In fact, 1,000 mermaids, mermen and aquatic fans have already signed up from all over the world for the pool parties at The Mirage in August. Even the “black-tie fins” awards take place in the tropical pool oasis. The Strip splash for the lovers of liquid life has only been announced to date on YouTube and WorldMermaidAwards.com. Now organizer Sita Lange of Maui ... Read more...
Poker pros and celebrities face off for $1.8 million in NBC’s Heads-Up
The who’s who of the poker world meets face-to-face tonight with some very sharp-skilled celebrities. Poker’s most prestigious heads-up tournament with 64 of the best players in the world are set to walk the red carpet at Pure at Caesars Palace and party as the first-round brackets are announced for the 7th annual tournament presented by GoDaddy.com and filmed all weekend long by NBC. At stake in the Heads-Up Poker Championship is $1.8 million in combined prize money. The buy-in ... Read more...
Photos: Cold War Kids perform to a packed house at Beauty Bar
By Nikki Villoria, VegasDeLuxe.com contributor The Long Beach, Calif., four-man band Cold War Kids rocked out to a packed Beauty Bar in downtown Las Vegas last night. The retrofitted salon-styled bar opened its doors at 9 p.m. for a back patio concert that was presented by Spin and Cricket Wireless’s Muve Music. Cold War Kids started out in 2004 practicing in an apartment storage space. In the spring of 2005, they released their first demo recordings and began self-planning tours ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: ACM Awards’ top nominees to perform at MGM Grand
Each of the country music superstars nominated for the coveted Entertainer of the Year will perform at the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3. Nominees Jason Aldean, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban will all grace the stage for the live CBS broadcast before the top honor is announced. For the third consecutive year, fans will select the winner. Starting March 11, fans can vote at ... Read more...
Photos: Greg London’s new home at the Las Vegas Hilton
It was tough to tell the real stars at the Las Vegas Hilton last night from those that rock-singing impressionist Greg London duplicated onstage in the Shimmer Theater. That was definitely the real Flavor Flav, but that was Greg as an uncanny version of Ozzy Osbourne and Michael Jackson. In fact, Greg just kept his rat-a-tat machine gun impressions firing at high speed all night long. Greg, who hails from Reno but grew up in my old home country of ... Read more...
Playmate of the Year Hope Dworaczyk on successor, Celebrity Apprentice
2010 Playmate of the Year Hope Dworaczyk debuts on TV screens across the country Sunday when Donald Trump’s new season of Celebrity Apprentice premieres, and she has another hotel mogul, Steve Wynn, to thank for it. Her stunning 34C-23-35 figure is already known to Playboy readers from the 55th anniversary Playmate search. She was named the winner here at The Playboy Club at the Palms and appeared in the cover pictorial of last June’s issue complete with a 3D — ... Read more...
NASCAR news: Tony Stewart plays cabbie; poker benefit at Stratosphere
If you’re in line at the MGM Grand taxi stand this afternoon and a street legal #14 Mobil 1 Chevrolet stock car pulls up as your ride to McCarran, don’t be alarmed, as it’s likely NASCAR champion Tony Stewart behind the wheel. This morning, the two-time NASCAR champion is at Lucky Cab learning the ropes before his special taxi goes out hunting for fares — and surprised NASCAR fans. Tony trades his race-day suit to suit up as a Las ... Read more...
Photos: DWTS Season 12 cast contains no strong Las Vegas ties
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor For the first time since the launch of VegasDeLuxe.com on Nov. 1, 2008, and Season 8 of ABC’s juggernaut Dancing With the Stars, the cast of celebrities and professional dancers contains no strong local connections — not even three-time pro champion and Las Vegas Academy star Derek Hough is on the dance floor this season — so we’re taken Season 12 off from blogging after each performance and results show Monday and Tuesday nights. ... Read more...
Sneak peek photos: Chateau, Sugar Factory, Chocolate Lounge at Paris
It’s become one of the most highly anticipated nightlife openings of the New Year, and VegasDeLuxe.com has the exclusive first-look photos. Hollywood stars are flying in for this weekend’s festivities at the new palace of sweet treats Sugar Factory and the new nightclub Chateau, both at the Paris. Contributing photographer Tom Donoghue, who shot these fabulous photo galleries for VegasDeLuxe.com, agreed that it’s an extraordinary, around-the-clock entertainment extravaganza. And that’s not just because the uniforms for the stunning servers there ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Claire Sinclair returns to Crazy Horse Paris in April
Playboy pinup model Claire Sinclair, who graced the magazine’s pages as Miss October, is set to return to Crazy Horse Paris at MGM Grand just as voting for the new Playmate of the Year ends. Claire is one of the Playmate leaders and will be back at the MGM show for encore performances April 20-27. At 19, Claire holds the title of youngest guest star, and her debut there last fall was shown on last week’s Holly’s World on E! ... Read more...
Photos: Miss America returns home; Miss Arkansas preps for Strip debut
2011 Miss America Teresa Scanlan has returned home to Nebraska for the first time since being crowned here in January at Planet Hollywood. She’s been on the road for six weeks since the coronation and relying on FedEx shipments to complement her mandatory lone suitcase for the 30,000-plus miles she’s already traveled. Teresa celebrated her 18th birthday at Super Bowl XLV in Dallas and has already flown to as far as Hawaii for appearances. Returning for her homecoming, Teresa traveled ... Read more...
Photos: Holly Madison lights up the night at Hard Rock Cafe on The Strip
By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor The Hard Rock Cafe on The Strip celebrated the unveiling of its new exterior last night with Peepshow and Holly’s World star and Las Vegas’ Sweetheart Holly Madison. Madison officially flipped the switched and illuminated the cafe, making Neon City’s skyline a little brighter — who knew it was possible?! The Hard Rock Cafe’s exterior modifications include the installation of more than 100,000 LED light strips to all vertical window trim pieces; a 73-foot-by-6-foot ... Read more...
Star Surveillance: Jenny McCarthy, Ice-T, Coco, Frank Marino, 'Hangover'
Rapper and actor Ice-T and his “Peepshow” at Planet Hollywood star wife Coco Austin on Wednesday night watched Frank Marino’s “Divas” ...
‘Michael Jackson One’ is Cirque’s best and includes snow at Mandalay
Die-hard Michael Jackson fans flew in from as far away as Thailand and Japan to attend Thursday night’s first preview performance of Cirque ...
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