Most Popular
2013 Billboard Music Awards preview: Prince, Madonna, Bieber and Swift
‘Tim McGraw’s Superstar Summer Night’ at MGM airs Sunday on CBS
Celebrity preview: Woods, Bieber, Swift, Prince, Madonna and Kid Rock
Exclusive Shania Twain Q+A: New songs and album, L.V. residency
Photos: Tiger keeps Lindsey hidden in L.V. amid engagement rumors
Recent Posts
Star Surveillance: Shawn Johnson, Nicolas Cage, Lifehouse, NFL stars
Photos: Jennifer Lopez and Verizon promote Viva Movil at The Venetian
Tao Group and Rape Crisis Center enter partnership in Las Vegas
Photos: Wet ’n’ Wild water park is ready to make a splash in Las Vegas
Crazy Horse III halts Crazy Horse Too name; rival club opening anyway
Strip Scribbles: Goodman roast? Rouven lawsuit? Longoria sans skivvies
Preview: Light, Daylight and Eclipse at Mandalay Bay are ready to rumble
Photos: Billboard Awards a ratings hit with stars and outrageous outfits
‘Cake Boss’ star Buddy Valastro to open Italian eatery at Palazzo
Louie Anderson makes waves at Plaza; ‘The Showbiz Roast’ to return
Archives
- May 2008
- June 2008
- July 2008
- August 2008
- September 2008
- October 2008
- November 2008
- December 2008
- January 2009
- February 2009
- March 2009
- April 2009
- May 2009
- June 2009
- July 2009
- August 2009
- September 2009
- October 2009
- November 2009
- December 2009
- January 2010
- February 2010
- March 2010
- April 2010
- May 2010
- June 2010
- July 2010
- August 2010
- September 2010
- October 2010
- November 2010
- December 2010
- January 2011
- February 2011
- March 2011
- April 2011
- May 2011
- June 2011
- July 2011
- August 2011
- September 2011
- October 2011
- November 2011
- December 2011
- January 2012
- February 2012
- March 2012
- April 2012
- May 2012
- June 2012
- July 2012
- August 2012
- September 2012
- October 2012
- November 2012
- December 2012
- January 2013
- February 2013
- March 2013
- April 2013
- May 2013
Luxe Life Blog • Archive for February 2012
Star Surveillance: Randi Zuckerberg, Rick Faugno and Rita Rudner
Randi Zuckerberg, entrepreneur and sister of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, celebrated her 30th birthday Monday night attending Rick Faugno’s song-and-dance-man show in the Lounge at the Palms. Randi, in a black glittery dress, joined Rick onstage and sang the classic “Summertime” from “Porgy and Bess”. After the show, Randi and her friends hit the Fancy Sauce party at nearby Moon, where she was presented with a birthday cake. Earlier in the evening, Mark hosted a birthday dinner for 20, including ... Read more...
Flamingo headliner Nathan Burton’s ‘unforgettable’ trip to China
“It was an unforgettable experience that will last a lifetime. Crazy, chaotic, but definitely never to be forgotten.” That’s the verdict from Flamingo headliner magician Nathan Burton after his four-day trip to China. He slept all the way home from Shanghai and made his own Strip show with two hours to spare. “I think that was even more intense,” he told me. “I was onstage at the Flamingo exactly 33 hours after leaving the other side of the world. We ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Holly’s 24-hour Disneyland visit; Celine’s wax figure
“Peepshow” blonde bombshell Holly Madison is taking on a unique Leap Day challenge today. A big fan of Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., the Strip burlesque star is taking part in a 24-hour last visitor standing contest. With her Planet Hollywood co-star Josh Strickland by her side for support, Holly began at 6 a.m. today and has to still be enjoying the rides at 6 a.m. Thursday. Disney officials decided to keep the attraction open for the round-the-clock marathon to mark ... Read more...
Photos: Vegas Uncork’d ceremony sets record for uncorked wine bottles
If lunch was served late at your favorite Las Vegas restaurant today, blame the star chefs, their sommeliers and the owners, but congratulate all 308 of them for claiming a new Guinness World Record. Our food industry professionals had just 30 seconds this morning to open a fully corked bottle of wine — no bubbly — and to ensure no damaged corks or spilled grape juice. It was achieved in nearly simultaneous military precision as the victors held bottles and ... Read more...
Brooke Burke-Charvet talks husband David Charvet, Derek Hough, L.V.
“Dancing With the Stars” champion turned co-host Brooke Burke-Charvet is the cover girl of the March issue of our sister publication Vegas magazine, and we have a preview. The Miss America Pageant co-host and mother of four opens up to Vegas about her love for Las Vegas and how she balances being a mother and a TV host. Brooke also talks about the details that go into planning her “DWTS” looks, her admiration for former dance partner and cast member ... Read more...
Photos: Girls go really wild at Chippendales’ 10th anniversary at the Rio
The screaming is deafening! The applause is overwhelming! The enthusiasm is out of control! All because of handsome men ripping off their white tank tops and dropping their pants to reveal nearly everything. It really is girls gone wild, and I was right in the center of it. Welcome to the wildness of the amorous audience at Chippendales, now celebrating its 10th anniversary at the Rio with “The Bachelor” and “Dancing With the Stars” heartthrob Jake Pavelka as the guest ... Read more...
Counter Intelligence: Piero’s, Lupo, Siegel Group, farmers market, GBDC
Hot off the grill! The party for Piero’s 30th anniversary Monday night was a Las Vegas VIP-filled celebration, and owner Evan Glussman, now in the second generation of the landmark Italian eatery, is hoping his daughter will become the third-generation owner and keep it going for another 30. When you visit, get him to tell you the story of how and why President Kennedy’s portrait was moved when certain mobsters came to eat and the unique reservations system they used ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: High wire above Strip; NASCAR Weekend; Zak Bagans
High-wire daredevil Tony Hernandez, who nightly pulls off the death-defying walk through the sky above the audience at “Absinthe” in Caesars Palace, is planning an even more dangerous tightrope stunt. Tony, who a week ago carried “How I Met Your Mother” actor Neil Patrick Harris across the high wire on a chair, wants to do a back-and-forth across the Strip. He’s planned the route from Caesars Entertainment properties Caesars Palace to the Flamingo. Tony wants to walk it in one ... Read more...
John Mayer, Garbage, Kreayshawn, Cage the Elephant set L.V. dates
Singer John Mayer and ‘90s rockers Garbage have announced upcoming shows in Las Vegas, adding two more big names to an already impressive list of concerts scheduled on and near the Strip this spring. Mayer, joined by special guest Kacey Musgraves, will play the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel on Saturday, May 5, at 8 p.m. The tour comes in anticipation of his upcoming fifth album “Born and Raised.” Tickets to see the Grammy Award-winning crooner go on sale ... Read more...
Celine Dion cancels run of shows, ordered to take 8 weeks of rest
Superstar singer Celine Dion has announced that she has to cancel her current run of Caesars Palace shows through March 18 due to the throat infection she is battling. Medical specialists also have ordered her to rest her voice for 8 weeks to allow her a complete recovery. Vegas DeLuxe reported the two sets of prior postponed shows last week as we revealed she was first fighting laryngitis and then a viral infection, which expanded her vocal chords. Now, however, ... Read more...
Season 14 of ‘Dancing With the Stars’ includes L.V. resident Gladys Knight
Las Vegas resident and headliner Gladys Knight is going dancing — “Dancing With the Stars,” that is. This morning on “Good Morning America,” the eight-time Grammy Award winner was revealed by “DWTS” co-hosts Tom Bergeron and Brooke Burke-Charvet as one of the six women joining six men set to head to the dance floor for Season 14 that premieres March 19 on ABC. Gladys’ casting came as a surprise, as she hadn’t even been rumored in the buildup to this ... Read more...
Star Surveillance: Mark Sanchez, Nic Cage, Travis Barker, Hines Ward
Blink-182 drummer extraordinaire Travis Barker and Mix-Master Mike performed a crowd-pleasing mix of hip hop and punk rock beats that had clubgoers in a party mood that commenced at 1:15 a.m. Saturday at 1 OAK in the Mirage and continued until dawn’s early light. While in town, Travis, the ex-husband of Shanna Moakler, took his kids to Jabbawockeez’s “MUS.I.C. at the Monte Carlo, met the cast backstage after the show, posed for a photograph and went home with souvenir white ... Read more...
Photos: Celebrity Bingo Bow Wow for NSPCA at the Silverton
It truly was an event that went to the dogs as Strip celebrities turned out for Celebrity Bingo Bow Wow at Veil Pavilion in Silverton Casino Lodge on Saturday to raise funds for the Nevada Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to support its no-kill animal shelter. Attendees included Richard “The Old Man” Harrison from “Pawn Stars, Zak Bagans and Aaron Goodwin from “Ghost Adventures,” pro BMX rider Ricardo Laguna, magicians Nathan Burton, Murray Sawchuck and Tommy Wind, The ... Read more...
Photos: Shirley Jones, Hal Linden at Oscar Night; Cirque at the Oscars
All eyes were on the Hollywood stars on the Academy Awards red carpet Sunday night in Hollywood — especially Angelina Jolie and her thigh-high slit — but attendees at Las Vegas’ official fundraiser Oscar Night made it a memorable evening, as well, for Variety Children’s Charity. “Defending the Caveman” star Kevin Burke hosted the closed-circuit telecast at Brenden Theaters in the Palms and was unfortunately hit in a prized wardrobe malfunction spot by Shirley Jones’ husband Marty Ingels when he ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Sinatra’s spirit; Penn wins $40,000; Dita’s Strip-Teese
“Ghost Adventures” lead investigator and producer Zak Bagans is planning three days of filming starting Tuesday for an episode at the Riviera, and he’s recruited two big fans to be guest detectives: Motley Crue frontman Vince Neil and poker champion Jamie Gold will investigate the nefarious 9th Floor and Frank Sinatra’s old suite at the Riviera. “There’s lots of history, emotions and imprints there, so we may find paranormal evidence,” Las Vegas resident Zak told me. While Jamie is on ... Read more...
Counter Intelligence: Project Dinner Table; wine record; Restaurant Week
Hot off the grill! Demand for the annual Restaurant Week that benefits our Three Square food bank has been so strong that now the first spring edition has been added, and more than 70 restaurants will participate starting today through Sunday. Each restaurant has created a multi-course, prix fixe menu at $20.12, $30.12 or $50.12, with a portion helping the fight against hunger in Southern Nevada. The Conrad Hilton Foundation has pledged $3 million in matching funds. Among the new ... Read more...
Photos: Wives, moms dazzle at 2012 Mrs. Nevada America at Suncoast
Don’t ever tell a married woman with children that she’s no longer a sexy lady! Ten of Nevada’s finest wives and mothers looked sizzling and dazzling Sunday night as finalists in the 36th Annual Mrs. Nevada America Pageant at Suncoast. Congratulations to Krista Jelowsky, who defeated nine other women — and also won four other awards for Mrs. Photogenic, Best Judges Interview, Highest Ticket Sales and Largest Program Ad sales. Krista will now compete in the Mrs. America Pageant in ... Read more...
Photos: The Budos Band at Body English in the Hard Rock Hotel
The Budos Band performed at Body English in the Hard Rock Hotel on Saturday night, and contributing photographer Erik Kabik was on duty for a photo gallery of the concert. Budos Band’s music is a mix of Afro Beat, psychedelic hard rock and big-band jazz with New York attitude — imagine New Orleans-based Galactic playing with Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti and the Tower of Power horns section and Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler’s fuzz bass. The band’s third full-length studio album, ... Read more...
Photos: ‘Spartacus: Vengeance’ stars at Sugar Factory, Chateau
By Don Chareunsy “Spartacus: Vengeance” stars Katrina Law, Ellen Hollman, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Bonnie Sveen and Stephen Dunlevy made Las Vegas their Friday night playground for fun, with stops at Sugar Factory American Brasserie at the Paris, followed by nearby Chateau Nightclub & Gardens to work off the calories of the super-sweet dining hotspot. The Starz stars’ meal included burgers, roasted free-range chicken breast, a seared ahi tuna Nicoise salad and a Cookie Jar Sundae (cookie dough, cookies, sweet cream ice ... Read more...
Photos: David Gray is charming, passionate at the Cosmopolitan
By Michael Squires During a quiet moment in his show at the Cosmopolitan on Friday night, as his band took a break, singer-songwriter David Gray sat at his piano and offered the crowd a new tune. “I have to play it,” he said. “It’s called ‘Snow in Vegas.’ It’s about a drug experience.” Amid a two-hour set that touched the best of Gray’s catalog, it seemed as if he’d written this one just for the night: Just as I was ... Read more...
Photos: Star-studded opening for Peter Lik’s gallery at Mandalay Place
By Don Chareunsy Acclaimed landscape photographer Peter Lik celebrated the grand opening of his Lik Gallery at Mandalay Place on Saturday night, and celebrities and hundreds of his collectors joined him at the festive and star-studded soiree. Attendees of the event for Lik, who was sporting a Daytona 500 leather jacket, faded blue jeans and a beanie, included Luxor headliner magician Criss Angel rockin’ black leather pants, “Peepshow” star Holly Madison in an elegant black dress, Joey Fatone of ’N ... Read more...
Exclusive: ‘Pawn Stars’ star Rick Harrison engaged to DeAnna Burditt
Congratulations to “Pawn Stars” star Rick Harrison, who has revealed his engagement to girlfriend DeAnna Burditt. The couple, who met at Vintner Grill in Summerlin a year ago, were together at the grand opening of the Peter Lik gallery in Mandalay Place tonight. It will be Rick’s third marriage — “the third time is the charm,” he told me. Rick secretly gave DeAnna a 2 1/2-carat cushion-cut diamond ring two weeks ago but went public with the news for the ... Read more...
Danica Patrick starts NASCAR debut with No. 1 pole position
In two weeks, regular Las Vegas visitor Danica Patrick will race at our Las Vegas Motor Speedway when NASCAR weekend gets underway here March 9. First, though, today, just 24 hours after escaping a violent crash with only bruises in her Sprint Cup qualifying race at the Daytona 500, Danica captured her first NASCAR pole position in her 26th attempt. That means that she’s got the starting spot for today’s Nationwide Series race. Then she makes her Sprint Cup debut ... Read more...
Celine Dion is KO’d for 11 days in battle with laryngitis
Superstar singer Celine Dion has been forced to cancel four more shows in her escalating battle with an illness attacking her vocal chords. For the first time in four years, the Canadian songbird missed a show and had to bow out of her return Wednesday concert at the Colosseum in Caesars Palace when doctors advised her not to go onstage at the last moment because of laryngitis. We reported the canceled show Thursday and how fellow Canadian superstar singer Shania ... Read more...
Photos: Sammy Hagar is a rebel rocker with a cause
Business is booming at Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, but he’s not going to expand his three popular party hangouts into a nationwide chain. He also is thrilled that his tequila brand and new Beach Bar Rum explosion lets him play music when he wants, where he wants, even if it’s free or with low ticket prices. Sammy’s the rebel red rocker with a cause — and with a big heart to ... Read more...
Cher on tour; Davi’s dynamite debut; Penn leads ‘Celebrity Apprentice’
Cher returns! Legendary and ageless singer and actress Cher (she’s actually 65 and has turned back time) is embarking on a world tour for the first time in seven years starting in Kansas in September. I’m told that the former two-year Caesars Palace headliner who vowed to never hit the road again will include Las Vegas on the itinerary. Her “Living Proof: Farewell Tour” ran from 2002 to 2005. Cher says the global tour will feature her hits and newer ... Read more...
Celebrity preview: Chippendales, Jake Pavelka, Travis Barker, David Gray
The spotlight shines on all the Oscar stars in Hollywood this weekend, but we have our own authorized Academy Awards red carpet party, too. “Defending the Caveman” star Kevin Burke, who hosts, has even made a prediction for the movie to walk away with the gold statuettes. “As a psychic, I’m safely predicting that ‘The Artist’ will clean up, leaving a stunned audience having to clap and cheer for a film most of them haven’t seen,” he told me. Kevin’s ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Paris President David Hoenemeyer welcomes ‘Jersey Boys’
The cast of the hit musical “Jersey Boys” were welcomed to their new home at the Paris this morning. The boys, donning bright red jackets, arrived in an open red Cadillac convertible for a presentation by Paris President David Hoenemeyer and his casino resort team members. For the first time ever, the cast presented a Four Seasons jacket (the show is based on the lives of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons) to the head honcho who hails from New ... Read more...
Chippendales guest host Jake Pavelka: ‘My stamina is unstoppable’
Chippendales at the Rio is about to get even hotter starting tonight when “The Bachelor” star and “Dancing With the Stars” contestant Jake Pavelka appears as celebrity guest host through March 18. Jake tells me that he’s not planning to strip down to boxers or briefs, but says his tuxedo jacket and V-neck shirt may come off in all the fun: “I just know every night will be wild!” Jake told me: “I saw the show for the first time ... Read more...
Exclusive: With Celine Dion sidelined, Shania Twain takes center stage
For several days since returning to Las Vegas, superstar singer Celine Dion has been fighting laryngitis. I was reliably told that she has been under doctors’ orders and followed all treatments to rest her vocal chords. She was ready to restart her Colosseum at Caesars Palace engagement with Wednesday night’s sold-out concert, but just two hours before curtain up, she became ill again. Celine was promptly ordered by her doctors not to perform and to rest to ensure a full ... Read more...
New residency for Carlos Santana at House of Blues at Mandalay Bay
Guitar guru Carlos Santana is to become the first-ever resident headliner at the House of Blues in Mandalay Bay. Expect an official announcement today with full details of the new concert engagements, although the Los Angeles Times posted a report Wednesday (but, oddly, dated today). Carlos, who lives part time in Las Vegas and Hawaii, was at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel for a 2 1/2-year residency that ended in November before the jump onto the Strip at ... Read more...
Counter Intelligence: Hsieh’s latest fave; $335,000 burger; James Beard
Hot off the grill! One of the men who is single-handedly revitalizing downtown Las Vegas, Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh, is set to get credit for beginning a new dining experience there, too. Tony has reportedly persuaded the owners of New York’s Slice Perfect Food to open near his new corporate headquarters in downtown Las Vegas. The super-pie restaurant on Manhattan’s Hudson Street is hailed for its organic menu, vegan options and mad-scientist pizza experiments and has become one of the ... Read more...
‘Bizarre Foods’ host Andrew Zimmern films 100th episode in L.V.
TV cameras rolled here for six days as “Bizarre Foods” host Andrew Zimmern filmed the milestone 100th episode of his top-rated Travel Channel series. Among the segments for the one-hour show were dining adventures with Hubert Keller from Fleur at Mandalay Bay with his $5,000 burger and the $750 cupcake at Sweet Surrender at the Palazzo. Andrew, who lives in Minneapolis, dined with chefs Rick Moonen from RM Seafood at Mandalay Bay, Masa Takayama of Bar Masa at Aria and ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Shania Twain in town planning Caesars Palace residency
Country superstar Shania Twain is in Las Vegas plotting the early stages of her residency starting Dec. 1 at the Colosseum in Caesars Palace. She’s here from her Bahamas home with husband Frederic Thiebaud. Shania confirmed that she’s looking for a house while she’s performing here and has been in production meetings at the Colosseum with her producing partners at AEG/Concerts West. I’m told that she’s toured the theater and walked and danced across its stage. My exclusive interview with ... Read more...
Three dreams come true for Flamingo headliner Marie Osmond
A triple dream has come true for singer Marie Osmond just as brother Donny Osmond and she get ready to leave Las Vegas next week for a five-day Bahamas cruise. Marie is celebrating the fantastic news that her work for Children’s Miracle Network has now officially surpassed $3 billion in contributions. She is celebrating a first-ever three-week run of holiday shows booked with Donny at the Pantages Theater in L.A. this December. And she is celebrating a planned 2013 concert ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: DJ Pauly D vs. Nikki Sixx (one takes the high road)
It could’ve become an escalating, all-out war of words on Twitter, but new Hard Rock Hotel resident DJ Pauly D played nice guy after Motley Crue’s Nikki Sixx blasted the “Jersey Shore” reality TV star. Both appeared under the same HRH roof Saturday night. It began with Nikki’s slam from the Joint against the new Rehab and Vanity resident DJ: “DJ Pauly D. What a trend-jumping douche. What’s next? Is Snooki gonna do a rock album?” Now Pauly — my ... Read more...
Photos: Celebrity Impersonators’ Reel Awards at the Golden Nugget
No, that wasn’t Joan Rivers interviewing Bette Midler and Tim McGraw on the red carpet outside the downtown Golden Nugget on Monday. It was their celebrity impersonators here for the International Celebrity Images Reel Awards. The annual spectacle of the Celebrity Impersonators Convention brought look-alike and sound-alike doubles from all over the world for the 21st event. The Reel Awards were produced like a Hollywood show, and contributing photographer Scott Harrison shot a photo gallery watched by screaming fans and ... Read more...
Photos: Trey Songz, in a tux, and Big Sean at the Pearl in the Palms
By Brjden Crewe The ladies love Trey Songz. There’s no questioning the appeal that the emerging R&B prince has with the opposite sex, and it’s been a long, competitive journey for the 27-year-old star. Since his debut album, 2005’s “I Gotta Make It,” the star has experienced upgraded comments from female fans, starting with “Awww, he’s cute” to the current “damn, he’s sexy!” And he’s not only elevated the sexual content in his music, Songz also has raised his abilities ... Read more...
Mike Tyson signs on for live, one-man ‘confessions’ show on the Strip
Boxing legend Mike Tyson confirmed today rumors posted here at Vegas DeLuxe that he will star in his own live, one-man reality “confessions” show on the Strip. “Iron Mike,” the former world heavyweight champion, also confirmed that “The Hangover, Part 3” is a green-light Hollywood go and that he will be back in the mega-hit comedy franchise. For weeks now, I have exclusively reported that a “global name” would be the first star for a new “live reality” series of ... Read more...
Exclusive: Miss USA Pageant to remain at Planet Hollywood and NBC
Expect an official announcement this week that the 2012 Miss USA Pageant will air as always planned on NBC from Planet Hollywood on June 3. Additionally, NBC will announce this year’s pageant hosts within the next 48 hours. Confusion about the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants being dropped by NBC began with a false report from an obscure website. “Totally fake — absolutely untrue,” blasted Miss Universe Organization President Paula Shugart. “It’s very difficult being in business negotiations with ... Read more...
Photos: John Legend and T-Pain light up Las Vegas at 1 OAK
By Don Chareunsy Singer John Legend and rapper T-Pain were the star attractions of the inaugural Light Up Las Vegas benefiting the UC San Diego Nevada Cancer Institute on Sunday night at the new 1 OAK Las Vegas at the Mirage. Grammy winner Legend, who also appeared at the Keep Memory Alive “Power of Love Gala” tribute to Muhammad Ali’s 70th birthday Saturday night at MGM Grand Garden Arena and whose fiancee, model Chrissy Teigen, was in town last week ... Read more...
Photos: Ali’s 70th birthday KMA gala hailed as biggest and best ever
Post-production editing and voice-over recordings got underway this morning on the monumental task of cutting the six-hour Muhammad Ali 70th birthday gala Saturday night to the two-hour ABC special that will air this Saturday with a same-night re-broadcast on ESPN 2. There was consensus that the star-studded party and music extravaganza was the biggest and best ever presented in Las Vegas. The early cocktail party began at 5:30 p.m. and the show wrapped nearing midnight. “This blows everything else away,” ... Read more...
Star Surveillance: Mark Ballas, Dana White, Carson Palmer, Eliza Dushku
“Dancing With the Stars” pro dancer Mark Ballas had a busy Las Vegas visit for a friend’s bachelor party weekend. The group watched Cirque du Soleil’s “Mystere” at Treasure Island, Mark’s second visit to “Mystere” to see former “DWTS” band member and current “Mystere” percussionist Carlos Lopez. The pre-show photograph includes Carlos (far left), the Mystere Red Bird and solo artist Tissus from one of the show’s two new aerial acts. Mark also took the British bachelor party group to ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Kevin Burke weds couple onstage during his show
When comedy actor and magician Kevin Burke dragged a member of his audience onstage, Chris Jones had no idea he was about to get married! His fiance Julie had arranged it in advance with Kevin at his show “Fitz of Laughter” at the downtown Fitzgerald’s on Sunday night. Kevin, who is an ordained minister, got the groom onstage during the interactive magic hypnosis portion of the comedy performance. Without Chris knowing what was going on, he admitted that he was ... Read more...
Photos: Lily Bar and Lounge’s star-studded grand opening at Bellagio
By Don Chareunsy The Light Group’s Lily Bar and Lounge hosted an official grand-opening celebration at the Bellagio on Saturday night, and the celebrity turnout included Whitney Port (in a BCBG dress), Mark Salling (who wore a Rudsak Joseph leather jacket), Eliza Dushku and boyfriend Rick Fox, Cee Lo Green (who performed at the Keep Memory Alive “Power of Love Gala” tribute to Muhammad Ali’s 70th birthday at MGM Grand Garden Arena and Haze in Aria on Saturday night), hometown ... Read more...
Cee Lo Green confirms residency shows at Planet Hollywood this fall
Five-time Grammy Award winner and hip-hop superstar Cee Lo Green is definitely headed to the Strip with a run of residency shows this fall featuring his flamboyant character “Loberace.” If his show-business genius is the same as his auctioneering skills where he helped raise an incredible $250,000 at MGM Grand over the weekend, it will be one giant knockout of a hit extravaganza. If his song-and-dance show is the same as his performance with the “Jubilee!” dancers at the MGM ... Read more...
Photos: Neil Patrick Harris is the Strip’s newest high-wire star
In Las Vegas for the weekend, “How I Met Your Mother” star and magic fanatic Neil Patrick Harris risked life and limb balancing on the high wire at “Absinthe” at Caesars Palace, and Vegas DeLuxe has the amazing photos to prove it. The actor, who admits that magic, circus conjuring and carnival attractions are his top hobby, attended Sunday night’s performance of “Absinthe” starring the Gazillionaire, Penny Pibbets, Melody Sweets and Angel Porrino. Afterward, Neil and his partner David Burtka ... Read more...
Photos: Lenny Kravitz, Diddy and Common perform at 1 OAK
By Don Chareunsy Sean “Diddy” Combs, Lenny Kravitz and Common performed an unprecedented and impromptu set of songs at the new 1 OAK Las Vegas in the Mirage on Saturday night following the trio’s appearance at the Keep Memory Alive “Power of Love Gala” tribute to Muhammad Ali’s 70th birthday at MGM Grand Garden Arena. In a Saturday of two one-of-a-kind events, Diddy sang his hit “Mo Money Mo Problems,” followed by Kravitz’s “American Woman,” among many others, as they ... Read more...
Photos: DJ Pauly D kicks off Hard Rock Hotel residency at Vanity
By Don Chareunsy “Jersey Shore” star Pauly “DJ Pauly D” DelVecchio hosted his residency kickoff party at Vanity in the Hard Rock Hotel on Saturday night, and contributing photographer Cassi Thomas of Retna was onsite for her photo gallery of the “Swag”-T-shirt-wearing Rhode Island boy. After his first Las Vegas DJ residency at the Palms, Pauly has signed on for Season 9 of Rehab at the Hard Rock Hotel. On March 29, Pauly’s “Jersey Shore” spinoff, “The Pauly D Project,” ... Read more...
Photos: Audrina Patridge promotes Curve Appeal for Men at Pure
By Don Chareunsy Reality TV star Audrina Patridge celebrated the launch of Curve Appeal for Men, a new cologne by Elizabeth Arden, at Pure in Caesars Palace on Saturday night. Patridge, the embodiment of curve appeal in a curve-hugging purple sequined dress by Twenty Cluny and gold peep-toe platforms, showed off her fabulous figure as she posed for photographers on the red carpet. “I love the Curve Appeal fragrance! It’s sexy, it’s fresh, it’s exactly the scent I want on ... Read more...
Photos: Ali’s 70th birthday tribute at Keep Memory Alive gala at MGM
By Don Chareunsy Keep Memory Alive’s 16th Annual Power of Love Gala on Saturday drew Hollywood and sports celebrities to MGM Grand Garden Arena to celebrate boxing legend Muhammad Ali’s 70th birthday, and contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was on duty for these photo galleries of MGM Grand, the red carpet and live and silent auction items. The star-studded event this year raised funds for the downtown Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Muhammad Ali Center in ... Read more...
S.I. photos & videos: DJ lessons at Tao; Pure with Bruno Mars; Bank
After a whirlwind, 48-hour nonstop round of appearances, events and parties, the gorgeous 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue models have wrapped their annual Las Vegas visit. It was early this morning after two back-to-back blowout bashes that they wound down their exciting Strip adventures and later today fly out and head to their modeling assignments in L.A. and New York. Miraculously, we’ve managed to keep up with the bikini beauties right from their welcome red carpet parade at Haze in ... Read more...
Celebrity preview: Ali’s 70th, Audrina, Kravitz, Cee Lo, ‘Glee,’ Jayde Nicole
If you think every star under the sun will be at boxing legend Muhammad Ali’s 70th birthday salute, think again. It might seem that way, and a check of the list literally proves it. But the entire Strip is jumping with stars on this final weekend of the Motley Crue mini-residency at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel. MTV Networks’ Alex Coletti (remember Britney Spears with the yellow python and her kiss with Madonna?) is the director for the ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Cameras roll for Las Vegas TV shoots and shows
News of not one but four TV shows and specials featuring our great city! The Muhammad Ali 70th birthday gala at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday will be recorded and broadcast Feb. 25 on ABC and ESPN 2. However, there’s more. 1) Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods America” stars Andrew Zimmern, one of the most knowledgeable personalities in the food world, and as host, he is shooting the 100th episode in Las Vegas today and Friday for a July air ... Read more...
Sports, Hollywood VIPs arrive for Muhammad Ali 70th birthday salute
Three days of rehearsals start today after three days of TV equipment and stage sets load-in for the most ambitious star-studded gala tribute ever planned for Las Vegas, and even Fighter of the Decade Manny Pacquiao — said to be on the verge of retirement — is flying in from the Philippines to attend the 70th birthday salute to Muhammad Ali at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday night. Las Vegas fight promoter Bob Arum, who used to promote Ali, ... Read more...
Photos: S.I. models sizzle on Strip; deal renewed; 50th milestone
The stunning 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue models will be back in Las Vegas next year for the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the swimwear issue. Magazine executives Wednesday night confirmed to me exclusively that a new three-year deal has been added onto the expiring three-year contract — and they expect to extend it for several more years beyond that. “Where else could we go but Vegas — it’s the best fun party place to celebrate in the world,” one senior executive ... Read more...
DJ Pauly D spins to Hard Rock Hotel and MTV spinoff
Next month is the biggest and busiest to date in Paul “DJ Pauly D” DelVecchio’s career. The one-time second-hand car salesman is getting ready for this weekend’s DJ jump from the Palms to the Hard Rock Hotel, and then the launch of his own 13-episode reality TV show March 29 on MTV on the heels of the series finale of “Jersey Shore” on March 15. Pauly talked about his busy world — the 31-year-old is juggling a nonstop whirl of ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: 25th anniversary ‘La Cage’ returns to Riviera on Feb. 29
It was exactly three years ago this month as the economy tanked that producer Norbert Aleman had to pull the plug after 24 years on his female-impersonator hit “An Evening at La Cage” at the Riviera. Following my original Wicked Whisper and Racy Rumor 10 days ago, I can now confirm that it is returning to the Riviera, opening Feb. 29 in time to celebrate its 25th Las Vegas anniversary. MC and comedian Jimmy Emerson, who impersonates Wynonna Judd and ... Read more...
Photos: Here’s the Situation at RPM Nightclub, Headrush at MAGIC
Also: The Situation plans a special Valentine’s Day date, his TV spinoff By Don Chareunsy “Jersey Shore” stud Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino celebrated Valentine’s Day at RPM Nightclub in the Tropicana for the official Headrush MAGIC After-Party, and to kick off the romantic Tuesday night on the town, the Situation was presented with a custom-made chopper designed by Headrush as a surprise on the red carpet. The Situation, who was elated about the perfect guy-ride gift, was joined at RPM ... Read more...
S.I. cover girl Kate Upton lands in L.V. with 17 models for Strip events
It was shortly after midnight that the 18 knockout supermodels of Sports Illustrated’s brand new 2012 Swimsuit Issue touched down in Las Vegas after their launch party in Manhattan on Tuesday night. Cover girl sensation Kate Upton — we’ve written a few words about her and posted a few photographs and videos of her! — wowed Tuesday night’s “The Late Show With David Letterman” audience in a sex-goddess Brigitte Bardot, figure-hugging red dress that accentuated all of her buxom beauty. ... Read more...
Photos: JWoww celebrates her 26th birthday at Gallery, Sugar Factory
By Don Chareunsy “Jersey Shore” star Jenni “JWoww” Farley celebrated her 26th birthday at Sugar Factory American Brasserie in the Paris and next door at Gallery Nightclub in Planet Hollywood. Before heading to the nightclub, the reality TV starlet walked the red carpet in a red chiffon mini-dress with black Betsey Johnson spiked heels. JWoww talked about her upcoming MTV spinoff with bestie Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, who is in Las Vegas now for MAGIC Fashion Week. “We’ll be filming in ... Read more...
Photos: Sean Kingston celebrates his 22nd birthday at RPM Nightclub
By Don Chareunsy Hip-hop and R&B sensation Sean Kingston celebrated his 22nd birthday at RPM Nightclub at Tropicana Las Vegas over the weekend with a performance. Kingston greeted the crowd and asked for a moment of silence in honor of Whitney Houston before performing his hits “Beautiful Girls,” “Fire Burning” and “Party All Night (Sleep All Day).” He was later presented with a Louis Vuitton-inspired cake created by the Tropicana. Kingston, who has recovered from a near-fatal jet-ski accident last ... Read more...
Photos: Nelly performs 35-minute set of hits at Haze in Aria
By Don Chareunsy Rap superstar Nelly performed a 35-minute set of his hits at Haze in Aria over the weekend, with partygoers going wild over “Just a Dream,” “Country Grammar” and many others songs. Comedian Katt Williams stopped by the CityCenter nightclub to watch Nelly’s performance and to meet him. Nelly, dressed casually in jeans and white T-shirts, one of which came off as he continued his performance, arrived just before 1 a.m., hit the stage about 45 minutes and ... Read more...
Photos: USA Sevens Rugby records set; Samoa defeats defending champs
All previous attendance records were shattered for the 2012 USA Sevens Rugby international tournament Thursday through Sunday at Sam Boyd Stadium, with rugby and Las Vegas proving to be a perfect match with a three-day tally of 64,551 fans. In fact, the 30,323 attending Saturday was the largest crowd to ever attend a rugby game in the U.S.; another 23,617 turned up for Sunday’s semifinals and finals. It was the third consecutive year for the rugby matches in Las Vegas. ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Claire Sinclair photo, Paris Hilton, Union at Aria
We start with Wicked Whispers and Racy Rumors! 2011 Playmate of the Year Claire Sinclair has turned down all big-money offers to be photographed and filmed for television with her injuries from the weekend fight with Hugh Hefner’s son Marston that we reported Monday. Instead, she distributed this one photograph for free hoping that it would bring attention to domestic violence and stop women from being battered and bruised. Claire added: “I was offered money from several media outlets for ... Read more...
Photos and videos: Kate Upton, from S.I. Rookie of the Year to cover girl
Twelve months ago, she wore little more than body paint. Today, as she packs for Las Vegas, 19-year-old Kate Upton is wearing the tiniest bikini bottom known to man for her cover shot on the 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The blue- and green-eyed buxom blonde has become America’s newest media darling and overnight sensation after her identity was revealed on “Late Night With David Letterman” on Monday as the newest cover beauty. I’d tipped her as the cover girl ... Read more...
Photos: Foster the People rock Adriano Goldschmied party at Marquee
Just 24 hours after their performance at the 54th Grammy Awards in L.A. where they performed with their idols the Beach Boys, Foster the People kicked off MAGIC Fashion Week in Las Vegas with an hourlong performance at Marquee in the Cosmopolitan on Monday night. At Marquee for Adriano Goldschmied, frontman Mark Foster told partygoers that the Beach Boys were his favorite band since he was 5 years old and that he was still riding on a high being with ... Read more...
The Situation plans a special Valentine’s Day date, his TV spinoff
“Jersey Shore” star Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino is hoping for a lucky Valentine’s Day celebration in Las Vegas on Tuesday, and he’s ready to splurge if you’re the right girl. He’s got the ideal secrets to win your heart, and if it doesn’t work out with Cupid’s arrow, he’s going to see if he can meet up with the Sports Illustrated swimwear models. “I have it all planned,” he told me. “The ideal Valentine’s Day date with the Situation — ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Drama for Claire Sinclair and Marston Hefner
Playboy mogul Hugh Hefner’s son Marston and 2011 Playmate of the Year Claire Sinclair have been quite the loving couple on their Strip outings, but Sunday night, it was high drama when police were called to their Pasadena, Calif., home. One of Claire’s family members called police saying he had attacked her in an argument and left red body marks and bruises. The 20-year-old brunette reportedly told police that he’d punched her, kicked her in the stomach and refused to ... Read more...
Kate Upton, 19, is 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition cover girl
Although David Letterman broke the news today while taping his “Late Night With David Letterman” for CBS that supermodel Kate Upton is the 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition cover girl, just as we reported last Thursday, it’s VH1 that has the behind-the-scenes, one-hour special Tuesday night. “Sports Illustrated: The Making of Swimsuit 2012” airs just in time for Valentine’s Day and was partly filmed at the Palms. Photographers filmed photo shoots at some of the world’s most exotic locations with ... Read more...
This week: Ali, Sports Illustrated, V-D, MAGIC and Mob Museum
It could very well be the biggest week ever in sports and culture for Las Vegas. The calendar of events and list of stars headed to the Entertainment Capital of the World is mind-boggling and deserves an advance preview of its own: MONDAY: The Mob Museum and MAGIC fashions are unveiled. TUESDAY: Valentine’s Day weddings and a massive art sculpture for Symphony Park is revealed. WEDNESDAY: The 20 top Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition stunners arrive. THURSDAY: MMA Super Cage Fighting, ... Read more...
Celine Dion talks Whitney Houston, drugs on ‘Good Morning America’
Also: ‘A personal tribute and a plea: Memories of Whitney Houston’ Also: ‘The late, great Whitney Houston is the soundtrack of my life’ Caesars Palace headliner Celine Dion spoke candidly about her fear of drugs when she paid tribute this morning to singer Whitney Houston on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” “I am so scared,” Celine Dion said on “GMA.” “I’m scared of show business. I’m scared of drugs. I’m scared of hanging out.” “That’s why I don’t do parties and ... Read more...
A personal tribute and a plea: Memories of Whitney Houston
Despite having the voice of an angel, singing sensation Whitney Houston died from the devil’s diet — crack cocaine. The majestic and incredibly fantastic voice of a nightingale was snubbed out by the demons that had haunted her since first discovering stardom. It is in this once-again tragedy of death before its time for a 48-year-old genius that proves that drugs are evilly stronger than family, friends, mentors and rehab. Whitney follows too soon after Amy Winehouse, Michael Jackson and ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Is ‘Dancing With the Stars’ at Tropicana on again?
It’s been an on-again-off-again story for “Dancing With the Stars Live” at the Tropicana with its revolving cast of fan-favorite dance professionals. First, it was rumored for a March premiere, but that was canceled not once but twice as financing faltered from the hotel and promoters as production costs for the stage show soared. One of the “DWTS” stars even confirmed that the show he’d helped choreograph and stage couldn’t get funding and would instead go “out on a road ... Read more...
Photos: Nik Richie’s 33rd birthday at Pure with wife Shayne Lamas
Internet gossip guru Nik Richie of TheDirty.comcelebrated his 33rd birthday with wife Shayne Lamas at Pure in Caesars Palace on Friday night with 20 of their friends. Dressed head-to-toe in stylish attire — Nik looked especially dapper in his black suit with a red vest — the couple hit the red carpet and posed for photographs. Nik got his party started atop a VIP table with a megaphone shouting, “It’s time to party!” Resident DJ Eric DLux had the crowd ... Read more...
Photos: The late, great Whitney Houston is the soundtrack of my life
To quote one of the many No. 1 hits of the late, great superstar Whitney Houston, “I get so emotional, baby, every time I think of you.” I was very saddened Saturday afternoon to hear about the death of “The Voice,” Ms. Houston, at age 48, and a few hours later teared up reading a longer story about her death. Just a few hours ago, returning home from brunch with friends, I teared up — a lot — hearing L.A. ... Read more...
Photos: Lauren Conrad celebrates her 26th birthday at Hyde Bellagio
Fashion designer and reality TV starlet Lauren Conrad celebrated her 26th birthday at Hyde in the Bellagio on Friday night, and her friends included her “The Hills” co-star Frankie Delgado. The blonde beauty looked stunning in a sequined blue dress, black pumps and a chic ponytail and smiled playfully on the red carpet for photographers. Inside Hyde, Frankie grabbed the mic and had the crowd join in “Happy Birthday” when Lauren was presented with a four-tier, pink-and-purple birthday cake adorned ... Read more...
Criss Angel denies allegations of fight with fired employee
Magician Criss Angel has angrily fired back at allegations and reports elsewhere that he was involved in a physical altercation with one of his employees, Joe Safuto, who performs magic under the name of Joe Monte. Joe says he tape recorded the incident and released a portion of it to the media. The star of Cirque du Soleil’s “Believe” at the Luxor and “Mindfreak” on A&E can be heard at the start of the tape speaking in a normal voice ... Read more...
Photos: Parade of 16 Nations kicks off USA Sevens Rugby
The Parade of 16 Nations on Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas on Thursday night kicked off the 2012 USA Sevens Rugby International Tournament, and contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was onsite for his festive photo gallery of the players, their nations’ flags and fans. The tournament is today through Sunday at Sam Boyd Stadium, and the 16 countries represented are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, England, Fiji, France, Japan, Kenya, New Zealand, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, the United States, Uruguay ... Read more...
Star Surveillance: Vince Neil turns 51, Criss Angel, Angel Porrino, ‘Stripped’
It was a wild birthday celebration for Vince Neil’s 51st when the Motley Crue frontman hopped aboard drummer Tommy Lee’s 360-degree circular drum coaster Wednesday night just before the curtain came down on their residency show at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel. His bandmates — guitarist Mick Mars, bassist Nikki Sixx and Tommy — surprised him not only with a 3-foot-tall, guitar-shaped birthday cake, but they also led the crowd in “Happy Birthday.” The sweet concoction by Caked ... Read more...
Celebrity preview: JWoww, Sean Kingston, Ice-T and Coco, Nelly
It’s a celebratory weekend on the Strip for the stars: “Jersey Shore” starlet Jenny “JWoww” Farley, singer Sean Kingston and Nik Richie and wife Shayne Lamas are celebrating birthdays, and Ice-T is bringing his knockout wife Coco to toast the start of Season 2 of their reality TV hit “Ice Loves Coco.” It’s a special celebration for Sean because he’s alive and well after nearly losing his life in a horrific jet-ski accident in Miami last year. Sean, who marked ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Is Manny Pacquiao getting $25 million for his next fight?
When Manny Pacquiao steps into the ring at MGM Grand on June 9 against Timothy Bradley, Las Vegas fight promoter Bob Arum says it will be the fighter’s biggest payday yet. Although the number$ aren’t being revealed, it’s expected to be $25 million, exceeding his $22 million payday when he beat Juan Manuel Marquez last November. Bob confirmed: “Manny’s going to get his biggest guaranteed purse in this fight.” The Manila congressman and eight-title boxing champion arrives here Feb. 16. ... Read more...
16 nations competing in 2012 USA Sevens Rugby at Sam Boyd
The high-speed, nonstop action of rugby is played without padding, timeouts or on-and-off player changes. It’s fast, brutal, raucous and physically challenging. The battering and bruises are for fun — the broken bones get serious! The Strip is now overrun by athletes from 16 nations competing in the USA Sevens International Rugby Tournament played for the first time over three days through Sunday at Sam Boyd Stadium. The excitement starts tonight downtown when players and coaches walk a red carpet ... Read more...
Photos: Vanilla Ice hosts party, sings his hits at LAX in the Luxor
By Don Chareunsy Ice, ice, baby. Ice, ice, baby. Ice, ice, baby. Now that the song is stuck in your head, Las Vegas regular Vanilla Ice, finger tattoos and all, hosted and performed at LAX in the Luxor. Around 1:30 a.m., DJ Dirty Chopsticks introduced Ice, who ran onstage singing his hit “Dirty South.” After his grand entrance, Ice shouted, “What’s up, Vegas?!” and partygoers roared. He then took a moment to recognize the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” generation, as ... Read more...
Spirit of Sinatra returns as Robert Davi fulfills a childhood dream
The villain from James Bond’s “Licence to Kill” and Steven Spielberg’s “The Goonies,” the Mafia hitman in “Kill the Irishman” and the star of 88 episodes of NBC’s “Profiler” is instantly recognizable, but you might not know his name. Actor Robert Davi’s face has landed him numerous movie and TV roles, yet from his first film “Contract on Cherry Street” in 1977, he wanted to be a singer like Frank Sinatra, who starred in Robert’s big-screen debut. Robert still remembers ... Read more...
Is Kate Upton next Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition cover model?
Wicked whispers and racy rumors! Heavy petting … er, betting, that 19-year-old Michigan model beauty Kate Upton will be on the cover of the annual, coveted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition being unveiled in New York on Tuesday. Kate then joins 19 other supermodels to fly to Las Vegas for two days of events and a music festival at the Cosmopolitan. Kate was here in Las Vegas last year for S.I. as Rookie of the Year and has since appeared in ... Read more...
Is Grammy Award-nominated Skrillex worth the hype?
By Andrea Domanick It’s approaching 3 a.m. on the Monday night/Tuesday morning of XS’s third-anniversary party, and the scene is more or less what you might see on any given night at the mega-club: VIPs pop champagne bottles the size of small children, glow sticks abound, and confetti showers the packed dance floor. And then a mosh pit breaks out. So maybe it’s not your average night at XS — or any Las Vegas nightclub, for that matter. Behind the ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: A new wave of reality TV heads toward Las Vegas
It will be gut wrenching and brutally honest. It’s the next step forward in reality TV shows, except this one is not for television. Call this reality live, and it could only start in Las Vegas before rolling out to other cities. If you are riveted to “The Real Housewives” or “Jersey Shore’s” controversial collisions on the small screen, think how compelling it will be to sit up close to candid confessions and real dramas being told by the person ... Read more...
‘Vegas Stripped,’ insider’s look at South Point, airs on Travel Channel
As Vegas DeLuxe reported two weeks ago, the Travel Channel’s new, original six-part series “Vegas Stripped” premieres with two half-hour, back-to-back episodes tonight. The series is an all-access look at the inner workings of South Point. In the premiere episode at 10 p.m., Tom Mikovitz, director of marketing, is charged with making sure the 9,000 attendees of the annual Fetish & Fantasy Ball enjoy themselves to the fullest, and, more importantly, continue the party by bringing their money to the ... Read more...
Star Surveillance: ‘Girls Next Door,’ Super Bowl, ‘Peepshow,’ Joe Jonas
Singer Joe Jonas and “90210” star Jessica Lowndes dined at Lavo in the Palazzo and afterward went upstairs to the boutique nightclub, where Joe jumped into the DJ booth to introduce DJ Eric DLux. Also at Lavo, partying until the early hours of the morning, Marcedes Lewis of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Jon Beason and Charles Godfrey of the Carolina Panthers. It was a Las Vegas-style party weekend at Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis with a “Girls Next Door” reunion ... Read more...
Photos: Eli Manning receives MVP Award for Super Bowl XLVI
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning was presented with the Super Bowl XLVI MVP Award in Indianapolis on Monday, and photographer Tom Donoghue was onsite for the presentation that also included NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Giants coach Tom Coughlin. Tom reported: “I was given special access this Monday morning after the Super Bowl in the green room with New York Giants quarterback and Super Bowl XLVI MVP Eli Manning. He is so genuine, humble, but very proud to have ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Manny Pacquiao back in L.V. for Ali bash, June fight
Las Vegas fight promoter Bob Arum today confirmed Monday’s rumors that eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao has been added to the lineup of boxers flying here in 1 1/2 weeks for the all-star Muhammad Ali 70th birthday party at MGM Grand Garden Arena to benefit Keep Memory Alive and the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. Additionally, the trip from Manila where Manny is a congressman also will mark the start of promotion for Pac-Man’s fight against undefeated ... Read more...
Photos: L.A.’s three-peat in Lingerie Bowl IX; new reality TV series
Watch for a new fall reality TV series following the non-Lingerie Football League jobs held down by the gridiron girls. Additionally, LFL games next time around will be broadcast on MTV2 in HD and in some cases 3D. Those two big LFL changes were the big buzz as Lingerie Bowl IX weekend festivities kicked off at the Hard Rock Hotel and Orleans Arena last week. The LFL is expanding into Mexico, Brazil and Australia this summer, plus six Canadian markets ... Read more...
Madonna to embark on world tour May 29; Las Vegas date is Oct. 13
Fresh off the success of her Super Bowl XLVI Halftime spectacular Sunday watched by more than 1 billion people in 200 countries, pop queen Madonna revealed this morning details of her 2012 world tour starting May 29, and her expected $50 million payday includes a stop in Las Vegas at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The 53-year-old Material Mom will play more than 50 concerts starting May 29 in Israel, followed by 26 European cities before returning to Australia for the ... Read more...
UFC photos: Carlos Condit, Nick Diaz, GSP, Fabricio Werdum, more
By Don Chareunsy In the weekend of UFC 143 at Mandalay Bay Event Center, Hollywood and sports stars mixed and mingled near and far from the octagon. UFC welterweight fighter Carlos “Natural Born Killer” Condit held his official after-fight party with his wife, Seager McCullah, and friends at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens in the Paris on Saturday. Earlier in the evening, Condit won the welterweight championship in a controversial five-round battle against Nick Diaz. Although sporting an injury under his ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Motley Crue adding more debauchery to Joint show
When Vince Neil, who celebrates his birthday Wednesday, opened the Motley Crue residency at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel on Friday night, he screamed to fans: “We’re the craziest band in the world, you’re the craziest people in the world in the craziest city in the world. Nothing more to be said.” He wasn’t kidding! When he promised more debauchery — bigger, badder and sleazier than anything ever done before by the Crue — he meant it, and ... Read more...
‘Peepshow’ at Planet Hollywood celebrates 1,000th performance
From “Peepshow” and “Holly’s World” star Holly Madison’s Twitter account: “I can’t believe it’s been 1,000 shows already! So much fun!! RT@LVPEEPSHOW 2nite Peepshow celebrates 1,000 performances!” Our heartiest congratulations to the “Peepshow” cast, crew and stars Holly, Josh Strickland and Cheaza on hitting the 1,000-show milestone tonight of the burlesque topless cabaret show created by Broadway director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell at Planet Hollywood. As Holly said: “I can’t believe it’s been 1,000 shows already! So much fun!!” And ... Read more...
Cee-Lo Green inches closer to his Liberace tribute show at Caesars
It’s more and more definite that hip-hop star — and Super Bowl XLVI halftime performer — Cee-Lo Green will produce his Liberace tribute show as a regular residency here on the Strip, and official confirmation for him to star alongside Celine Dion and Sir Elton John at the Colosseum in Caesars Palace is getting closer and closer. The bejeweled, bedecked and beloved entertainer who has created the persona Loberace said over the weekend while at the Super Bowl in Indianapolis ... Read more...
Photos: LL Cool J hosts final party at Studio 54 in MGM Grand
By Don Chareunsy Studio 54 closed its doors for the final time Saturday night (early Sunday morning) after more than 14 years at MGM Grand, and rapper, actor and entrepreneur LL Cool J hosted the final farewell. LL arrived at the nightclub in a black leather jacket, a fitted beanie and shades, and DJ Z-Trip joined him on the red carpet for photographs for media and with fans. Once inside the nightclub, LL made his way to a VIP area ... Read more...
Photos: Laura Croft celebrates her birthday at Sugar Factory, Chateau
By Don Chareunsy Laura Croft (“Holly’s World,” Night School 4 Girls at the Excalibur) played the part of a princess, glittering tiara and all, in a vintage-inspired turquoise-and-gold metallic dress with matching gold-glitter, peep-toe stilettos all designed by Betsey Johnson as she celebrated her birthday at Sugar Factory and Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at the Paris on Friday. “I like to keep it simple,” Croft said about selecting her birthday ensemble. The reality TV starlet and Playboy Playmate was joined ... Read more...
Photos: Forrest Griffin, GSP, Minka Kelly and Mandy Moore at Lavo
By Don Chareunsy Talk about beauties and the beasts — actress Minka Kelly (“Friday Night Lights,” “Charlie’s Angels”) and singer-actress Mandy Moore dined with UFC stars Georges St-Pierre, Jon Fitch and Kenny Florian at Lavo in the Palazzo on Friday night, with the group enjoying salmon, chicken parmigiano and pasta. Also dining at Lavo, Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps, who ordered a Kobe meatball and pizza. After dinner, Phelps headed upstairs to the boutique nightclub, where fellow Olympic gold medalist ... Read more...
Photos: Cheryl Burke hosts go-go contest at Tao; Heidi Riego wins $10K
By Don Chareunsy Two-time “Dancing With the Stars” pro-dancer champion Cheryl Burke hosted Tao a Go Go, in which 50 contestants competed for $15,000, at Tao in the Venetian on Thursday Night. Burke dined at the restaurant before heading upstairs to oversee the sexy competition. As the contest narrowed to the Final Two, the dancers took shots of Hpnotiq Harmonie before competing in the final round. Heidi Riego won the grand prize of $10,000, and last year’s winner, Donyell Browne, ... Read more...
Photos: Diddy hosts Super Bowl party at Tao; Kaskade spins at Marquee
By Don Chareunsy Sean “Diddy” Combs hosted a Super Bowl XLVI pre-party at Tao in the Venetian on Saturday night, a soiree that the music mogul dubbed Diddy Bowl. Before his hosting duties, Diddy enjoyed curry scallops, coconut shrimp, sea bass and Ciroc peach in Tao’s private dining room. Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps was taken to the private dining room to meet Diddy, who invited him to join him in the upstairs nightclub. Phelps accepted the invitation, and the ... Read more...
Photos: Paris Hilton, Rick Hilton, Kathy Hilton, Afrojack at Surrender
By Don Chareunsy It was a Friday night family affair at Surrender Nightclub at Steve Wynn’s Encore, as Paris Hilton brought her father Rick Hilton and mother Kathy Hilton to check out a set by Grammy Award-winning producer and DJ Afrojack, with whom the heiress has been traveling the globe the past few months. Mom and Dad were all smiles as Afrojack performed, and they even joined Paris, who waved a glow stick throughout the set, in the DJ booth. ... Read more...
Photos: Sports Illustrated models Irina Shayk, Jessica White at 1 OAK
By Don Chareunsy Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition models Irina Shayk and Jessica White kicked off Super Bowl XLVI weekend by hosting a party at the new 1 OAK at the Mirage on Friday night. Shayk, last year’s cover model, and White, who is in contention for this year’s coveted cover to be revealed Feb. 13, started their evening with dinner at nearby Stack, where Katy Perry dined a week ago before hosting 1 OAK’s official grand-opening weekend. Once at 1 ... Read more...
Photos: Stacy Keibler hosts at the Bank in the Bellagio
By Don Chareunsy On the eve of Super Bowl XLVI, Stacy Keibler, who is currently making headlines as the girlfriend of Academy Award winner George Clooney, hosted a party at the Bank in the Bellagio on Saturday night. Before the soiree at the Bank, Keibler dined at nearby chef Akira Back’s Yellowtail with friends that included Kendall Towers (Keibler and Towers were Baltimore Ravens cheerleaders together). Keibler, a former “Dancing With the Stars” contestant, donned a black Vera Wang dress ... Read more...
Reunited Gabriel & Dresden kick off yearlong residency at Marquee
By Andrea Domanick They’re baaack! EDM heroes Gabriel & Dresden return to Las Vegas tonight to kick off a yearlong residency at Marquee in the Cosmopolitan. The recently reunited duo will be playing new remixes and mashups, along with classic tracks that earned them recognition in the early 2000s as the group Motorcycle. Singer and Motorcycle collaborator Jes also will be in house for the gig, which marks the first time the trio has performed together in seven years. I ... Read more...
Photos: Miss America roots for Patriots, learns news from Madonna
Less than a month ago, Laura Kaeppeler only dreamed that she’d one day get to see the Super Bowl in person. Then here on the Strip, the 23-year-old brunette won the 2012 Miss America Pageant at Planet Hollywood on Jan. 14, and today she’s in Indianapolis with her 50-yard-line seat for Sunday’s Super Bowl XLVI. “It’s all been a surreal whirlwind. Fun and exciting, but each morning I’m waking up and asking if it’s all for real. I guess it ... Read more...
Celebrity preview: Motley Crue, UFC 143, George Strait, girls, girls, girls
It’s such a huge weekend that the Hard Rock Hotel is transforming itself into a one-of-a-kind Sin City circus extravaganza to welcome not only the start of the 12 wild Motley Crue mini-residency shows, but also the Lingerie Bowl IX beauties for their parties. (Today’s also a big day for the Crue because Mayor Carolyn Goodman has declared Feb. 3, 2012, “Motley Crue Day” in Las Vegas.) After two-time defending champion Los Angeles Temptation battles the Philadelphia Passion at Orleans ... Read more...
Photos: Lingerie Bowl IX teams promise a ferocious battle for title
Vengeance? Victory? Violence? Two Lingerie Football League teams of fit and fierce females will skirmish for the second consecutive year, and the gridiron combat will be televised live to millions around the world on MTV2 from Orleans Arena as the matchup before the Super Bowl XLVI showdown between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. It’s a repeat of last year’s Lingerie Bowl when the Philadelphia Passion lost 25-24 to the L.A. Temptation. On Wednesday, I hosted the ... Read more...
Exclusive: Official portraits of Miss Nevada USA, Miss Teen Nevada USA
They are truly stunning official portraits. The first duty of the newly crowned Miss Nevada USA Jade Kelsall and Miss Teen Nevada USA Katie Eklund was to report to Georgina Vaughan’s Las Vegas photography studio for the official post-pageant photo shoot. Georgina, the 2009 Miss Nevada USA, is now a pageant photographer and released the portraits for a Vegas DeLuxe first look. “There’s no doubt that Jade and Katie are big winners,” Georgina said. “The camera doesn’t lie, and I ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Sports Illustrated swimsuit models + music in L.V.
Twenty of the world’s most incredible bikini beauties will leave New York for two days of fun on the Strip, arriving Feb. 14 to celebrate the 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The models party in Manhattan first to announce the new cover girl the night before. Last year, it was Irina Shayk, and she’s at the Mirage on Friday night at 1 OAK with swimwear model cohort Jessica White, who this morning was named one of this year’s contenders for ... Read more...
Presidential palate also includes margherita pizzas from Due Forni
By John Katsilometes The restaurants whence the Big Cheese ordered pizza during his stay in Las Vegas last week has become a two-topping issue. President Barack Obama’s 12-pizza, multiple-cannoli order from the recently opened Dom DeMarco’s Pizza & Bar on West Charleston Avenue in Summerlin has received an extra-large serving of national and local media coverage. The new pizza joint is an outpost of Brooklyn’s renowned Di Fara’s pizzeria and co-owned by Albert Scalleat. Scalleat took the well-chronicled order from ... Read more...
Iconic mega-club Studio 54 set to say farewell after 14 years
When a nightclub in Las Vegas makes it past one year, it’s considered a success. Five years? Consider it middle-aged. Ten years is almost unheard of, which makes it all the more remarkable that Studio 54 has managed to reign as the matriarch of the Las Vegas club scene for more than 14 years. The iconic nightclub was one of the first, if not the first, mega-clubs to emerge as a hub of decadence and entertainment that today defines nightlife ... Read more...
Exclusive: Motley Crue plans sexy, outrageous after-parties at Hard Rock
Motley Crue promises that the 12 mini-residency concerts at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel starting Friday will be wilder and more outrageous, scandalous and shocking than any rock concert ever produced. But that’s tame compared to the eight private, VIP, high-roller after-parties being planned, and I’ve managed to pin down the secrets planned for the notorious rockers. There will actually be two parties on eight nights of the run — Feb. 10-12, 14, 15 and 17-19 — the ... Read more...
Photos: Proposal, Muppet, hologram all in a night with Brad Paisley
By Don Chareunsy Country superstar Brad Paisley brought his Virtual Reality Tour 2012 to Mandalay Bay Events Center over the weekend and performed to a sold-out crowd that equally shared its affection for first opening act and latest “American Idol” winner Scotty McCreery, while second opening act the Band Perry receiving extended applause and a standing ovation for the sibling trio’s hit “If I Die Young.” There was plenty of love to go around, but it was Paisley, in black ... Read more...
Photos: Nick Carter, Evan Peters celebrate birthdays in Las Vegas
By Don Chareunsy Editor’s Note: It was reported today that Leslie Carter, the 25-year-old sister of Nick Carter and Aaron Carter, died of a prescription drug overdose on Tuesday. Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys celebrated his 32nd birthday at the Hard Rock Hotel. The singer was joined by his girlfriend Lauren Kitt, his father Bob and a group of friends at Vanity, where fans helped him celebrate the big day. The DJ got the crowd hyped up by playing ... Read more...
Strip Scribbles: Will 43rd World Series of Poker be the biggest yet?
Interest for this year’s 43rd Annual World Series of Poker is at an all-time high, as officials say all 55,000 square feet of the Rio’s convention center will be dedicated to 470 poker tables, the largest amount ever deployed and up from the record 378 in 2011. The starting date is May 27, with 61 gold bracelets up for grabs, three more than last year. Poker history will be made July 1 when Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte hosts ... Read more...
Christian Louboutin, David Lynch strut their way to ‘Crazy Horse Paris’
Changes are coming to the erotic “Crazy Horse Paris” at MGM Grand. “Crazy? No. Very crazy? Yes!” one top executive told me from its French headquarters in Paris. Following in the high heels of its guest stars Dita Von Teese, Carmen Electra, Claire Sinclair and Pamela Anderson now comes the first “guest creator” in its history. Fashion designer Christian Louboutin won’t be shedding clothes onstage, but the king of stilettos will give “CHP” a makeover. The celebrated creator of the ... Read more...
Tickets for Vegas Uncork’d from May 10-13 go on sale Thursday
Tickets for 2012 Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appetit from May 10-13 go on sale Thursday at 9 a.m. This year’s Vegas Uncork’d, at Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Cosmopolitan and Mandalay Bay, features 70 restaurants, 50 chefs and 30 sommeliers over four days of one weekend with 30 events. Highlights include the Food Truck Festival at the Bellagio on May 10; the Grand Tasting at Garden of the Gods at Caesars Palace with 50 award-winning chefs and 100 wines on May 11; ... Read more...
Star-studded birthday bash for Ali in Las Vegas continues to grow
All-star support to celebrate the life and legacy of “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali, at the 16th annual Power of Love Keep Memory Alive Gala keeps growing for the Feb. 18 event at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Performers and VIP celebrity supporters now set to appear include Lenny Kravitz, Sean “P.Diddy” Combs, Sir Anthony Hopkins, John Legend, Queen Latifah, Kelly Rowland, Cee Lo Green, David Copperfield, Andre Agassi, Stefanie Graf, Jim Brown, Randy Couture, Brad Garrett, James Gandolfini, Steve Schirripa, Chazz ... Read more...
Photos: 2012 Miss Nevada USA and Miss Nevada Teen USA pageants
Statuesque stunner Jade Kelsall, an XS nightclub hostess at Steve Wynn’s Encore, had never entered a beauty pageant, but 2011 Miss Nevada USA Sarah Chapman talked her into entering the 2012 Miss Nevada USA Pageant — and Jade won her first time out. Now the 25-year-old, 5’11” former model will represent the Silver State and face 52 other beauties June 3 at the 2012 Miss USA Pageant on NBC. Seconds after she was crowned, Jade told me that she’s lived ... Read more...
Star Surveillance: Shawn Johnson, Nicolas Cage, Lifehouse, NFL stars
Olympic gold medalist and Season 8 “Dancing With the Stars” champion Shawn Johnson and Grammy Award-winning DJ Afrojack watched “Le ...
Photos: Jennifer Lopez and Verizon promote Viva Movil at The Venetian
Superstar singer and actress Jennifer Lopez and Marni Walden, Verizon Wireless executive vice president and COO, appeared together at The Venetian ...
Coming Soon to the Site
• Cell-phone version
• Reader-submitted photos and videos
• E-mail newsletters and alerts
• Las Vegas weather
